Operations Budget Officer

Operations Budget Officer Marketing Statement:

The Operations Budget Officer position reports to the Director of Operations Budget and Productivity within the Operations Administration office. This role involves preparing annual budgets for individual offices based on operational needs to ensure safe and reliable services. Some key area of focus for this role includes handling sensitive and confidential financial information, budget development, expenditure monitoring, monthly forecasting, and providing corrective action recommendations. Additional preferred skills are around developing electronic solutions, such as databases or Power BI tools, utilizing query languages to extract, analyze, and download and review data to ensure accurate data validation for informed management decisions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor¿s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Accounting or related field

Experience

• A minimum of four (4) years of budget program development, analysis and implementation experience within a transportation industry or large organization

Certification/Licensure

• N/A

Preferred

• N/A

Medical Group
Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Mission Essential Designation
In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority¿s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or service suspensions due to severe weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies or related events.

SUMMARY

The Operations Budget Officer (OBO) is responsible for reviewing sensitive and confidential information, financial reporting, budget development, expenditure monitoring, monthly forecasting and related management reviews for the Department of Operations (RAIL, BUS, Metropolitan Police Detectives (MTPD), Access Services (ACCS), Office of Support Services (SSRV), Office of Design & Construction (DECO), and Operations Budget, Planning and Performance Organizational Structure (OBPP).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works closely with Operations management, and prepares annual budgets for individual offices based upon operational necessity to deliver safe and reliable service. This requires in-depth knowledge of all functional areas in Operations (RAIL, BUS, Access Services, SSRV, MTPD and OBPP). Conducts independent analyses and makes recommendations pertaining to periodization of department initiatives, new programs, and cost containment efforts to the Director Operations Budget to ensure annual budget is developed in accordance with Operations and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) strategic goals.
• Monitors operating budget performance for the Department of Operations, assesses and reports inappropriate budgeting expenditures as well as proposed corrective actions and recommendations to the Director Operations Budget. Identifies shortages and recommends reprogramming solutions to maintain budget compliance to ensure budget adherence.
• Reviews and analyzes Operations' offices annual budget for overall cost effectiveness and cost containment ensuring adequate justification for budgetary increases or recommendations for budget reductions to the Director Operations Budget. Conducts special budget-related research and analytical projects/studies associated with various operational initiatives such as reorganization, contracted services and various projects, to ensure streamlined budget development.
• Participates in the development of materials for the monthly Budget Statistics (BUDSTAT) meeting that communicates the overall budget status and highlights for each of the groups within the Department of Operations to include staffing, expenditures, challenges and forecasts. Analyzes trends in all financial elements of the departmental operating budget providing explanations as to budget over/under when comparing year to date and monthly budget to actual expenditures, to ensure Operations Management are briefed on budgetary matters.
• Works closely with Operating Budget Analysts in preparing and analyzing weekly, bi-weekly and monthly overtime reports for Operations Senior Management to monitor overtime usage to include what, where, who and why. Reviews operating overtime usage compliance with the Chief Operating Officer's (COO) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Operating Overtime. Identifies any discrepancies to the applicable operations' manager for resolution to ensure containment of overtime expenditures and compliance with the COO SOP.
• Develops electronic solutions such as databases and spreadsheets, using query language to extract, analyze and download data from WMATA applications (e.g., PeopleSoft) designed to capture and report critical budgetary and operational data to ensure data validation and analyses.

The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.