Principal Financial Analyst

Principal Financial Analyst

Salary

$96,512.00 - $156,624.00 Annually

Location

Heywood Office and Operations Facility, Minneapolis, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00195

Division

Metro Transit

Department

MT Finance Admin

Opening Date

07/21/2026

Closing Date

8/4/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit Division is one of the countrys largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region. The Financial Analyst performs fund and project accounting and financial management analysis. The fundamental reason this classification exists is to coordinate the ACFR, Council-wide/division-wide financial management and project management support specific divisions within Metro Transit. Responsibilities include producing regular and ad-hoc financial reports and ensuring compliance with accounting standards.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidates permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

What you would do in this job

• Run reports in the financial systems, reconcile account balances and prepare journal entries for assigned funds and accounts to ensure transactions are accurately recorded in the financial systems.
• Prepare journal entries to record monthly accruals, correct posting errors, etc. Monitors journal entries to properly account for Council activities
• Coordinate all activities of a specialized unit within a divisional department or major functional area to maintain proper control and uniformity and to ensure procedures are established and maintained by evaluating actual to budget activities and expenditures.
• Reconcile department records with accounting reports; analyze and monitor changes in operational trends and make recommendations based on those trends, maintain a set of control accounts to verify accuracy of transaction records.
• Monitor financial control over expenditures and receipts, review monthly reports with management and make adjusting journal entries if necessary.
• Develop, recommend and implement internal procedures; review and research expenditures for accuracy and timeliness, and advise program and activity managers of concerns and/or problems.
• Assist in monitoring, reconciliation, and reporting of activity (monthly, quarterly, yearly) of operating and capital accounts and funds or other project related reporting, to ensure sufficient funds are available to meet department and activity needs by reviewing requests for compliance with federal and state laws, department policies and internal controls; analyze and interpret fiscal data; develop and implement new procedures to solve problems; and monitor cash flows.
• Ad-hoc reporting and internal controls related to the timeliness and accuracy of financial reporting. Prepares financial analysis for customers with varying degrees of financial understanding
• Responds to internal, Federal, and State Audit questions accordingly
• Maintains data within relevant systems including PeopleSoft (Financial and HRMS), Hyperion, TXBase and will be responsible for monitoring all sub-systems and departments with the general ledger to ensure accurate financial reporting
• Helping department managers and project managers understand their budget to actual reports is a daily duty for Metro Transit analysts; this position will deal mostly with department managers and project managers
• Train co-workers, as directed, in specific task and job practices and procedures to improve and maintain performance levels by communicating timetables and quality standards for tasks; and provide instruction on policies and procedures as needed.
• Monitors financial, operational reporting and prepares variance to budget analysis. Coordinates and inputs operating and capital data into Metro Transit financial systems to generate monthly financial statement
• Prepares special administrative management studies, analyzes budget expenditure estimates and accounts, fund and project balances to ensure compliance with federal and funding policies and procedures
• Monitors ongoing Financial and operational results for deviations from plan and recommends corrective actions to decision makers
• Identifies system modifications for improved financial controls and evaluates programs effectiveness and recommends changes
• Other duties assigned or apparent

Distinguishing Characteristics addition to responsibilities at Financial Analyst level, the Principal Financial Analyst has greater breadth: Council-wide/Division-wide financial management, project management, Annual Comprehensive Financial Reporting (ACFR)coordination, Government-wide financial statements. Key characteristics of Principal Financial Analyst work include.

• Complex analysis, modeling, leadership/project management
• Council-wide or Division-wide focus and responsibility, lead roles
• Emphasis on business process, big picture, how it fits together:
• ACFR: government-wide financials, coordinating notes/tie out to financials
• Financial/Budget/Treasury: quarterly financial report (responsibility for numbers and the story behind the numbers), budget documents, monthly division-wide reporting and analysis
• Performance reporting: impact/results of actions managed.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of experience in an accounting or finance environment including the development and use of financial or budgeting systems and completed education in accounting, finance, business administration, or closely relatedfield:

• High school diploma/GED with eight (8) years of experience in an accounting or finance environment including the development and use of financial orbudgetingsystems
• Associate degree with six (6) years of experience in an accounting or finance environment including the development and use of financial and budgeting systems
• Bachelor's degree or higher with four (4) years of experience in an accounting or finance environment including the development and use of financial or budgeting systems

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Practical experience using a financial system like PeopleSoft
• Experience delivering financial information to coworkers, division program staff and managers, and state/federal agencies
• Experience in accounting practices including problem solving skills to identify and reconcile account, project balances using reports, queries, spreadsheets and available tools and information
• Intermediate computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, graphic presentations, and database management required ( Excel, and Access)
• Promotes an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees

