Senior Budget Manager

Senior Budget Manager

Under general direction of the Director of Finance & Business Operations, the Budget Manager is responsible for the development, oversight, monitoring, and analysis of all budgets. This position ensures full compliance with Office of Head Start regulations, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200 and applicable federal and state requirements.

The Director of Finance and Business Operation provide general direction and supervision to this position. This position exercises supervision over Accountant II and Bookkeeper. This position ensures full compliance with Office of Head Start regulations, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200, and applicable federal and state requirements.

Plans, develop, monitors, and analyzes Head Start and Early Head Start budgets and fiscal activities to ensure compliance with all funding requirements, program scope, and organizational policies.

A. Budget Development and Planning

• Leads the development of annual operating budget for Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

• Prepares budgets for funding applications, continuation applications, Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), and Quality Improvement initiatives.

• Coordinates budget development activities with program leadership and service area managers.

• Ensures alignment between approved budgets, funding enrollment levels, program scope, and service are plans.

• Develops detailed and compliant budget narrative consistent with Office Head Start requirements.

B. Budget Monitoring and Financial Analysis

• Monitors monthly actual-to-budget expenditures and analyzes trends and variances.

• Tracks personnel, fringe benefits, contracts, supplies, and equipment expenditures.

• Identifies fiscal risks and recommends corrective actions to management.

• Forecasts year-end expenditures and monitors grant cash flow.

• Monitors grant burn rates to ensure timely and allowable use of funds.

C. Federal and OHS Compliance

• Ensures compliance with Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200 and other applicable regulations.

• Reviews expenditures for allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and necessity.

• Monitors procurement thresholds and federal cost principles.

• Identifies and mitigates potential disallowed costs and compliance risks.

D. Cost Allocation and Payroll Oversight

• Oversees cost allocation methodologies across multiple funding sources and programs.

• Reviews payroll distributions and time-and-effort reporting to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Coordinates with Human Resources and Payroll to ensure appropriate staffing cost allocations.

E. Reporting and Oversight

• Prepares fiscal reports for the Office of Head Start, Policy Council, Governing Board, and executive leadership.

• Supports federal monitoring reviews, audits, and Single Audit processes.

• Maintains accurate, complete, and audit-ready fiscal documentation.

F. Internal Controls and Risk Management

• Enforces internal controls over budgetary expenditures and fiscal operations.

• Reviews purchasing requests for compliance with funding and procurement requirements.

G. Systems and Process Improvement

• Utilizes and maintains financial systems including Abila MIP, Paylocity, and Microsoft Excel.

• Develop standardized budget templates and financial tracking tools.

• Provides training and technical assistance to program staff on fiscal policies and compliance.

H. Collaboration and Leadership Support

• Serves as a fiscal liaison between the Finance Department and program operations.

• Supports strategic planning, sustainability initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of management of complex programs and operations. Must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the principles of financial projections and accounting services.

• Non-profit accounting principles in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and appropriate Code of Federal Regulations sections.

• Early Head Start/Head Start and State Preschool funded programs.

• MIP accounting software.

• 2 CFR Part 200 – Uniform Administrative Requirements.

Ability to:

• Develop, monitor, and analyze complex program budgets.

• Interpret and apply federal regulation and grant requirements.

• Identify fiscal risks and recommend corrective actions.

• Prepare accurate financial reports and narratives.

• Effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.

• Work with members of the management team to plan and implement adjustments, as necessary.

• Provide individual and group staff training as needed to ensure compliant practices and procedures for fiscal activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Baccalaureate degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field with strong background in accounting and fiscal management required. CPA License is highly preferred.

Experience: Minimum of at least seven (7) years of experience managing federal grant budgets with at least three (3) years of supervisory and professional experience in financial reporting, financial analysis, and other fiscal services programs. Experience in nonprofit or government-funded programs required; Head Start experience preferred.

Health Requirements

• Successful completion of an initial health examination, performed by or under the supervision of a physician, to determine, at a minimum, the prospective employee can perform requirements of the job description physical requirements.

• Proof of the absence of Tuberculosis, from a physician to that the prospective employee is clear to work with children and families.

• Documentation of current immunizations against influenza, Measles (MMR) and Pertussis (TDAP).

Additional Requirements

• Fingerprint clearances from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Index prior to starting employment.

• Completed and signed statement of any pending and/or prior criminal arrests/charges/convictions related to child sexual abuse, child abuse and neglect, and/or violent felonies.

• Verification that determines eligibility for employment in the United States of America.

• A valid California driver's license and the availability of private transportation or the ability to obtain transportation to perform position duties are required.

• As a mandated reporter of child abuse, must immediately report any suspected child abuse and/or neglect to Child Protective Services.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met, or are encountered, by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to twenty-five pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Maintain Professional and Ethical Standards

• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements.

• Respects and maintains rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children.

• Attends mandated trainings and meetings and seek out staff development opportunities.

• Works as a team member with all staff and maintain a positive work ethic.

• Acts conscientiously in performing routine duties.

• Adheres to Plaza de la Raza's Standard of Conduct which indicates that staff members are required to adhere to the following codes of conduct:

1. Respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability;

2. Follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families and other staff members;

3. Maintain visual observation of children at all times and not leave any child alone or unsupervised while under their care;

4. Use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation.

5. Not employ methods of discipline that involve isolation, the use of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs.

6. Not solicit or accept personal gratuities, favors or anything of significant monetary value from contractors or potential contractors.

7. Maintain respect and promote professional relationships with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), families, staff and children.

8. Refrain from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, and tobacco products in the