Budget Analyst

Performs professional level work compiling financial data and providing financial analyses for budget preparation. Assists the Director of Budget and Strategic Financial Planning with planning, analysis, and decision-making. Participates in the creation of budget procedures and guidelines and develops special administrative analyses and summary reports. Acts as a point of contact for the university budget system (Banner) and provides technical assistance to departments for budget preparation, analysis and review. Assists in the preparation of the university's operating budget and Legislative Appropriations Request. Reports to the Director of Budget and Strategic Financial Planning.

Maintains budget information for position control and salaries in Banner. Responsible for accurately updating and maintaining the University’s computing system for future year’s budget. Creates and maintains position control numbers for benefit eligible positions. Reviews and processes electronic personnel action forms (EPAF) for position status, availability of funds, and budget position control tracking. Prepares quarterly salary savings report. Prepares monthly entry to distribute budget from generated revenue. Creates and sends monthly insufficient funds report to department budget managers for timely review of their account activity. Addresses any questions and discrepancies, and takes appropriate follow-up research to resolve. Monitors and analyzes expenditures, revenues, and FTEs, within budgets to ensure authorized activity within approved levels. Coordinates biennial budget investment hearings by departments, college chairs, and divisions across campus. Assists in the preparation of budget worksheets and analyses as requested by Director of Budget and Strategic Financial Planning. Prepares and maintains Semester Credit Hour analysis by college for distribution to deans in order to determine annual Instructional Enhancement Fee budgets. Monitors actual IEF activity during the year and prepares updates each semester to review with deans. In collaboration with Human Resources, serves as the primary analyst for budgetary expenses, review of trends and forecasting, for employee and retiree benefits, as well, as longevity estimates for budget planning. Enters and maintains database of complex budget information and funding reallocation. Prepares journal and budget entries as needed. Monitors purchase orders and electronic personnel action forms for available budget, and contacts departments when budget is unavailable or overdrawn. Assists in the development and delivery of training materials to explain Banner system requirements to end-users. Prepares PowerPoint presentations of budget information as requested. Works collaboratively to update the yearly assessment as required, using WEAVE. Maintains files, fiscal records and confidential information. Performs customized financial analyses projections and audits of actual activity. Handles routine and confidential correspondence. Assists with training the Business Assistant and serves as back up in their absence. Participates on university committees and task forces to support institutional mission. Makes recommendations for process improvements. Communicates key budget and financial concepts to University-wide budget managers. Performs data analysis of budgets. Perform other duties as assigned.

Typical work environment is an office, working at a desk for long periods of time. Regular computer keyboard, mouse and monitor use. Long or irregular hours related to the annual budget and Legislative Appropriations Request projects.

One year of related higher education or budget office experience preferred.

Knowledge of business principles and accounting terminology. Strong computer skills; knowledge of software technology generally applicable to accounting, spreadsheets, and budgeting; Access, Adobe, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of Banner is desirable. Strong analytical, math, and problem-solving skills. Creative mindset to enhance models and processes. Knowledge of business English, spelling and punctuation.

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in finance, accounting, or another related field.

Ability to work independently to complete multiple complex assignments with high degree of accuracy. Ability to research problems and find creative solutions. Ability to prepare complex reports and maintain extensive databases. Must be able to understand, interpret, explain, and apply pertinent policies and procedures clearly and accurately. Strong verbal and written communication skills and excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to interact with management

Requires the ability to work well with diverse populations and maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community. Must adhere to University’s core values: People-Centered, Community, Integrity, Visionary, and Connections, per the MSU Texas Values Journey. Personal cell phone usage may be required to complete position duties, including multi-function authentication requirements. Regular reliable attendance is required.

This position is designated as security sensitive (Mod) and requires a criminal background check. Position is designated as a Responsible Employee as outlined by Title IX. May serve as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.