Cost Team Analyst

Job Description and Duties

Under general supervision of the Research Data Supervisor I (RD Sup I), the Research Data Analyst II (RDA II) is responsible for developing, maintaining, and reviewing for the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority), cost management data including budget and cost forecast and providing accurate and timely reporting of cost data. The incumbent is responsible for exporting and mapping cost data from Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal) to EcoSys, budget tables for Business Oversight Committee (BOC) items, for financial, budget, cost management, and reporting. The RDA II is responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting the project and the performance of contractors against the budget to the Authority.

The incumbent must have knowledge of accounting principles, governmental budgeting, and state financial systems (like the uniform accounting system and FI$Cal). They must be able to apply these principles, analyze data effectively, and make sound decisions and recommendations regarding departmental budgets. High-level technical skills with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and an aptitude for learning and working with technology are essential.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

While working on site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled cubicle which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. Incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and video display terminal and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employees may be required to travel outside of their workstation to perform general tasks.

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than two (2) pages, 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all the following items. Applicants who do not follow these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process.

1. Describe your experience with monitoring detailed projects by *Work Breakdown Structures, *Task Orders and *Notices to Proceed.

*Methods used in project management

2. Describe how your experience and skills are a good fit for this role.

Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or engineering preferred.

• 3 or more years of experience in financial and reporting roles.

• Experience in understanding of data privacy, protection regulations (such as GDPR), and best practices for ensuring data security and integrity.

• Experience with detailed project Work Breakdown Structures and/or Task Orders and NTP's.

• Expert-level data analytics skills.

• Ability to review research and data sets to analyze the information and provide recommendations to management on findings.

• Experience with contracts.

• Knowledge of and experience in governmental accounting.

• Knowledge of data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is highly desirable.

• Proficiency in Cost Management System (EcoSys).

• Expert-level Excel skills, including pivot tables, XLOOKUPs, Power Query, analysis, reconciliations, reporting, and the creation of ad hoc reports.

• Experience with FI$Cal or similar accounting systems (e.g., Hyperion, PeopleSoft).

• Experience and knowledge of financial management systems.

• Experience with database management, data warehousing, and the ability to query, validate, and synthesize data from various sources.

• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and research skills with a proven ability to solve complex problems.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Application Information

The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-529574 and Cost Team Analyst, 311-320-5731-801 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position. Please indicate on the STD 678 your basis of eligibility in the "Explanations" field (i.e. SROA, surplus, reemployment, reinstatement, transfer, or list eligible.)

Surplus/SROA candidates must provide a copy of their surplus/SROA letter with their application. Consideration may be given to applicants on another Department's employment list, provided the criteria are met to transfer the eligibility from the employment list to the Authority's employment list.

NOTE: To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification. To gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above “Special Requirements” section for SOQ instructions.
• Other -

  Provide unofficial transcripts if you meet minimum qualifications based on education. If you are using foreign transcripts, you must provide a transcript evaluation. Organizations that provide foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at . If selected for this position, official transcripts may be required.