BUDGET ANALYST III

About the role

This position assists in developing and maintaining the annual budget for the County, with a focus on the salary and benefits section. The incumbent will perform complex and advanced budget analysis for a single department or program, progressing toward analysis for multiple departments. This role reports directly to the Director of Budget and provides general oversight to lower and mid-level Budget Analysts.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the development, recommendation, and publication of the County’s budget process; reviews existing plans and departmental operating budget requests; makes funding-level recommendations.
• Analyzes and estimates revenue and expense trends; identifies and recommends alternatives; assists with publishing budget documents for assigned departments.
• Organizes and writes assigned budget sections; assists with budget presentations at public meetings, to the Board of Commissioners, and to the County Manager’s Office.
• Monitors budgetary compliance; conducts monthly reviews comparing budget to department reports; ensures compliance with the approved budget.
• Identifies potential budgetary problems and informs supervisors, department heads, and program administrators; recommends solutions and compiles related reports.
• Oversees the daily work and tasks of lower and mid-level Budget Analysts; serves as the department point of contact in the absence of the director; assists with employee evaluations and counseling.
• Administers the salary and benefits section of the County budget; develops and maintains personnel spreadsheets, including job titles, salaries, salary savings, and benefits.
• Tracks filled and unfilled positions; reviews and approves or denies personnel action forms to ensure compliance with the approved budget.
• Processes budget transactions; reviews and approves or denies purchase requisitions, check requests, purchase order increases, budget transfers, education and training payments, and related items.
• Sets up and balances projects and accounts; ensures budget transactions comply with the approved budget.
• Assists in preparing agenda items for budget transactions authorized by the Board of Commissioners; reviews department-submitted agendas for accuracy, clarity, grammar, format, required information, and available funding.
• Initiates corrective actions; creates funding statements and Financial System files to process approved budget transfers.
• Processes documentation associated with department/division operations within designated timeframes; prepares or completes forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation.
• Compiles data for further processing or department reports; maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data using word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, or email software; operates general office equipment.
• Communicates with County officials, administrators, supervisors, and other employees to coordinate work activities, review status, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Reviews departmental budgets and monitors assigned expenditures; prepares accurate reports estimating future financial needs.
• Assists in other aspects of the Financial Services Division as needed.
• Prepares presentations for the Board of Commissioners’ meetings or as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of related experience in accounting or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of local government operations, budget-related programs, policies, plans, and modern office practices.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and similar programs.
• Skill in using computers and software applications related to essential job functions.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to interact courteously and effectively with employees and the public.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evening meetings.
• Ability to multitask and work within deadlines.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes.

Physical Demands

The work is sedentary, requiring exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible force frequently. The role requires mental acuity, including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, express ideas verbally, and maintain close visual acuity.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a relatively safe and secure office environment.