Budget Specialist

Job SummaryThis position is advertised from the minimum to the mid-point hourly rate. Salary will be determined on education and experience at the time of offer. Under minimal supervision, provides technical and analytical support in the development, monitoring, and reporting of the County's annual budget. This position requires strong critical thinking, independent analysis, and sound judgment to interpret complex financial data and support strategic decision-making. This position has county wide responsibility.Nature of WorkProvides technical analysis in the evaluation, preparation, and presentation of the annual countywide budget, ensuring alignment with fiscal policies, strategic priorities, and available resources; evaluates departmental budget requests ensuring compliance with budget guidelines; conducts ongoing budget analysis and variance reporting across departments; identifies root causes of variances and collaborates with departments to implement corrective actions; exercises independent judgment to challenge assumptions, validate data integrity, and ensure fiscal responsibility; interprets and evaluates large datasets to identify anomalies, inefficiencies, and emerging budget issues; assists with preparing and presenting budget amendments through agenda items to the County Board of Supervisors; serves as a resource to departments and elected offices by providing guidance on budget development, budget policies, and resource allocation; provides training and ongoing support to department staff, department directors, and elected officials; ensures effective system utilization and data integrity with budget software applications; assists in the preparation, analysis, and publication of the County's annual Budget Book and Budget-in-Brief; assists in the development, analysis, and maintenance of the County's Capital Improvement Program (CIP); assists in the development and maintenance of long-range planning; supports OMB leadership by preparing summaries, reports, and presentation materials that translate complex financial data into understandable information for decision-makers; responds to complex ad hoc reporting and analytical requests, often under tight deadlines; assists in the development and implementation of budget policies and procedures; regular and reliable attendance is required; performs other duties as assigned.Experience and EducationBachelor's degree in public or business administration, accounting or finance, plus two years of experience in finance, accounting, analytical or budgetary work; experience, preferably in a governmental or public sector setting, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience and intermediate proficiency with Excel; requires successful completion of a background check.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of: County policies and procedures; budget preparation, administration, and analysis; public sector organization and functions, preferably in a County; governmental accounting and budgeting practices and procedures. Skill in: Analyzing and evaluating effectiveness of financial, management, and organizational programs to develop solutions to enhance operations; distilling raw data into written reports presented in a manner useful to decision-makers and to the public. Ability to: Learn theory, principles, and practices of budgeting and finance; principles, programs and practices of fiscal analysis and research methodology financial systems software and the general application information technology systems to forecasting and analysis; fiscal management techniques, policies and procedures; performance measurement techniques of a local government; statistical and quantitative analysis techniques; federal and state regulations relative to local government finance; learn research methods and technical report writing; learn how to collect, interpret and evaluate narrative and statistical data pertaining to fiscal and management matters and translated results into coherent, well written reports; learn how to analyze and understand complex issues related to assigned area of responsibility and develop effective recommendations; learn how to perform financial analysis utilizing current technology comparable to that employed by the County; manage and organize large amounts of data in an accurate and easily understandable manner; effectively design accurate and complex spreadsheets; establish and maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, other agencies, and the public; work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines; read, to write and synthesize data and reports; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; plan, prioritize, manage and respond to multiple assignments; effectively respond to phone calls, emails and complaints in a timely manner; lift up to 5 – 25 lbs; perform the essential functions of the job specifications with or without a reasonable accommodation. Work Environment: The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity; generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking and 20% standing; working at a computer monitor for extended periods required; the job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment; this position operates in a deadline-driven environment requiring attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple assignments. Contacts: Work involves substantial contact with department staff, department directors, elected officials, County Administrator, County Board of Supervisors, outside agencies, and the public. Independent Judgment: Work is performed within general policy guidelines and under the direction of the Budget Director; this position is expected to go beyond transactional tasks by actively analyzing, questioning, and improving processes while ensuring accountability and stewardship of public funds; assignments are received in the form of results expected and due dates; work product and results are regularly monitored. EOE/AA/ADAAA/M/F/V/D DRUG FREE WORKPLACE