Senior Budget Analyst

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)! Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.

About the role

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Budget Management, this position will perform research, analytical and technical support for the budget planning and management processes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the campus subject matter expert on student fee revenue, developing and maintaining methodologies to project revenues based on fee changes, enrollment trends, waiver activity, and other key variables.
• Conduct scenario-based forecasting (“what-if” analysis) using trend analysis and forecasting principles to support current and future budget planning.
• Play a key role in preparing the campus budget submission of the Campus Operating Budget and all non-General Fund areas, collaborating with budget managers across units (e.g., Foundation, Lottery, Parking, Housing, Student Health Center, CPaCE) for reporting to the Chancellor's Office.
• Provide analytical support for annual GAAP audit processes as requested by the Controller's Office.
• Review and recommend improvements to the financial chart of accounts to enhance efficiency and reduce redundancy.
• Prepare and publish the annual Internal Budget Document (IBD), including financial schedules and salary reports as needed.

This is a 1.0 time-base, 40 hours per week position.

Requirements

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in budgeting, financial analysis, or fiscal management, preferably in higher education or the public sector organization.
• Expert knowledge and understanding of budgeting principles and concepts preferably within higher education or public sector organization.
• Demonstrated experience in financial forecasting, variance analysis, and budget development.
• Experience using financial systems (e.g., PeopleSoft or similar ERP systems) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Skills

The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong foundation in higher education finance, budgeting, and revenue forecasting, with expertise in trend analysis, statistical modeling, and scenario-based forecasting to support strategic planning and decision-making. They possess a thorough understanding of student fee structures, enrollment drivers, and the financial impacts of waivers, bad debt, and demographic trends on revenue generation.

• Knowledge of CSU-FIRMS reporting requirements, State Controller’s Office processes, systemwide budget policies, and GAAP principles as they apply to public sector and higher education financial reporting.
• Proficiency in PeopleSoft Financials, HR systems, integrated financial reporting tools, and advanced Excel functionality, including financial modeling, pivot tables, complex formulas, and data analysis techniques.
• Ability to analyze complex financial information, identify trends and variances, assess root causes, and develop accurate forecasts and projections that support sound fiscal management.
• Effective communicator and strategic partner who can synthesize large volumes of data into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills, enabling them to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain exceptional attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Adept at developing financial reports, dashboards, and summaries that support executive decision-making, while also interpreting and applying complex policies, procedures, and technical financial guidelines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including Institutional Research & Analytics, budget managers, and executive leadership, while exercising sound judgment, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring a high level of accuracy and accountability.
• Adaptable to changing priorities and regulatory requirements and has the ability to lead or support system implementations, process improvements, and cross-functional initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.
• Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures.
• Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."

Pay

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

Hiring Range: $7,660 (Step 8) - $8,626 (Step 14) per month.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,668 (Step 1) - $9,714 (Step 20) per month.

Benefits

At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being. To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on appointment type, classification, and applicable collective bargaining agreement.

• Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
• Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
• Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

Candidates are encouraged to review the appropriate CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details specific to their position. Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements base salary.

Schedule

This is a probationary/regular position.

Additional Information

• Sedentary work - Involves mainly sitting. Walking and standing are minimal. Lifting is limited to lightweight objects (10 pounds or less).
• CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSULB will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.