Budget Analyst II Budget Office J10038 -11200

Budget Analyst

Is assigned county budgets of more complex funds to review on a monthly basis, works with departments to ensure budget-to-actual expenditures are in the positive; makes budget projections, prepares new budget proposals, and analyzes financial documents. Assists in preparation of budget documents for submission to Commissioners Court and the Government Finance Officers' Association (GFOA). Attends all budget hearings and meetings. Monitors progress of departmental budgets and recommends budget change orders to departments for submission to commissioners court. Undertakes complex special projects, as directed by management.

Reports to : Budget Officer

Works closely with Commissioners Court, Elected Officials, Commissioners Court Administration, department heads, other counties, and GFOA.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following :

• Prepares and monitors progress of departmental budgets (general fund accounts, special revenue accounts, debt service funds, Grants and the Hospital District).
• Responsible for the strict enforcement of the budget in compliance with state statutes, county policies and procedures.
• Assists with preparing the annual county budget using extensive professional judgment, research, spreadsheet programming and complex computation.
• Compiles, analyzes, prepares and directs special research reports for budget preparations or as requested by management. Analyzes expenditure spreadsheets produced within the office for budget.
• Creates projections of both expenditures and revenues in order to keep management informed throughout the fiscal year.
• Identifies and analyzes budget related problems / errors, takes corrective measures to correct the problem / error.
• Prepares special analysis reports and independently researches and investigates as necessary. Reviews purchase orders and other documents for approval.
• Monitors and analyzes departmental budget assigned by performing actual-to-budget and historical comparisons monthly. Prepares budget change orders for submission to the Commissioners Court after conferring with department head or their designated representative. Prepares internal budget change orders for review by the Budget Officer and / or First Assistant. Reviews purchase orders and other documents for approval.
• Assists in preparing the capital project budget by relying on the expenditure spreadsheets ensuring compliance with project budgets upon approval from the Budget Officer and / or First Assistant and Commissioner Court administration. Assists with the preparation of capital project budget change orders.
• Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications : To perform this job successfully, an individual must understand governmental accounting and must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Any employee who drives a vehicle on official business must have a driving record which meets standards set by the County and the County's insurance carrier.

Education and / or Experience : Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in accounting, finance or business administration, plus two (2) years of governmental accounting and / or budgeting experience. Graduate level education may be substituted year for year for the accounting and / or budgeting experience.

Language Skills : Ability to read, analyze, and interpret program user guides, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, flow charts, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills : Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability : Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations : CPA certification is preferred but not required, Valid class C Texas driver's license.

Other Skills and Abilities : Knowledge of governmental accounting; generally accepted accounting principles relating to single and double entry accounting systems and financial reports. Ability to gather and analyze complex information and to formulate concise understandable reports. Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet software. Ability to evaluate financial records, to select and develop pertinent data, to balance multiple priorities, to prepare concise reports and to communicate clearly in writing and orally. Ability to keep sensitive information confidential. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other county employees and officials, outside auditors and the general public.

Physical Demands : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and / or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.