Budget & Financial Analyst Series

• Develop and monitor the City's biennial budget in collaboration with department managers, business managers and other finance department staff, ensure that budgets are in line with financial plans and forecast models. 

• Performs detailed cost analyses, reports on expenditure trends and causes, analyzes department spending variances and their causes, and evaluates operational and capital budget requests. 

• Performs a variety of research and fiscal analyses in support of policy development, performance measurements, debt affordability and labor contract negotiations. Participates in and/or performs various fee studies, cost benefit studies, feasibility studies, return on investment or life cycle cost studies as assigned. 

• Participates in a variety of special projects including evaluations and analyses of financial systems, tasks and workflows and internal controls to identify, develop and implement business solutions.  

• Prepares periodic and ad-hoc financial reports based on detailed research, critical analyses, and independent judgment. 

• Maintains high-level contact with others across the organization with others in key positions. 

• Presents financial analysis to a variety of audiences with varying knowledge of finance and budgets, including City Council, City leadership, citizen committees, and City staff. 

• Acts as a finance department resource to all other City departments, and/or performs similar duties in the absence of other assigned personnel. 

• Assists with training other finance department staff. 

• Prepares and delivers of key reports, status updates and other important information to stakeholders. 

• Ensures regulatory compliance, and adherence to policies and procedures. 

• Complies with safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices. 

• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities, and infrastructure. 

• Performs related duties as necessary to achieve the objectives of the position.  

In addition to the duties listed for Budget & Financial Analyst, the Senior Budget & Financial Analyst is expected to engage in the following work-related activities: 

• Develops, analyzes, and maintains City's financial models, working closely with department managers to identify operational and capital requests and needs. 

• Critically evaluates financial plans for adherence to sound financial management principles and compliance with City's fiscal policies. 

• Develops, analyzes, and maintains complex financial forecasting models including revenue forecast models, utility rate development models, payroll projection models, six-year operating models, and indirect cost allocation plans. Forecasts revenues and expenditures using quantitative and qualitative forecasting techniques (time series methods, causal methods and other established forecasting methods). Researches and compiles critical data including local, state, regional and national economic trends for incorporation into forecasting models. Builds databases and complex spreadsheets to perform detailed financial and statistical computations. 

• Performs related duties as necessary to achieve the objectives of the position.  

Skill Profile 

The individual in this position, Budget & Financial Analyst, is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

• Perform financial projections, validating assumptions, identifying issues and summarizing findings 

• Maintain working knowledge of financial and accounting systems including payroll, business processes and internal controls; sound financial management principles and practices. 

• Building and/or maintaining complex spreadsheet models 

• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and other stakeholders sufficient to exchange or convey information to provide and receive work direction. 

• Prepare, read, analyze and interpret policy documents as well as complex financial reports and statements supported by statistical data and other documentation. 

• Manage a high volume of tasks at one time, including organizing and prioritizing own work. 

• Work independently with minimum direction while also working as part of a team and collaborating with others. 

• Demonstrate a high attention to detail. 

• Maintain advanced Excel skill; understanding of ERP systems; Power BI experience a plus. 

• Maintain working knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint and other interactive computer programs as well as common office equipment. 

In addition to the skills listed for Budget & Financial Analyst, the Senior Budget & Financial Analyst is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: 

• Maintain working knowledge of principles and practices of established forecasting techniques and methods – quantitative and qualitative forecasting techniques, time series, causal and econometric forecasting methods and other established forecasting methods. 

• Advanced knowledge of sources of economic and demographic data and principles, practices and methods of applying economics, demographics, social-economic and financial data research in order to integrate and develop economic and financial forecasts. 

• Maintain working knowledge of federal, state, and municipal codes, ordinances, regulations, practices and procedures related to the work including government accounting principles and practices and government budgeting laws, principles and practices. 

• Problem solve using independent research, critical thinking and sound decision-making; Identify alternative solutions, assess consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations. 

Ability Requirements 

The following capabilities are required to perform the essential functions of this position. 

• Work occasionally requires working outside normal hours whether it’s evenings, on call, or weekends. Examples include, but are not limited to evening council or committee meetings. 

• Effectively communicate with others verbally and in writing, including by phone, e-mail, or in person. 

• Understand, remember, communicate and apply complex oral and/or written instructions and factual information. 

• Remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods of time, occasionally stand, walk, stoop or kneel for extended periods of time. 

• Exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. 

• Maintain sustained concentration on computer screens and use keyboards and a variety of peripherals. 

• Work is generally performed in an office setting with travel required to off-site locations. 

• Ability to occasionally travel locally and regionally. 

Education, Experience, Certifications and/or Licenses  

The following are the qualifications for the Budget & Financial Analyst position. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) from four-year college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined in this job description. 

• 2 to 3 years’ experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks 

• Current and valid Driver's license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Governmental accounting and financial systems experience is desirable as well as experience with PowerPivot and Power BI tools. 

The following are the qualifications for the Senior Budget & Financial Analyst position. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) from four-year college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined in this job description. 

• 4 to 5 years’ experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks 

• Current and valid Driver's license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Governmental accounting and financial systems experience is desirable as well as experience with PowerPivot and Power BI tools.

Classification Framework:  

• To view the full Classification framework for Budget & Financial Analyst, click here 

• To view the full Classification framework for Senior Budget & Financial Analyst, click here