Financial Management Analyst

The Office for Food and Nutrition Programs (FNP) at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) administers programs that contribute to the health and wellbeing of the Commonwealth's children by supporting nutritious meal service in schools, day care centers, family day care homes, and summer feeding programs through school and community nutrition federal programs.

The Resource Management Specialist will assist the Office for Food and Nutrition Programs' Financial Manager in providing statewide oversight of the financial management activities for the Massachusetts federal Child Nutrition Programs including the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Child and Adult Care Food, Summer Food Service, Food Distribution and Federal and State Emergency Food Assistance Programs. The incumbent will work collaboratively with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the department's fiscal unit to ensure effective financial management in compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Ensure data entered in the online security portal is accurate and timely in the awarding and disbursement of funds.

Review and analyze data on nutrition reimbursement claims to ensure inclusion of the required information for accuracy, completeness and content for compliance with applicable policies, procedures and guidelines, This includes, but is not limited to claim adjustments, fiscal actions per review decisions, and reviewing claim reports as directed to analyze claim patterns.

Assist Financial Manager with monthly, quarterly and annual USDA financial and participation reports to ensure both accurate (relative to the Nutrition Payment System and the Massachusetts Management, Accounting, and Reporting System (MMARS) and timely reporting.

Assist child nutrition sponsors with creating and maintaining MMARS vendor information.

Assist Financial Manager with accounts payable and receivable activities.

Assist with FFY closeout report(s) as required.

Assist in implementing and administering the fiscal resources of FNP by monitoring budgetary, financial reporting, audits, and financial analysis to track budgetary planning and spending.

Provide technical assistance and guidance regarding financial management and provide direction on implementation and compliance with federal and state law and regulations;

Prepare training materials and presentations for Child Nutrition Programs Training Programs, including nutrition sponsors and local educational agencies;

Identify applicability of funds for grant supported activities in order to ensure efficient and appropriate use of grant funds and to improve timelines in the awarding and distribution of grant funds;

Review and analyze data concerning various statewide child nutrition programs and prepare analysis statements;

Assist in the coordination of contracts and procurements for assigned groups and assist with resolving all outstanding encumbrance issues with departments and vendors;

Assist Nutrition Programs Financial Manager, ensuring effective accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and auditing and financial analysis functions in compliance with all state applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards;

When required, assist in the financial review of School Food Authority food service operations including detailed review and analysis of financial statements, records and documentation:

Maintain current knowledge of federal and state regulations to provide guidance and prepare materials for assistance;

Perform other related work as required.

The successful candidate will possess:

knowledge of State and Federal Child Nutrition laws, rules and regulations.

knowledge of program admission and compliance procedures.

ability to analyze and determine the applicability of financial and program data.

knowledge of general accepted financial procedures and federal, state and municipal finance laws and regulations.

knowledge of the principles and practices of financial management, including financial analysis and financial information recording and processing.

knowledge of the principals and practices of budgeting, auditing, and business management.

ability to render, evaluate and advise on Child Nutrition financial related services.

knowledge of various computer software packages including, but not limited to, spreadsheets, word processing, and database applications.

intermediate to expert Microsoft Excel knowledge and skills.

knowledge of the Massachusetts Management and Accounting Reporting System (MMARS) preferred.

ability to gather, analyze and evaluate complex financial and program data, from a wide variety of sources and make appropriate recommendations.

ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.

ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

ability to work independently and in a team setting.

ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious relationships with management, subordinates and peers, and with federal, state and local officials involved with child nutrition programs.

Travel may be required for this position.

Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in work simplification, management analysis, program analysis, methods analysis, economic analysis, fiscal analysis, financial analysis, budget analysis, program administration, or program management or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management, public administration, industrial engineering or industrial management may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.

II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, budget management, public administration, industrial engineering or industrial management may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required experience.

III. A Bachelor's degree or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management, public administration, industrial engineering or industrial management may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.

Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: Educational substitutions will be permitted for a maximum of three years of the required experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.