Budget Analyst

General Description and Hiring Rate Under the general direction of the Finance Director or designee, performs advanced professional accounting work involving the preparation, analysis, and review of the City’s budget in compliance with applicable City codes and departmental policies. Responsibilities require the exercise of considerable independent judgment, initiative, and technical expertise within the Finance Department. Performance is evaluated through conferences, reports, and the quality and effectiveness of results achieved. Essential Job Functions Assists in the preparation, development, and review of the annual budget. Forecasts local government revenues and expenditures; interprets data; and formulates recommendations. Evaluates Departmental budgets; analyzes financial needs; assists in long range planning; and ensures revenues meet operational and capital requirements. Prepares spreadsheets and other analytical reports to streamline budget information, explain variances, and highlight quantitative data. Analyzes and interprets fiscal and accounting records; prepares periodic financial reports accurately, completely, and effectively in oral and written form, to include budget overviews, variance analyses, and capital project reports. Audits general ledger fund transactions and other Departmental records, as necessary. Certifies expenditures are consistent with approved budgetary appropriations. Assists the Finance Director in long-range financial planning and special projects. Conducts research in organizational methods and procedures. Prepares journal entries with supporting documentation for review and approval. Maintains fixed assets records, including depreciation expense, controls and records; reconciles fixed asset subsidiary ledger with the general ledger. Prepares year-end audit schedules; provides supporting documentation; serves as liaison with external audit team. Performs other duties as assigned. These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Strong working knowledge of computer hardware/software; considerable computer experience in Word, Excel, and Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, practices, and procedures. Working knowledge of government budget principles, practices and procedures. Knowledge of municipal organization and functions. Ability to research, collect, organize, and analyze fiscal and non-fiscal data and develop logical conclusions. Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with elected officials, Department Directors, the general public, and Staff in an effort to achieve common goals, objectives, and outcomes. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships. TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, or another related field, and five (5) years of governmental accounting or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must possess a valid Florida Driver License. Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions Physical Requirements Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction). Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid). Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Reaching. Use of fingers, use of hands. Sitting. Ability to access, input and retrieve information and data from a computer. Ability to access file cabinets for filing and retrieval of data. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Works inside in an office environment. The City of Safety Harbor is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The City of Safety Harbor offers an excellent, comprehensive benefits package to eligible full-time employees, which may include health, dental, and vision coverage; retirement and deferred compensation plans; flexible spending accounts; life insurance; long-term disability; 12 paid holidays; vacation and sick leave; and tuition reimbursement. For complete details, please refer to the Benefits Booklet 2025 - 2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr