Management Analyst I - job 1 of 3

As a Management Analyst I at the City of Fort Worth, your primary responsibilities will include analyzing the financial aspects of the Recreation Division, preparing budget development related to staffing and equipment, assisting in revenue analysis, and managing grant reconciliation. You'll also be involved in providing analytical support for various projects and preparing financial forecasts, all while working collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.

To qualify for the Management Analyst I position with the City of Fort Worth's Park & Recreation Department, you must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college in Public Administration, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. While no prior experience is required, preferred qualifications include expertise in capital and operating budgeting, familiarity with PeopleSoft Financials or similar ERP systems, and advanced Excel skills.

The Management Analyst I role at the City of Fort Worth comes packed with enviable benefits including 11 paid holidays, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, and a solid pension plan. Additionally, you'll have access to professional development opportunities to help you grow in your career.

The Management Analyst I plays a pivotal role in ensuring the financial health and efficiency of the Recreation Division, which directly impacts the quality of parks and recreational facilities used by nearly one million residents. By effectively managing budgets, analyzing financial data, and supporting strategic decision-making, you'll help enhance community programs and maintain beautiful spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Taking on the Management Analyst I position at Fort Worth Park & Recreation is an excellent starting point for your career. You’ll gain valuable experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and project management. With ongoing professional development opportunities and the chance to work on high-impact projects, there’s potential for advancement within the department and beyond as you develop your skills and build a network in the government sector.

When answering this question, demonstrate your understanding of the budget development process, perhaps by describing specific projects you've worked on or relevant coursework during your degree. You could mention your familiarity with variances, budget tracking, and presentations to stakeholders, indicating that you're well-versed in managing financial processes.

Highlight any experience you have with financial software, specifically mentioning tools like PeopleSoft Financials or advanced Excel functions. Share examples of how these tools have aided your ability to gather and analyze data, as well as any training you've received that may be applicable.

Discuss your approach to ensuring accuracy, such as double-checking figures, understanding data sources, and utilizing checklists. If you have examples of how your diligence prevented errors in the past, be sure to include them. Showing that you have a detail-oriented nature will impress the interviewers.

Provide a specific instance where you successfully analyzed complex data. Talk through your thought process, how you approached breaking it down, and the impact your analysis had on the project or decision at hand. This showcases both your analytical skills and your ability to communicate findings effectively.

Make sure to illustrate your time-management strategies, like using project management tools or techniques for prioritization (such as the Eisenhower Matrix). Discussing your experience in a fast-paced environment and how you delivered results under pressure will demonstrate your ability to succeed in this role.

Research the City of Fort Worth’s values prior to the interview, and articulate your understanding of them. Discuss how those values align with your own professional philosophy and give examples of how you have adhered to similar principles in your previous experiences.

Share your approach to conflict resolution by emphasizing the importance of communication and teamwork. Discuss how you would approach the individual directly, present your data clearly, and aim to find common ground or amicable solutions, showcasing your collaborative nature.

Express your passion for serving the community and the significance of parks and recreation in enhancing quality of life. Sharing a personal connection to public service and how you see it as an opportunity to make a difference will reflect positively on your motivations.

Talk about the resources you utilize to stay informed, such as industry publications, webinars, or professional workshops. Assuring the interviewers that you actively seek out continued education will show your commitment to your profession and your role in the public sector.

Provide a concrete example of a project that aligns with financial analysis or budgeting. Explain your role, the outcomes, and any skills you developed throughout the process. This can help showcase your experiences in a practical context, making you a more appealing candidate.