Budget Analyst (Accountant/Fiscal Analyst III) #26113

About the role

The Budget Analyst performs complex professional duties preparing, administering, monitoring, and analyzing the College's operating and capital budgets. This position coordinates budget development activities, analyzes financial data and resource allocations, maintains budget records and reporting, and provides technical support for budget planning, forecasting, and financial decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of the College's annual operating budget.
• Reviews and verifies budget adjustments, monitors expenditures and budget integrity, and analyzes financial data to support revenue and expense projections.
• Provides technical assistance to budget stakeholders regarding budget processes, policies, and procedures; researches budget-related issues; prepares financial reports and budget narratives.
• Prepares budget journal entries within the College's financial system; and supports compliance with applicable federal and state requirements, regulatory guidance, GASB standards, and institutional policies.
• Prepares financial reports, analyses, and projections to support institutional planning and decision-making.
• Collects, analyzes, and ensures the accuracy of financial data for internal and external reporting requirements, including funding requests, financial surveys, accreditation reports, regulatory filings, and ad hoc information requests.
• Evaluates financial trends, investment income performance, funding requirements, and cost allocations and projections; performs financial analyses related to existing and proposed programs and services; and communicates findings to management and other stakeholders.
• Prepares capital project reports, analyses, and projections to support the College's capital improvement program.
• Assists in the development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of capital budgets and funding plans.
• Collects, analyzes, and maintains financial information related to capital projects and prepares reports and documentation required for institutional, state, and external reporting requirements.
• Strengthens data governance, documentation, and internal controls related to budget development, reporting, and financial analysis.
• Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates existing policies, procedures, systems, operations, and reporting processes to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, effectiveness, accuracy, and productivity.
• Participates in cross-training and provides support for budget administration, financial reporting, institutional analysis, and related strategic finance functions to ensure continuity of operations.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Represents the department at meetings and functions as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
• Directly related experience, such as accounting, auditing, finance, or commercial lending.

Qualifications

• Experience with budget development, budget administration, financial forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting practices, financial management, and financial statement analysis.
• Experience performing financial analysis, revenue and expense forecasting, cost allocation analysis, or investment performance analysis.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting, state fiscal processes, GASB standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling, data analysis, and complex spreadsheet development.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, written communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate financial information to diverse audiences and work effectively with stakeholders across the institution.
• Experience with financial management systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, or budget software is preferred.

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; paid vacation and sick leave.
• Work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules available to employees of some state agencies.
• Prescription coverage and wellness benefits; dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
• Defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans; South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program (401(k) and 457 plan options).
• Tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; discounts on purchases, travel and more.