Principal Financial Analyst

JOB SUMMARY

Pay Rate

AFSCME Pay Grade 17

This job classification has moved to a salary step structure as of January 1, 2025. Individuals hired into the classification will typically be appointed at step 1 of the salary range. They will advance to step 2 after working in the position for six (6) months, to step 3 one year from the hire date, and to steps 4 and 5 at one-year intervals thereafter. Each salary step progression will provide a 5% increase to the employee’s base salary until step 5 is reached. The salary range for this job classification is $136,156.80 to $165,505.60.

The negotiable salary offer will be $136,156.80 (Step 1), commensurate with experience and education.

Reports To

Assistant Chief Operations Officer

Current Assignment

First review of applications will be on August 29, 2025

The Principal Financial Analyst plays a pivotal role in advancing the Department’s strategic financial objectives.

The successful candidate will perform in-depth and complex analyses, developing comprehensive financial and operational models to support a department comprising over 800 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) across more than 50 distinct job classifications, many of which are union represented.

The Principal Financial Analyst will lead efforts in cost optimization for maintenance activities, leveraging advanced Excel and other data analysis tools such as SQL, Python and R for data extraction, manipulation, and in-depth analysis. The developed models will ensure that Rolling Stock and Shops (RS&S) aligns staffing and material resources with operational demands, service level agreements, railcar availability, efficiency, reliability metrics, collective bargaining parameters, and other key variables. This alignment is crucial for the efficient and effective use of support staff and maintenance shop resources.

In addition to these core responsibilities, the Principal Financial Analyst will undertake ad hoc costing and analysis tasks, including but not limited to staffing forecasts, cost-benefit analysis, labor costings, operating and capital budgeting, and trend analysis. The role also involves data modeling activities, such as labor hour tracking, non-labor and parts analysis, and labor studies. The PFA will complete analysis projects and deliver strategic and operational scenarios to management, facilitating informed decision-making and implementation.

The Principal Financial Analyst will also generate reports and operations-based financial results, providing managers with critical insights to drive decision-making and evaluate the effectiveness of current programs and metrics. Additionally, may act as the subject matter expert in data analytics, business intelligence, and operational reporting for RS&S management and other District departments.

The Principal Financial Analyst will have a proven track record in supporting operations through resource forecasting, predictive analytics, and the development and monitoring of key performance indicators within an operational context. This individual will have demonstrated effective communication across various staff levels and will have a natural curiosity, a strong interest in collaborating with a wide range of people, and a commitment to spending time in a maintenance facility to gain a deeper understanding of railcar maintenance operations. The ideal candidate will embrace a continuous improvement mindset and be dedicated to the ongoing development of professional and technical skills.

THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR THIS POSITION WILL HAVE HIGHLY DEVELOPED COMPETENCIES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS, WHICH WILL BE REINFORCED WITH RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE AND WILL BE CLEARLY ARTICULATED DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS:

KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Extensive experience in conducting complex financial analyses and developing robust financial and data models.
• Proficiency in extracting, manipulating, analyzing, and integrating large datasets.
• Familiarity with Oracle-based financial, budgetary, and human resource systems or equivalent ERP systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to frame issues and structure data for thorough analysis.
• Capacity to comprehend complex issues and work collaboratively towards effective solutions.
• Excellent research, reading comprehension, and professional writing abilities.
• Ability and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, dynamic, and evolving environment.
• Comfort with managing ambiguity and adapting to changing circumstances.

SELECTION PROCESS

This position is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Applications will be screened to assure that minimum qualifications are met. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will then be referred to the hiring department for the completion of further selection processes.

The selection process for this position may include a skills/performance demonstration, a written examination, and/or an individual or panel interview.

The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S.; pass a pre-employment medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screen, and which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include a background check. (Does not apply to current full-time District employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations)

The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

APPLICATION PROCESS

External applicants may only apply online, at www.bart.gov/jobs. Applicants needing assistance with the online application process may receive additional information by calling (510) 464-6112.

Current employees are strongly encouraged to apply online, either at www.bart.gov/jobs, or on WebBART. Current employees may also apply using a BART paper application by delivering the completed form to the Human Resources Department, or by mailing it to P. O. Box 12688, Oakland, CA 94604-2688.

All applicants are asked to complete the application in full, indicating dates of employment, all positions held, hours worked, and a full description of duties. Online applicants are invited to electronically attach a resume to the application form to provide supplemental information but should not consider the resume a substitute for the application form itself.

Applications must be complete by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Establishes schedules and methods for providing financial analysis services; identifies resource needs; reviews needs with appropriate management staff; allocates resources accordingly.
• Participates in the development of policies and procedures; monitors work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; makes recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures.
• Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; implements approved policies and procedures.
• Conducts complex financial and management studies to evaluate District system performance and operating efficiency; prepares and presents study findings and recommendations; implements recommendations and provides assistance to District departments in assessing performance against stated objectives.
• Performs the most technical and complex tasks of the work unit including specialized analyses and studies related to the District's budgeting, financial control and management analysis functions.
• Provides financial oversight on assigned projects; identifies funding sources; projects cash flow requirements; maintains budgetary records for proposed projects; compiles actual project costs; performs financial, statistical and comparative analysis of actual and budgeted costs.
• Participates in the preparation and administration of District-wide budgets; compiles and analyzes budget data; coordinates activities within other divisions and departments.
• Analyzes contract provisions and change orders related to approved cost of work and budget allocations; analyzes and reports cost variances; ensures that cost control methods are implemented and applied to program objectives.
• Develops and recommends improvements to computerized financial management system.
• Participates in the selection of assigned staff; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures.
• Prepares analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of financial analysis and program management.
• May plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for complex financial, statistical and project control analysis in assigned area.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, economics or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

• Four (4) years of (full-time equivalent) verifiable professional budgetary, financial or management analysis experience.

Substitution:

• Additional professional experience as outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis. A college degree is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive budget and financial control program.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
• Principles of financial and operational analysis.
• Financial, statistical and comparative analysis techniques and formulas.
• Principles and practices of project budget development, administration and control.
• Advanced principles and practices of accounting.
• Principles and practices of financial project management and scheduling.
• Methods and techniques for assessing performance against established objectives.
• Current office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.
• Applicable computer software applications.
• Related Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Skill in:

• Selecting, supervising, training and evaluating staff.
• Performing complex financial, statistical, comparative and management analyses.
• Establishing and implementing procedures for budget and project control.
• Identifying funding sources for proposed and current projects.
• Performing accurate complex financial calculations.
• Developing, organizing and maintaining accurate financial records.
• Interpreting complex computerized records and reports.
• Interpreting complex contract provisions and change orders.
• Interpreting and explaining District policies and procedures.
• Preparing clear and concise financial and administrative reports.
• Operating office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at employment@bart.gov.

Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs.