Business Analyst

Salary : $60,140.00 - $90,210.00 AnnuallyLocation : Brainerd, MNJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 2026-00044Department: Land ServicesOpening Date: 04/21/2026Closing Date: 5/5/2026 4:30 PM CentralPosition ObjectiveThe position serves as an entry point into the analyst series. The position supports department personnel by providing reporting and analysis on a broad range of financial, performance and regulatory matters. The position orientation and key priorities may flex based on department structure and staffing.From a financial perspective, the position is responsible for assisting in the development, administration and analysis of financial reports. This may include departmental budgets, fund accounting, accounts payable and accounts receivable, cost accounting, payroll and personnel processing for the assigned department. In this role, the incumbent provides financial forecasting and analysis; recommendations to others for use in ensuring financial performance targets are achieved. There is an interdependent relationship between this role and central finance, with accountability for providing information, reporting and analysis to ensure alignment with organizational financial objectivesProgrammatically, the position is accountable for performing research, analysis, reporting and communications on a wide range of policy, programmatic and performance matters related to departmental operations and services. Work includes the collection of relevant data; analysis of the data and application to business performance, process and procedure, developing, documenting and presenting appropriate public policy analysis, options and recommendations to department leadership and county officials for use in establishing department and county policies. The position is also accountable for the analysis of regulations, emerging trends and statutes; managing complex projects and the assessment of current business processes.Technology and process improvement accountabilities include shared responsibility for the identification and deployment of technology solutions and the assessment of performance and process improvement opportunities. Responsibilities include data mining and reporting, developing standard and specialized reports, documenting and presenting analysis, options and recommendations to department leadership for use in establishing process improvements, department objectives and key performance measures.Compliance accountabilities include the production of financial reports, project and cost accounting, payroll and time reporting, management of state and federal grants, management of state and federal audits, preparation of state and federal reports, analysis and reporting of regulations, emerging trends and statutes.Labor relations accountabilities include labor cost modeling, grievance and arbitration preparation, internal investigations, evaluating contractual impacts and requirements, recommending proposals to enhance operational effectiveness and serving as a member of the negotiating committee.Stakeholder communications include issuance of press releases, policies, presentations and frequent contact with a variety of stakeholders including department personnel, commissioners, contractors, vendors, other agencies and members of the public. The position will serve as a key resource on a wide variety of program matters. Work will require customer responsiveness, excellent communication skills, resourcefulness, ability to work well with others, sound critical thinking and problem solving skills, project coordination, data management and supervisory skills.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesFinancial ResponsibilitiesProduce and manage assigned financial budget and capital improvement plans, ensuring accomplishment of budgeted objectives and compliance with all county, state and federal guidelines.Monitor and analyze actual performance versus approved budget and recommend alternative courses of action to ensure achievement of department financial performance objectives.Prepare financial reports that accurately represent revenues and expenditures and provide projections and analysis to various stakeholders as assigned or requested.Prepare and submit financial reports required by county, local state and federal agencies ensuring compliance with all reporting guidelines.Program ResponsibilitiesConduct research; policy analysis; strategic planning, management, program development and evaluation studies on topics related to all areas of department operations.Write reports recommending solutions or alternatives for action relating to assigned research and analysis, setting forth facts in a clear and concise manner, including rationale for the recommendation.Analyze and communicate in written and oral presentations, options for improving programs and processes, including options for cost reduction and improved work management practices, including the establishment and continual improvement of objective and meaningful performance standards and measures.Analyzes options for the reengineering/redesign of programs and processes, including options for cost reduction, improved management controls, and the establishment of benchmarks and performance standards.Create methods and practices to regularly collect and clearly report objective facts regarding the performance of department programs and services.Completes environmental scans at a local, regional and national level to inform department leaders on opportunities to improve processes, outcomes and efficiencies.Addresses and makes presentations to staff, division heads, department directors, policy makers and community partners/groups on proposed changes and or new systems.Coordinate proactive customer communication efforts including preparing and/or editing press releases, opinion editorials, newsletters, surveys, web pages, annual reports and other communication venues such as public forums and community events.Lead and participate in CI initiatives, pursuing certifications and trainings to maximize impact and proactively identify process improvement opportunities for discussion and review by department leadership.Technology ResponsibilitiesParticipate in the identification, selection and implementation of business information systems and technology, ensuring the achievement of user and financial objectives.Serve as project manager and/or participant for technology projects and ensure accomplishment of project objectives as assigned.Develop reporting and analysis tools to maximize business intelligence