Principal Budget Analyst

Take your career to the next step

This is the advanced journey level class in the Budget Analyst series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned, which usually include significant and multiple administrative responsibilities on a project or day-to-day basis. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series.

Budget Analyst classifications perform work pertaining to the management or general administration of the work unit. Budget Analysts work directly with management policies, are responsible for the development and dissemination of major internal policy, or have ready access to confidential information pertaining to management relations, and may have access to confidential information pertaining to labor relations.

We offer an excellent benefits package to include health, dental and vision, defined contribution plan (457b), life insurance, wellness programs, vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, employee assistance program, home buyers program, tuition reimbursement and more

• Provide a wide variety of responsible, complex and sensitive administrative and programmatic support for work unit; oversee assigned administrative processes, procedures and programs; and perform analytical support to assigned programs and departments.
• Coordinate, assign and review work and established work schedules for group assignments and departmental projects; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Direct the data collection, compilation, coordination and organization of budget documentation; develop budget recommendations; participate and advise division managers in the administration of department budget; prepare various financial reports as required.
• Research, develop, recommend and implement operational, administrative, program and other policies and procedures; may assist in contract negotiations.
• Leads a team conducting studies for management that may include, but are not limited to cost/benefit analysis, performance assessment, and statistical analysis.
• Monitor assigned departmental budgets throughout the year; coordinates preparation of status reports; reviews, investigates and approves budget related forms; prepares correspondence pertaining to budgetary matters.
• Design, prepare and present complex data in a coherent oral, written or graphic manner; may perform analysis using sophisticated analysis and computer software applications.
• Develop, manage, and monitor contracts and provides analytical review of associated programs, project goals and objectives for compliance.
• Plan, organize, direct and conduct complex administrative, operational, budgetary and other studies with City-wide or major internal operational or funding impact; prepare comprehensive technical, statistical and analytical reports and records which present and interpret data and identify alternative solutions or proposals; make and justify recommendations.
• Respond to concerns and questions from the general public; review problems and recommend corrective actions; prepare reports noting trends or escalating issues.
• Participate in all phases of budget preparation; reviews and analyzes department budget request; makes expenditure and revenue recommendations; confirms organizational charts and personnel schedules.
• Develop short and long range financial/management plans: Revenue & expenditure forecasting/analysis; Preparation of financial trends/indicators report; Preparation of a five-year financial plan; Analysis and preparation of risk management and benefits projections.
• Participate in long-term financial planning which may include: (1) Strategic planning; (2) Fiscal Sustainability; (3) Civic engagement; (4) Communicate and coordinate with executive management; and (5) Conduct training and development.
• Coordinate, facilitate, conduct and participate in inter-departmental, division and various meetings.
• Represent the department when interacting with consultants, public and private organizations, community groups and the general public as required.
• Coordinate activities with other City departments, the public and outside agencies.
• Participate in various committees; attend and participate in professional group meetings.
• Maintain calendars of department activities, meetings and various events; coordinate activities with other city departments, the public and outside agencies; attend meetings as a representative of Office of Management and Budget.
• Participate in ensuring records are maintained according to retention schedules.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Finance or Business Management; with four (4) years of experience in government budgetary/management analysis, accounting or quantitative analysis; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. May require the ability to conduct field investigations.

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.

Additional Requirements
Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre-employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.

Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles and practices of budget administration.
• State and city budgetary policies.
• Advanced principles and practices of policy and procedure development.
• Advanced methods of research, program analysis and report preparation.
• Advanced public relations techniques.
• Policies and procedures of the assigned department.
• Principles of training and administrative support.
• Principles and procedures of accounting and procurement practices.
• Pertinent local, state, and federal regulations, laws and codes.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures and methods including common office software and hardware.
• Advanced records management principles and practices.

Skill in:

• Developing short and long-range plans.
• Establishing priorities and organizing work.

Ability to:

• Independently perform the most difficult administrative and analytical activities in the area of work assigned involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Understand the organization and operation of the assigned department and/or outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Interpret, apply, explain and enforce City, administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Research, analyze and evaluate programs, policies and procedures.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, recommend best options and implement approved solution in support of goals.
• Interact with a variety of individuals from different socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds in sensitive or difficult situations.
• Communicate, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; including co-workers and counterparts.

Core Workforce Competencies:

• Professionalism – Models core values by being honest, respectful and positive; continuously demonstrates the core values of the City.
• Managing Performance – Takes responsibility for own and assigned group's performance, by setting clear goals and expectations, tracking progress against the goals, ensuring regular feedback, and addressing performance problems and issues promptly.
• Effective Communication – Expresses verbal and written thought in a clear and understandable manner.
• Customer Focus – Demonstrates genuine concern and satisfies external and/or internal customers based on the core purpose and values.
• Adaptability – Able to effectively modify behavior to suit changing workforce demands.
• Problem Solving – Solves problems by considering all causes, solutions and outcomes.
• Decisiveness – Willingness to make difficult decisions in a timely manner.
• Productive Partnerships – Develops, maintains and strengthens partnerships with others.
• Forward Thinking – Anticipating the consequences of situations and decisions; taking appropriate action to be prepared for possible changes.
• Developing and Empowering Others – Willingness to delegate responsibility to teammates; coaching junior budget analysts to develop their capabilities.
• Technical and Expertise – Possesses a depth of knowledge, skill and ability in a technical job area.