What knowledge, skills abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Knowledge of Metro Transit, procurement concepts, financial analysis and federal and state laws regarding governmental accounting, budgeting and financial reporting
• Knowledge of government including governmental and proprietary and fund accounting
• Knowledge of financial systems (prefer PeopleSoft and Hyperion)
• Working knowledge of purchasing systems
• Analytical, reasonableness, practicality skills to identify issues, determine cause/effect, develop best practice business process.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to perform calculations of ratios, identify and reconcile variances, and allocates balances across several accounts
• Problem solving skills to identify and reconcile account balances using reports, queries, spreadsheets and available tools and information
• Communication skills to deliver financial information to coworkers, division program staff and managers, and state/federal agencies
• Intermediate computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, graphic presentations and database management required (Excel and Access)
• Ability to read and interpret financial standards, laws, regulations, and reporting requirements
• Ability to write reports and financial analyses
• Ability to effectively work in a team structure and collaborate with team members and other teams
• Ability to promote an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Additional information

Financial Analyst

Union(s):Non-Represented Grade G

FLSA Status: Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

Full Salary Range $41.34- $67.08 Hourly | $85,987.20- $139,526.40 Annually

Principal Financial Analyst

Union(s):Non-Represented Grade I

FLSA Status: Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

Full Salary Range $46.40 - $75.30 Hourly-$96,512.00 - $156,624.00 Annually

What your work environment would be:

You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We request your Work Record Evaluation (ATU employees only).
• We rate your education and experience.
• We conduct a structured panel interview.
• We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job youre applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please emailHR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us

We believe our employees are a key to our agencys success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

• Well@Work clinic
• bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• parking at many job locations
• fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• extensive health and wellness programs and resources

01

Applicant Instructions: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume." Otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

02

How did you first hear about this job opening?

• CareerForce Center
• Community Event/Organization
• Employee Referral
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
• Twitter
• Website: governmentjobs.com
• Website: metrocouncil.org
• Website: metrotransit.org
• Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
• Other

03

If you selected Other, please describe where you first heard about this job. if you selected Employee Referral please enter the employees first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.

04

Please select the option below that reflects your education and experience level.

• A high school diploma/GED with eight (8) years of experience in an accounting or financial environment including the development and use of financial or budgeting systems.
• An associate degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field, or closely related field with six (6) years of experience in an accounting or financial environment including the development and use of financial or budgeting systems.
• A bachelors degree or higher in accounting, finance, business administration or related field, or closely related field with four (4) years of experience in an accounting or financial environment including the development and use of financial or budgeting systems
• None of the above

05

As stated in the job posting, the anticipated starting salary range for the position is $96,512.00 - $134,555.20 annually. Please indicate your acknowledgement of the anticipated salary ranges by typing "yes" below.

06

Please select the areas below with which you have work experience (select all that apply).

• Practical experience using a financial system like Peoplesoft.
• Experience delivering financial information to coworkers, division program staff and managers, and state/federal agencies.
• Experience in accounting practices including problem solving skills to identify and reconcile account balances using reports, queries, spreadsheets and available tools and information.
• Promotes an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees.

07

If you answered that you have practical experience using a financial system like PeopleSoft or Hyperion in question #6, please describe the system used and where you used it. If this does not apply, type "N/A."

08

If you answered that you have experience delivering financial information to coworkers, division program staff and managers, and state/federal agencies in question #6, please describe that experience, include what type of reporting, to whom and how it was reported. If this does not apply, type "N/A."

09

If you answered that you have experience in accounting practices including problem solving skills to identify and reconcile account balances using reports, queries, spreadsheets and available tools and information in question #6, please describe that experience. If this does not apply, type "N/A."

10

If you have experience working in an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees, please describe that experience, If this does not apply, type "N/A."

11

Please provide your level of knowledge using Microsoft Office and provide examples of each, if you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

12

Please describe your experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), accounting standards and exposure to creating a year-end report like the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, if you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

13

The Metropolitan Council recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools are increasingly used in application processes. While the Council permits the use of AI to assist in the preparation of application materials, all applicants must certify both statements:

• I affirm that all information provided in my application including any uploaded documentation is true and accurate. I further affirm that I have personally reviewed, verified, and approved all content, including any content generated with the assistance of AI.
• I will provide all interview responses directly and in real-time without unauthorized assistance. I will not use AI avatars, external assistance in answering including computer-generated suggestions, or any recording and transcription tools during the interview process unless I have received prior approval from Human Resources for a disability-related reasonable accommodation.

Required Question

Employer Metropolitan Council

Address 390 Robert St. N.

St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website https://metrocouncil.org