Budget Analyst

Position Information

An Excel assessment will be required for this position. Details for the assessment will be sent via email after the closing date of this job announcement for applications received that successfully meet the minimum qualifications. The assessment will close on Thursday, July 23rd, 2026, at 11:59 pm. This position is the entry point to the Finance Department's Budget Division. This position will be responsible for opening budget lines, analyzing department units and spending trends, processing budget transfers and will provide funding statements. A resume must be attached to your application. The purpose of this classification is to prepare, submit, and monitor budgets for assigned departments.

Essential Functions

Assists in development, recommendation and publication of county's biennial budget process: reviews existing plans; reviews departmental operating budget requests; makes recommendations regarding funding levels; analyzes and estimates revenue and expense trends; identifies and recommends alternatives; assists with publishing budget documents for assigned departments; organizes and writes assigned sections; and assists with budget presentations. Monitors budgetary compliance: conducts monthly reviews comparing budget to department reports; ensures compliance with approved budget; identifies potential problems and informs supervisor, department heads, and program administrators; recommends solutions; and compiles related reports. Develops, designs, and conducts fiscal studies and research: develops analytical approaches and related reports; participates in field research projects; prepares financial information; assists departments with programs and procedures related to financial policies; analyzes budget submission and funds request processes; makes recommendations to increase efficiency and accuracy; and monitors new or changing legislation for budgetary implications. Conducts site visits to departments to assess operations and analyze latest expenditures for purposes of forecasting total year-end projections: develops and submits written forecast reports accordingly; works with department heads, program administrators and staff to develop and refine statements of departmental objectives; performs periodic reviews of progress on objectives; and utilizes data obtained in the review process to update budget as necessary. Conducts operational research, productivity analysis and management studies as assigned, to assist in the management of departmental operations, programs, and services: compiles and/or monitors various administrative and statistical data pertaining to divisional operations; researches information pertinent to task or project; analyzes data and identifies trends; makes recommendations for changes in policies and procedures to improve operations, provide more responsive service, and/or optimize the use of resources; and prepares or generates related reports. Assists the department managers with strategic and long-range planning for departmental operations; participates in planning efforts at the local and regional level; keeps department heads and program administrators apprised of developments at the state and federal level that impact the department; monitors pending legislation for impact on operations; and ensures compliance with new legislation. Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, expenditure trends and projections, budget allocations, variance analysis, operational reports, or other documents within designated timeframes and per established procedures: compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records. Assists in preparation of agenda items for budget transactions authorized by the Board of Commissioners: reviews assigned department's submitted agenda for accuracy, clarity, grammar, format, required information and available funding; initiates corrective actions; creates funding statements; and creates Financial System files to process approved budget transfers. Review and approve departmental purchases: check the worklist to ensure that purchasing documents (DO, PD RQS, etc.) are approved, review for accuracy in funding, and correctness of object codes. Standard Reserve Entry: process monthly standard reserve transactions. There are certain revenue sources that departments collect that are earmarked for specific uses. On a monthly basis, appropriate the revenue and expenditure budgets, by the amount received in each department. Fund Balancing: on a biweekly basis, ensure funds are in balance through an ESUM-RSUM reconciliation Update Account Dictionary and Revenue Manual, as needed. Create ad hoc reports in response to open record requests, as needed. Submit forms to create new units, departments, object codes, revenue sources, programs, subunits, functions, or activities, as needed. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, or related field required; supplemented by two years of experience in budget preparation; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Physical Abilities

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

EEO Statement

Cobb County Government is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.