Principal Financial Analyst-NR

Salary : $96,512.00 - $156,624.00 Annually Location : Minneapolis, MN Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2026-00091 Division: Metro Transit Department: MT Finance Admin Opening Date: 02/27/2026 Closing Date: 3/15/2026 11:59 PM Central 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. We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Metro Transit is one of the country's 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 accounting and financial management functions. The fundamental reason this classification exists is to cost our Service Plan and support the preparation and administration of the Metro Transit's annual operating and capital budgets. The 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 candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. What you would do in this jobResponsible for costing out our annual Service Plan in a reliable and timely manner; the Metro Transit Service plan drives the annual operating budget. The Service Plan maps out our annual bus and rail service on the street. Serves as an information resource to the operating departments of the agency as related to budget preparation, resource planning and financial results based on our annual Service Plan Review and analyses of general ledger accounts Monitors journal entries to properly account for Council activities 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 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 Assists with the preparation of annual budget plans in Oracle Hyperion and incorporates them into the Council's Operating Unified Budget and six-year Capital Improvement Budget plan Monitor's Capital Improvement Projects authorized dollar authority as approved by the council Monitor's Regional Transit Capital balances Communicates budget information and issues to appropriate staff across the agency Designs and coordinates internal budgetary information gathering and reporting as requested by Finance staff Monitors financial, operational reporting and prepares variance to budget analysis Assigns project numbers to Capital Projects and updates the Capital Life to Date report with Council amended allocations Works with grants administration and accounting staff to complete Notice of Grant Awards and Notice of Funding Awards Coordinates and inputs budgetary data into Metro Transit financial systems to generate monthly financial statements Analyzes researches and recommends budgetary alternatives for operational capital and policy issues Prepares special administrative management studies, analyzes budget expenditure estimates and fund balances to ensures compliance with federal policies and procedures Assists Senior Staff to develop and evaluate models to accurately project future revenues and cost estimates 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 In addition to responsibilities at Financial Analyst level, the Principal Financial Analyst has greater breadth: Council-wide/Division-wide financial management, project management, 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 Complex analysis and modeling: capital financing (debt)/cash flow, cash management and investments, budget scenario modeling (operating, capital), labor parameters/cost modeling, Other Post Employment Benefits liability, budget and cash flows, converts data into information for decision making. Performance reporting: impact/results of actions managed. Budget and Evaluation: • Coordinates the preparation of unified Council capital improvement program and annual capital program budget. • Develops cost allocation procedures and monitors reports. Develops debt management procedures and debt monitoring reports. • Coordinates Regional Administrator review of proposed operating and capital budgets. • Coordinates operating and capital budget revisions. • Develops budgeting and cost allocation procedures. • Prepares public documents for operating and capital budgets. • Prepares property tax levy limit estimates. • Coordinates preparation of annual performance evaluation report. • Prepares ad hoc analysis for management and for the preparation of fiscal notes for the legislature. Budgets and Grants Management • Coordinate preparation of the Council's Annual Operating/Capital Budgets for Metro Transit (Bus, LRT, BRT's and Northstar) with Council Unified Budgets • Prepare budget plans into Council Software Applications • Maintain Operating Budget Main Model. Timely and Accurate budget Development. • Develop and monitor the Capital Improvement Budget Model (Detailed and Consolidated) • Communicate budget information across the agency - budget managers and capital project managers. • Design and coordinate internal budgetary information and reporting • Monitor financial, operational reporting and prepare variance to budget analysis. • Prepare and assist with grant applications by analyzing grant requirements • Develop NOGA Notice of Grant Award in compliance with FTA Grant terms • Communicate NOGA to project managers. Discuss FTA Compliance • Set up the Budgets in the Peoplesoft system within FTA expense compliance and report monitoring • Monthly monitor Grant Expenditure Activity. • Work with finance to coordinate close out of completed projects and grants • Assist Senior Manager Budget/Grants with grant administration with FTA and MnDOT. 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 related field: Financial Analyst High school diploma/GED with eight (8) years of experience in an accounting or finance environment including the development and use of financial or budgeting systems 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 Principal Financial Analyst High school diploma/GED with nine (9) years of experience in an accounting or finance environment including the development and use of financial or budgeting systems Associate degree with seven () 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 five) 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 balances using reports, queries, spreadsheets and available tools and information Intermediate computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, graphic presentations, and database management required (Word, Excel, and Access) Promotes an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job: Knowledge of Metro Transits Service Plan, procurement concepts, financial analysis and state laws regarding governmental accounting, budgeting and financial reporting Knowledge of governmental 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 allocate 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 (Word, 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 informationFinancial 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 you're 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 email We believe our employees are a key to our agency's 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 Copy OF (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 employee's 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 nine (9) 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 seven (7) years of experience in an accounting or financial environment including the development and use of financial or budgeting systems. A bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, finance, business administration or related field, or closely related field with five (5) years of experience in an accounting or financial environment including the development and use of financial or budgeting systems. None of the above 05 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. 06 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." 07 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." 08 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." 09 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." 10 Please select the areas you have intermediate computer skills in Word Excel - spreadsheets PowerPoint- presentations Access-database management 11 Tell me about your experience working with minority and/or cross-cultural communities. 12 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 to the following: 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

Created: 2026-03-04