Budget Analyst

Job Description:

Budget Analyst

Description

Summary

The primary function of the Budget Analyst is to assist the City Manager’s Office with the development, compilation and administration of the City’s Annual Operating Budget and/or Capital Improvement Program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets; consolidates department budgets.
• Participates in the development and the reporting of financial performance measures, monthly financial report and the reporting of capital projects.
• Assists with policy development, benchmarking and surveying, bond sales, program research and other special projects.
• Assists in the preparation of monthly financial reports.
• Assists in the development of the five-year Capital Improvement Program; works with various departments; compiles data; identifies funding sources.
• Prepare financial reports; analyze and recommend to the City Manager budget- funding levels and determine the impact of programs.
• Assist in coordinating the City budget process, including the preparation of budget instructions and budget documents.
• Prepares the monthly budget report and other special reports as needed.
• Work with department directors to report in the budget performance measures for City departments that are tied to the annual budget.

Forecasting/Analyzing

• Conducts fiscal impact analysis, revenue and expenditure forecasting.
• Maintains historic databases; assists in preparing revenue and expenditure forecasts.
• Assists with benchmarking of the City against other cities; and conducts surveys.
• Participates in the preparation of the five-year forecast of the City’s major funds, including revenues and expenditures.
• Performs professional technical and analytical work in the areas of citywide budget development, monitoring and implementation.
• Assist in monitoring the City’s budget for overages.
• Analyze monthly department budgeting and accounting reports to aid the City Manager’s office in maintaining expenditure controls for City Manager consideration.
• Perform cost-benefits analyzes to compare operating programs, review financial requests, and explore alternative financing methods.
• Examines budget proposals for completeness; accuracy and compliance to standards prior to review of the City Manager.
• Monitors the City Manager’s office and legal services budgets by reviewing budget reports, approving expenditures from budgets, monitoring the use of legal services and legal services expenses and contracts and providing analysis on legal services, including department usage and issues reviewed.
• Reviews, analyzes, checks, or prepares appropriate information used in processing certain aspects of the budget through data processing.

Other Related Work

• Coordinate with Finance Department staff and other City departments to ensure cost accounting and revenue collection systems are consistent with the approved budget; review accounting systems and procedures related to area of program assignment and make recommendations for improvements and modifications.
• Consult with managers to ensure that budget adjustments are made in accordance with program changes.
• Coordinates with department heads regarding the status of goals and preparing reports on goal status for City Council.
• May be required to respond after hours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or citywide emergency.
• Completes special projects by working as directed by the City Manager’s Office.
• Serves as a liaison to both internal and external customers; by providing problem resolution and responding to difficult or complex inquiries from citizens; and conducting research to appropriately respond to inquiries.
• Prepares working papers for obtaining data on new budgetary studies and research.
• Maintains budget records and files.
• Assists in the preparation of information related to questionnaires and forms from outside agencies that solicit information regarding the budget.
• Review budget adjustment requests
• Maintain budget reports, documents, and calendars
• Prepare and coordinate budget calendar and town hall meetings
• Supports the relationship between the City and the public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; and performs other duties as required or assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration or a closely related field; AND four years’ of progressive experience working in a municipal government setting; experience in accounting, auditing, budget preparation, financial or closely related financial and/or fiscal operations preferred; OR an equivalent combination of educations and experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

A valid Class C driver’s license with a clean driving record is required for this position. Driving is a requirement of this position.

The City of Lancaster offer a complete benefits packeage to full-time employees which includes: health care; paid holidays, vacation time, sick leave, retirement, longevity, tuition reimbersemet and more.

To learn more details, vist our benefits page.

Salary:

$86,280.48 Annually