Budget/Financial Accounting Analyst (Budget Focused)

*The duties of this position require working non-traditional hours during budget. 

GENERAL SUMMARY: The Budget/Financial Accounting Analyst is a budget focused position that will examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations; analyze budgeting and accounting reports; perform budgeting, performance measurement and lead analyst duties in support of the budget development and control function; provide complex technical staff assistance to the Budget Manager, Finance Manager; and perform other duties as assigned. The ideal candidate possesses the ability to follow a management philosophy that is input-oriented and values equity, analytical, independent judgment, problem solving, and the development of partnerships; and values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork.
 
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Responsible for the creation, distribution and explanation of the City’s annual operating and capital budgets, including preparing budget instructions and appropriate documents and monitoring progress on budget preparation; assists in the preparation of the City’s long-range financial projections; assists departments in specifying requirements for their annual operating budgets and expenditure plans, including training departments in the use of the system and budget development; assists in the preparation and analysis of amendments to the operating and capital budgets; supports presentation of complex financial information to management and other groups and conducts research and analysis on projects that have significant impact on the department and City. An important component of this position is to work as part of an internal team to create a more data-driven, high performance organization focusing on outcomes, which includes cross-departmental cooperation and integration using performance measurement and evaluation which leads to an equitable community of choice. Work is performed under the supervision of the Budget Manager, and in accordance with general policies and guidelines established by the City Manager and City Council. Work is reviewed by the Budget Manager through meetings, reports and results achieved.

JOB DUTIES: 

• Prepare Annual Budget and Capital Improvement Program documents, and financial and budgetary reports.
• Prepares budget amendment reports for City Council and transfers into the financial system. 
• Manages the financial system’s project ledger function by advising staff on the use of the project ledger, recommending and implementing specific strategies.
• Participate in department and external committees; Leadership Team meetings; and the intercultural competency training and program.
• Review and analyze data submitted by departments and divisions for inclusion within the annual budget and five-year capital improvement plan.
• Submits the City budget to Government Finance Officers Association for review.
• Prepare and present complex reports and analyses to individuals and groups.
• Develop training materials and conducts training for departments involved in financial management, planning, and budgets.
• Perform financial forecasting and prepare budget-related projections; perform cost control and containment analysis; monitor program delivery, expenditure and revenue reports and take corrective action, participate in fund balancing and reconciliation efforts.
• Research related to departments, divisional, and/or program budget and finance matters, perform financial analysis, and make recommendations; develop forms and systems; assist in identifying financial system problems.
• Prepare audit work papers, sales tax reports, and bank reconciliations. 
• Collaborate on methods, communication, and customer satisfaction improvements.  
• Respond to questions and service requests.
• Coordinate with committees designed to integrate high-performance government principles.

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic, generally accepted and governmental accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data. 
• Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Clerical – Knowledge utilizing Microsoft Word, including formatting, creating tables of contents and datalinks; and Microsoft Excel, including functions of pivot tables, complex formulas, charts, graphs and maintaining data integrity.  
• Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.
• Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making - Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways or options to solve a problem, and picking the best one.
• Complex Problem Solving – Research, analyze, evaluate and solve complex analytical problems.
• Mathematical Reasoning - Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
• Inductive and Deductive Reasoning - Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information and using rules to solve problems.
• Communication - Verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Organization – Prioritize a heavy workload under the pressure of competing assignments and deadlines. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Management, Financial Mathematics or related field; and
• Two or more years of experience in accounting or analytics.
• Or any combination of related experience and training equivalent to four-year degree. 

 
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in budget/finance analysis, accounting, or auditing. 
• Experience working with a diverse workforce and population. 
• Experience in local, state, or federal government budget or finance. 

 
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of their place of employment as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two years of appointment.
 
OVERTIME STATUS: Exempt

SUPERVISORY STATUS: None.

Salary : $69,779 - $91,313