and performance.Develop user support materials and training to maximize application effectiveness.Evaluate technology performance and identify continuous improvement opportunities to maximize business effectiveness and outcomes.Project Management ResponsibilitiesParticipate in various projects as assigned as project manager and/or participant.Ensure application of effective project management practices.Ensure effective achievement of project goals and objectives.OtherPerform all other duties as assigned in a highly effective and professional manner.Minimum QualificationsA bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in accounting, business, public administration or a related field. Closely related experience in a similar position would be considered in lieu of degree requirements.Desirable QualificationsKnowledge of principles and techniques of accounting practices, research, analysis and evaluation and budget analysis.Knowledge of financial systems including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and ability to operate financial databases and spreadsheet software efficiently and to develop basic systems.Ability to gather and analyze data and information, design and test solutions to problems and formulate logic based and well-reasoned plans.Knowledge of research and planning techniques and of basic evaluation and statistical principles.Knowledge of business analysis and project management principles in techniques sufficient to serve as a project manager for large projects.Knowledge of and ability to effectively operate and analyze computer applications within program areas.Skill in communicating in written and verbal form including presentations, reports, manuals and general correspondence.Ability to analyze problems, develop solutions and contribute to policy and procedure development.Ability to manage and measure work, establish measurable objectives and evaluate outcomes.Ability to use analytical tools effectively.This summary is intended for general information purposes and does not represent the legal description of our benefit package. The summary plan descriptions, Crow Wing County personnel manual, or applicable labor contract contains more complete information and will prevail in the event of a discrepancy.CompensationThe county strives to be a market competitive employer with compensation rates that are externally competitive and internally equitable. Compensation rates are governed by the county pay matrix and applicable labor contract. Information regarding the county pay programs is available in the Human Resource Department.Paid Time Off (PTO)PTO benefit accrues at the rate of 21 days per year for the first 3 years for regular full-time staff and is pro-rated for regular part-time staff.HolidaysThe 12 calendar holidays that are observed by Crow Wing County are as follows: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day and Friday following, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.Health InsuranceRegular full-time employees and their dependents are eligible for group health insurance coverage, administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Eligibility begins on the first of the month following 30 days of employment.Regular part-time employees regularly scheduled 30 hours or more per week are eligible for health insurance coverage on a pro-rated basis.Dental InsuranceDelta dental benefit is available to those participating in a health insurance plan. Calendar year annual maximum of $1000 per person.Life InsuranceRegular full-time employees shall be provided a term life insurance policy of $50,000. Optional life insurance is available at the employee's expense.Short-Term DisabilityRegular full-time and part-time staff regularly scheduled at least 30 hours per week are eligible for short-term disability following 6 months of qualifying employment. Short-term disability payments begin on the first day following 14 consecutive calendar days of absence attributable to a qualifying disability. The plan provides income replacement of up to 50% of regular pay subject to a maximum limit of $1,000 per week.Long-Term DisabilityRegular full-time and part-time staff regularly scheduled at least 30 hours per week are eligible. Long term disability pays 50% of salary up to a maximum of $4,000 per month beginning on day 91 of total disability. The maximum benefits duration is up to the social security normal retirement date.Retirement PlanRetirement benefits are provided through the Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA). For more information on PERA visit their at01Which best describes your level of education in a related field?Certificate ProgramAssociate's DegreeBachelor's DegreeMaster's DegreeNone02How many years of work experience do you have of a similar nature and scope of responsibility?No ExperienceLess than 2 years2 years to less than 6 years6 years to less than 10 years10 or more years03Please explain why you are interested in the Business Analyst position with Crow Wing County and what makes you a strong candidate:04Please select all of the responses that represent your work experience:Journal Entry Creating & ReviewGeneral Ledger MaintenanceMonth-End & Year-End Close ProcessingCash & Bank ReconciliationFinancial Statement Review/CreationAccounts PayableAccounts ReceivableData AnalysisCompiling data and preparing reports for government agenciesNo Experience05For each of the work experience you selected in the previous question, please describe your experience referencing jobs listed in your application/resume, including your level of proficiency. If you selected "no experience" please type "no experience" in the space provided.06Check all technology/software in which you have experience:Microsoft ExcelMunis (ERP System)SQL, SSMS, Query, or Report Writing SoftwareProprietary Banking SystemsNo Experience07Please describe your experience analyzing data and creating financial forecasts and methods used. If you do not have this experience please type "no experience" in the space provided.08Describe your ability to plan and organize job duties to create timely, accurate work products and, work efficiently, remain focused, and handle interruptions effectively, as well as when and where you gained this competency.09I verify that all of my responses to the supplemental questions are true and accurate. I understand that if my supporting documentation and/or later steps in the selection process do not support one or more of my responses to the supplemental questions that I may no longer be considered for the position.YesNo