Fiscal Analyst II, Division of Academics bei Hcpss

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Coordinator, Department of Academics Budgets, the Fiscal Analyst II provides high-level, technical financial expertise to support the financial management of the department. This position plays a key role in shaping resource decisions by analyzing complex financial and operational data, building and maintaining financial models, and presenting findings in clear, actionable ways. The Fiscal Analyst II collaborates with program leaders, central office staff, and external partners to ensure funds are managed responsibly and aligned with HCPSS priorities. By contributing accurate analysis and strategic recommendations, this role directly supports the department’s mission to maximize resources for students and schools.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Education:

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

Experience:

• Four years of budget development, budget analysis, forecasting, accounting, auditing, or finance work experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, accounting, finance, or a related field.

• Experience using pivot tables and formulas (e.g., VLOOKUP, SUMIF) to integrate and analyze large sets of data.

• Experience working with enterprise resource platforms (e.g., Workday) as they relate to data processing, database structure and digital reporting.

• Experience working with cross-functional teams or supporting multiple program managers within PreK-12 financial management including special education finance.

• Governmental budgeting experience for a school system, federal, state, or local government.

• Experience managing state and/or federal grants.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The list below is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

• Develops annual budgets for assigned budget units alongside Program Managers, including reviewing program budget requests for accuracy and justification, analyzing changes and trends in data and expenditures, and making recommendations for funding levels for grants and operating budgets.

• Assists in coordinating and preparing monthly, semi-annual, and annual reports for management and maintenance of grant budgets within required timelines for county and state accountability. Provides financial and analytical support for grant applications and reporting on grants.

• Provides analytical support for Board of Education budget work sessions, including preparing reports, responding to questions, and coordinating responses to budget questions.

• Monitors performance against budget and proactively drives analysis to understand, evaluate, challenge, and improve performance; identifies and researches any projected to actual issues and sees them through resolution; monitors and manages related contracts.

• Manages budget-related data systems for the department, including the input of budget data into the budget and financial systems and the reporting of budget data with an emphasis on compliance and amendments when needed.

• Assists in preparing and reviewing program pages in the budget book, including data compilation, performance measures, and supporting schedules.

• Prepares routine forecasts for assigned programs and grants and coordinates the cost-to-complete exercise for assigned budget units alongside Program Managers.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

• Knowledge of Maryland legal regulations related to school funding, budgeting, and grants (including Part B & C requirements).

• Knowledge of current issues in public education and their impact on funding and budgeting.

• Knowledge of budgeting processes across multiple programs or business units.

• Knowledge and proficient use of Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas) and Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint).

• Skill in interpreting, analyzing, and reconciling financial data, reports, and transactions to inform decision-making and ensure compliance.

• Skill in critical thinking and problem-solving applied to financial analysis and budget management.

• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and data integrity.

• Skill in preparing reports, presenting complex financial data clearly, and advising stakeholders.

• Skill in documentation and organization to support audit readiness and efficient record-keeping.

• Ability to build strong partnerships across offices and organizations, fostering collaboration, transparency, and shared accountability.

• Ability to work independently, self-direct tasks, and proactively manage multiple priorities.

• Ability to adapt quickly to new systems, tools, and processes.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.

• Ability to uphold high ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

Working Hours

The duty day for this position is eight hours including a one-hour duty-free lunch.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
 
Supplemental Application Questions

This position requires applicants to provide responses to the supplemental application questions below to determine whether you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please upload your responses in a separate file to the supplemental application questions section of the application.

1) Describe any governmental budgeting experience you possess. In your response, include the position(s) and employers with which you gained this experience, the size of the budget(s), and the components of the annual budget process in which you participated.

2) Describe any experience you possess managing state and/or federal grants. In your response, include the specific grant(s) and total funds managed.

3) Please describe any financial management experience you possess working with cross-functional teams or supporting multiple program managers. Highlight any experience you possess specifically with PreK-12 and/or special education finance.

4) Please describe up to two examples that best highlight your experience and proficiency using pivot tables and formulas (e.g., VLOOKUP, SUMIF) to integrate and analyze large sets of data. In your response, please also identify the applications used (e.g., Excel, Sheets) and the frequency with which you use these features in your work.

5) Describe your experience working with enterprise resource platforms (e.g., Workday) as they relate to data processing, database structure, and digital reporting. In your response, identify the specific platforms with which you have experience, the position(s) in which you used each, and one example that highlights your expertise.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a 12-month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade 26 on the Technical Central Office and School Based salary scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA-ESP Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.

Telework Program

This position is eligible to participate after the first 120 working days of employment. Schedules for on-site and telework days will be subject to approval and determined by the department and/or supervisor. 

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Sandy Saval at [email protected].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [email protected].

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability,  sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.