Senior Budget Analyst

About the role

The Office of Fiscal and Monitoring Services (OFMS) Fiscal Services Division is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring all the Agency's budget activities. This encompasses the biennial budget process, annual budget implementation, and projecting federal budget estimates. The Division is also responsible for the management of the Agency's revenue, disbursements and financial obligations as well as performing daily federal cash draws, reconciles and reports on federal grant status.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage budgets for assigned program areas (operating, capital, and grant funding), including allotments and cash flow.
• Forecast and monitor appropriations, expenditures, encumbrances, and utilization to stay within targets and compliance requirements.
• Analyze spending patterns and recommend fund transfers so accounts can meet obligations without service interruptions.
• Create and present reports (tables, charts, visuals) that convert complex data into clear insights tailored to the audience.
• Investigate variances (actuals vs. estimates), identify drivers, and recommend corrective actions.
• Budget Exceptions: Agency Control, Clear purchase order (PO)/Voucher/Paycard/Travel errors. Budget transfers need to be completed in the morning when possible.
• Allotments: Submit journal entries according to appropriation line item (ALI) assignment list.
• OHOBS pending items: Review and approve daily.
• Payroll Errors: Wait for Cost Management.
• Journal Voucher Adjustment as needed.
• Partner with program areas to understand operations, emerging needs, and the impact of policy or volume changes on budgets.
• Contribute to process improvements and special projects that increase accuracy, speed, and transparency in the Budget Bureau.
• Prepare budget meeting materials with program office.

Requirements

• Fiscal analysis across multiple data sources; ability to research, collate, classify, and analyze information to draw valid conclusions.
• Forecasting methods (trend analysis, cash flow analysis) and skill comparing actual vs. estimated expenditures.
• Report development with clear narratives and visuals tailored to the audience.
• Independence and prioritization: You manage your workload and deliver to deadlines with minimal oversight.
• OAKS BI reporting experience (or comparable ERP/BI reporting) and strong Excel skills; familiarity with visuals (e.g., charts in PowerPoint).
• Communication: Ability to present complex data simply and engage partners constructively.
• Experience with public sector budgets, grant funding, or human services programs.
• Exposure to variance investigation, fund transfers, or allotment planning at a portfolio level.
• Experience building process improvements, templates, or standard methodology.

Qualifications

• Option 1: 4 years’ experience in budgeting that included fiscal management & control involving use of quantitative/statistical analysis (e.g., probability statistics, linear regression, multiple variable regression, computer assisted regression analysis models, trend analysis, forecasting cost benefit analysis).
• Option 2: Completion of graduate core program in accounting, public finance, public administration or business administration; AND 12 months’ experience in fiscal management & control involving use of quantitative/statistical analysis (e.g., probability statistics, linear regression, multiple variable regression, computer regression analysis models, trend analysis, forecasting cost benefit analysis).
• Option 3: Completion of undergraduate core program in accounting, public finance, public administration or business administration; AND 24 months’ experience in fiscal management & control involving use of quantitative/statistical analysis (e.g., probability statistics, linear regression, multiple variable regression, computer assisted regression analysis models, trend analysis, forecasting cost benefit analysis).
• Option 4: 12 months’ experience as Budget Analyst, 63261.
• Option 5: Equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.

Skills

• Fiscal analysis across multiple data sources; ability to research, collate, classify, and analyze information to draw valid conclusions.
• Forecasting methods (trend analysis, cash flow analysis) and skill comparing actual vs. estimated expenditures.
• Report development with clear narratives and visuals tailored to the audience.
• Independence and prioritization: You manage your workload and deliver to deadlines with minimal oversight.
• OAKS BI reporting experience (or comparable ERP/BI reporting) and strong Excel skills; familiarity with visuals (e.g., charts in PowerPoint).
• Communication: Ability to present complex data simply and engage partners constructively.
• Experience with public sector budgets, grant funding, or human services programs.
• Exposure to variance investigation, fund transfers, or allotment planning at a portfolio level.
• Experience building process improvements, templates, or standard methodology.

Benefits

Full-time. Standard workdays are Monday through Friday. Hours are between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Occasional travel within the state of Ohio.

Pay

This position is in the State of Ohio’s OCSEA/AFSCME Pay Schedule, Pay Range 33. Starting salary will be the minimum salary of that pay range (step 1, currently $34.53 per hour).

Schedule

Full-time.

Location

This position will be headquartered at the James A. Rhodes State Officer Tower - 30 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215.