BUDGET ANALYST

Location: Little Rock, AR 72202 • On-site (no remote or hybrid options)

About the Role

The Budget Analyst plays a vital role in assisting with the development, implementation, and analysis of a department’s budget. This position supports the preparation of financial documents, ensures compliance with state regulations, and monitors departmental spending to optimize the allocation of state resources. The Budget Analyst will work closely with senior financial staff and department heads to provide insights into budgetary performance and make recommendations for improvements.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and organizing the state’s annual budget by gathering financial data, creating projections, and analyzing historical data to ensure accurate and effective budget planning.
• Collaborate with department managers to gather relevant data for the creation of department-specific budgets, ensuring alignment with overall state financial goals.
• Prepare budget reports and present financial summaries to support strategic decision-making for budget allocations.
• Conduct financial analysis to determine budget trends and help identify areas for cost-saving or reallocation of resources.
• Prepare and maintain financial reports that detail the department’s budgetary status, including income, expenditures, and forecasts.
• Ensure the department’s budget complies with relevant laws, regulations, and policies regarding financial management and reporting.
• Monitor expenditures and appropriations in AASIS.
• Assist with the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and Biennial Budget process for designated programs.
• Prepare monthly financial reports for designated programs.
• Provide financial analysis and strategic input to facilitate high-level decision-making by management.
• Communicate complex cost accounting concepts to management and staff.
• Report and explain cost allocations and budget decisions to internal and external stakeholders.
• Process payments for grant recipients.
• Assist with setting up vendors in AASIS and resolving payment issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in budgeting, financial analysis, or a related financial management field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess financial data, identify trends, and make recommendations for improving budget performance.
• Ability to perform detailed variance analysis and explain the underlying causes of budget discrepancies.
• Competence in developing financial models and forecasts to project future budgetary needs.
• Exceptional attention to detail to ensure that financial data is accurate and budgetary decisions are well-supported by reliable information.
• Ability to identify errors or inconsistencies in financial data and correct them before they affect the budget process.
• Solid understanding of government budgeting processes, accounting principles, and financial regulations.

Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the Qualifications Review Committee.

Pay

Anticipated starting salary: $57,351.01 • Salary range: $57,351–$84,879