Program Budget Analyst

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Division's Budget Planning & Analytics Manager I, the Budget Analyst performs analytical, consultative, and technical budget functions in support of program operations. The incumbent is responsible for developing, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on operating and highway maintenance budgets; ensuring compliance with State policies; and providing fiscal guidance to management. This position works closely with program managers, accounting, procurement, and headquarters budget offices to support effective resource management and decision-making. The incumbent ensures all activities comply with state and departmental policies, and collaborates with management and program staff to improve operational efficiency. This position plays a key role in supporting the Division's fiscal accountability, resource management, and administrative coordination.

PARF# 04-27-0411 / JC-530871

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Analyst II exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click and search by typing in the classification title.

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Working Conditions

Work is conducted in a typical office setting with standard office equipment and minimal exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Adhere to ergonomic principles and workplace safety guidelines to ensure a comfortable and safe working This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans's current telework policy. While Caltrans supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate may be required to conduct business travel on behalf of the Department or commute to the headquartered location. Business travel reimbursements considers an employee's designated Headquarters Location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate

Position located at 111 Grand Ave., Oakland, Alameda County.

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Special Requirements

• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Failure to submit a Statement of Qualifications will disqualify candidates from the hiring process.

The SOQ serves as documentation of each applicant’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please follow the instructions below; failure to include and complete the SOQ as instructed may result in the SOQ not being considered and in disqualification from the interview. Each question must be numbered and addressed in the same order as the questions below. The SOQ must be typed, no more than three pages in length, and 12-point Century Gothic font.

Analyst II – Budget Reporting & Expenditure Adjustments

1. Describe your experience with budget development, monitoring, and reporting. Explain how you have tracked expenditures against an approved budget, identified variances, and communicated your findings to management.

2. Describe a situation where you identified an expenditure that was incorrectly charged to a program, fund, or accounting code. What steps did you take to research the issue, determine the appropriate correction, process the adjustment, and prevent similar errors from occurring?

3. Explain your experience preparing recurring budget or expenditure reports. What systems, databases, or analytical tools have you used, and how did you ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented to management?

4. Describe a time when you identified a significant variance between budget and actual expenditures. How did you investigate the cause, what analysis did you perform, and what recommendations did you provide?

5. Budget reporting often requires reconciling information from multiple sources. Describe a time when you had to reconcile conflicting financial or expenditure data. Explain how you identified the discrepancy and verified which information was accurate.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification.  Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: or . Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Experience in budget and expenditure analysis, financial reporting, expenditure adjustments, reconciliation, and forecasting. Experience using enterprise financial management systems such as FI$Cal, SAP, Advantage, or similar systems. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, formulas, Power Query, and data analysis. Experience developing Power BI dashboards, reports, data models, and visualizations, including knowledge of Power Query and/or DAX. Experience using Power Automate to automate reporting, notifications, approvals, data collection, and other business processes. Experience integrating data from multiple sources and developing automated reporting solutions. Knowledge of governmental budgeting, accounting, procurement, appropriations, reimbursements, and expenditure processes. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial information, identify discrepancies and trends, recommend solutions, improve business processes, and communicate financial information effectively to management and program staff. Experience providing training and serving as a subject-matter resource is highly desirable.

Benefits

to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.

Important Application Instructions:

Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.

Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.

NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position. Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.