Budget Analyst

As the Budget Analyst you will play a key role in supporting the development, preparation, processes, and monitoring of all aspects of the annual operating and capital budget (totaling over $700M) and 5-year plans.  You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless gathering of budgetary information, forecasting of expenditures and revenues, and preparing financial reports.  

You will also review monthly financials, investigate variances, and prepare informative explanations of financial trends; make recommendations to the Budget Supervisor and/or Divisional Leadership based on financial performance, and serve as the budget coordinator for various divisions. This role requires a detail-oriented individual who can handle multiple projects simultaneously, work in a fast-paced environment, and thrive in both independent and team-based settings. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and a passion for financial excellence.

Why You Should Apply:

• Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving public transportation and providing excellent customer service;
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including membership in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS);
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Are you ready to make an impact and help shape the future of public transportation? Apply today and become a vital part of our team! 

Valley Metro is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or a related field, and three (3) years of professional experience in accounting or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties as those listed above. 

Background Investigation: 
Employment is contingent upon the results of a background check including personal credit check

Licenses:
Valid Arizona Driver's License and safe driving record.

The statements listed below describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time. 

• Assists in the planning, organizing, and development process for Valley Metro’s annual operating and capital budget and 5-year forecast.  
• Assists departments with budget preparation, justification, and collection of budget data; reviews budget submissions for completeness, sufficiency, and adherence with Valley Metro strategic plan goals.  
• Tracks and monitors budget vs. actual results, budget projections, and performs monthly analysis. Monitor Divisional budgets, comparing actual expenditures to budget and communicate budget status and trends to managerial staff.  
• Prepares departmental reports, budget spreadsheets, variance reports, charts, tables and graphs for presentations.  
• Reviews and processes purchase requisitions for coding accuracy and available funding. Monitors departmental spending by utilizing Oracle Fusion Cloud and other budgeting tools.  
• Produces and maintains documentation of Valley Metro’s budget and budget processes. Continually evaluates related departmental processes and systems for improvement, developing recommendations for implementation.  
• Utilizes various agency software to collect, analyze, and load the annual budget into the financial system (Oracle Fusion Cloud, Smartview, Excel, business intelligence software).
• Submits annual financial reporting to the Federal Transit Administration through the National Transit Database (NTD).  Coordinates data submission and entry with agency staff, addresses inquiries and follow-up issues from NTD analysts, and provides guidance to personnel involved in NTD data collection and reporting.
• Performs other duties of similar nature and level as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of budgetary administration, financial controls and monitoring;
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP);
• Methods of monitoring and reporting budget variances;
• Financial, statistical and comparative analysis principles, techniques and formulas;
• Principles and practices of purchase requisitions;
• Principles and practices of budget development and financial forecasting;
• Principles and practices of financial record keeping and reporting.

Skill in:

• Budget preparation and administration;
• Interpreting financial records and reports;
• Monitoring and reporting budget variances;
• Using computers and related software applications (Oracle Fusion Cloud, Microsoft Word, Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook);
• Data analytics software preferred (Power BI, Tableau);
• Reviewing technical documents, proposals and reports;
• Performing accurate financial calculations with meticulous attention to detail;
• Understanding and following oral and written instructions;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work;
• Handling several projects or tasks simultaneously;
• Problem-solving and analytical skills;
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Positions in this class typically require: reaching, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. 
 
Work Environment: 
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Salary : $64,458 - $96,686