BUDGET ANALYST

Under the direction and supervision of the Chief Financial Officer or designee, coordinates and supports districtwide activities involving budgeting, position control, accounting, grant budgeting, accounts payable, purchasing, capital planning involving budget related activities. Provides information, training and assistance on budget procedures and policies. Monitors budget versus actual revenue and expenditure activity for all departments and recommends actions to be taken when negative variances occur. Performs specialized analysis of a fiscal and/or technical nature utilizing statistical methods in forecasting budget estimates using Manages the development of the annual appropriation budget and monthly budget to actual budget reports.

Typical Duties

Responsible for investigation and review of complex problem areas submitted for operational and/or financial analysis.

Studies management methods in order to improve workflow, simplify reporting procedures or implement cost reductions.

Performs a variety of professional tasks relative to assisting in the day-to-day maintenance of financial reports and documents.

Coordinate’s collection and preparation of budget reports such as budget, payroll and payment history, trend analysis, projections and tracking.

Prepares comprehensive reports including fiscal impact, conclusions and recommendations for solution to administrative problems

Manages requests to hire using position control methodology and the annual budget document.

Works with departments to review, analyze and interpret existing and prepared programs and policies and determine their need and impact and budgetary viability.

Assists in coordinating office services for District departments and/or divisions with such activities as budgeting, position control, contracting, program design and special management studies.

Provides technical assistance to support staff in preparation of financial reports and procedures.

Explores and makes recommendations on new programs and policies.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration or substantially similar area from an accredited college or university and at least 5 years of full-time work experience in budgeting, finance or accounting.

OR

Must possess a master’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or substantially similar area from an accredited college or university and at least 3 years of full-time experience in budgeting, finance or accounting.

OR

Must possess a high school diploma or GED and at least 10 years of full-time work experience in budgeting, finance or accounting.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

At least 2 years’ experience with Oracle software applications

OR

At least 2 years’ experience with another Government entity in the field of budget, finance or accounting, OR at least 1 season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County OR at least 1 season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member, OR at least 1 season of work experience with partners such as Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago, Friends of the Forest Preserves, the Student Conservation Association, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Cook County, City of Chicago or the Chicago Park District.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Knowledge of basic budgeting, performance based budgeting and auditing.

Ability to interact and communicate effectively on a variety of difficult policy and operational issues; ability to analyze difficult situations and problems to reach practical and logical conclusions.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Ability to read and comprehend contracts, legislation and policy documents.

Considerable knowledge of managerial systems and methods and organizational procedures. Skill in the application of modern management methods and procedures to complex administrative problems and conditions.

Skill in the use and application of computer-based (PC) statistical and data management systems; ability to prepare charts, tables, reports.

Knowledge of Oracle or similar ERP software budgeting and HR applications.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Benefits Package

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Basic Term Life Insurance

Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:

http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

Veteran’s Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify him/herself as a Veteran on his/her employment application by answering “Yes” to the question “Are you a military veteran?”

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs