Strategic Budget Analyst - City Leadership & Planning

Help turn financial data into strategic decisions that shape Lancaster’s future. The City of Lancaster, Texas is seeking a highly analytical, collaborative, and strategic professional to serve as Assistant to the City Manager – Budget within the City Manager’s Office. This position serves as a key resource to executive leadership in the development, analysis, administration, and long-range planning of the City’s financial priorities. The position coordinates the City’s annual operating and capital budget process, supports development of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), prepares multi-year financial forecasts and analysis, monitors departmental budget performance, and provides recommendations that support responsible and effective use of City resources. Key responsibilities include evaluating departmental budget requests and funding needs; monitoring revenues and expenditures; conducting fiscal-impact and cost-benefit analyses; developing financial forecasts and performance measures; supporting long-range financial planning; conducting benchmarking and financial research; and recommending improvements to financial policies, procedures, and processes. Working closely with the City Manager’s Office, Finance Department, department directors, and other City leadership, this position translates complex financial and operational information into clear reports, presentations, and recommendations for executive leadership and City Council. The ideal candidate will be able to see the story behind the numbers, identify trends, risks, and opportunities, ask thoughtful questions, develop practical solutions, and clearly communicate what financial information means for City operations and future priorities. At the City of Lancaster, we Lead with PRIDE — Productivity, Resourcefulness, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence. This position supports those values through responsible stewardship of public resources, thoughtful analysis, collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, or a closely related field, and four years of progressively responsible professional experience in municipal budgeting, financial analysis, government finance, accounting, fiscal operations, public administration, or a closely related field. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience may be considered. Municipal or other governmental budgeting experience is strongly preferred. Preferred experience includes annual operating and capital budget development, municipal or governmental finance, revenue and expenditure forecasting, Capital Improvement Programs, financial and fiscal-impact analysis, performance measurement, cost-benefit analysis, long-range financial planning, executive or City Council reporting and presentations, financial policy or process improvement, and governmental accounting or auditing. The successful candidate should have strong analytical, financial, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to analyze and interpret complex financial information; identify trends, discrepancies, risks, and potential concerns; develop practical recommendations; conduct research and benchmarking; manage multiple priorities and strict deadlines; and prepare clear, professional reports and presentations for executive leadership and elected officials. The position requires the ability to establish effective working relationships with City leadership, departments, employees, residents, and other stakeholders; exercise sound independent judgment; maintain confidentiality; and appropriately handle sensitive financial and organizational information. Proficiency with spreadsheet, database, accounting, financial reporting, project management, word processing, and other job-related software is expected. A valid Class C driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required. Driving is a requirement of the position. The position may require work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, to meet budget deadlines, attend meetings, support City Council activities, or respond during departmental or Citywide emergencies. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Maypearl