Budget Analyst

Position Overview Welcome to the City of Houston’s Finance Department. Our Financial Planning and Analysis Division is responsible for development and management of the City budget and the Five-Year Plan. We play a key role in the Mayor’s effort to build a vibrant, resilient and equitable Houston that works for all our two million residents. We have an exciting opportunity for a Budget Analyst IV to join our rapidly growing team of professionals in making Houston a city for everyone. As a Budget Analyst IV you will oversee the management of funds for the city-wide budget over $7 billion, in addition to the monthly and quarterly financial reporting, ad‑hoc analysis for presentation and review by the Mayor. The Budget Analyst IV works collaboratively with City departments to deliver accurate consolidated financial reporting including monthly/quarterly financial forecasts, annual budget, long‑range planning and identify financial risks and opportunities. The ideal candidate should be able to perform financial and statistical analysis, provide on‑going, timely and accurate ad‑hoc financial and data analysis, and evaluation and recommendation reports to support decision‑making processes. Focus on forecasting future results, analyzing trends and looking for possible challenges before financial impacts are realized. FP&A BUDGET MANAGEMENT The role and duties of a Budget Analyst IV will include but are not limited to: Coordinate and direct the development, implementation and monitoring of various financial activity and procedures to effectively manage budgets, programs and systems. Undertake in-depth analyses, make recommendations to management. Generate and oversee various budget and financial reports and others as requested by management. Establish and maintain budgeting and accounting policies and procedures for the section. Proficient in analyzing financial information and providing variance and forecast analysis and reports. Review financial material and make recommendations as appropriate. Act as a liaison for the department. Provide technical assistance, financial analysis, and budget analysis to various departments as necessary. Participate in other projects as requested by management. May provide forecast and analyze weekly, monthly and annual expenditures. Strong written and oral skills, able to think critically and creatively. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills; detail oriented with strong organizational and time‑management skills. Self‑starter and committed to completing tasks timely. Demonstrated customer service skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, internal and external stakeholders. Essential Attributes Curious Learners – We are never done learning and always seek to improve. We are curious and dive deep to ask questions and better understand the City. We are skeptical of anecdotes and are willing to take the extra step to get the answers that we need to provide better insight or advice. Expertly Aware – We are experts. We understand our departments as well as anyone and are a go‑to resource for insight into what is going on in our areas of expertise. We also have relentlessly high standards for the work product we deliver and our skills and abilities. Geared Toward Action – We know that speed matters. We prefer to be decisive and not wait for others to tell us how to do something. We prefer to fail quickly and learn from our errors than to wait for others to tell us what to do or how to do it. See the Bigger Picture – We understand the City’s strategy and financial plan and know how it relates to our work. We question the value of the activities that we perform and always look for better, more efficient ways to accomplish our goals. Customer Focus – Keeping in mind the needs of both our internal and external clients when providing information. Working Conditions The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment. Minimum Requirements Education Requirements – Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a closely related field. Experience Requirements – Four years of professional experience in finance, budget analysis, economics or a closely related field are required. Experience cannot be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree requirement. A Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a closely related field may be substituted for two years of the above experience requirement. License Requirements – None. Preferences Budget and forecast preparation Management and personnel reporting Variance analysis Data analysis Technical assistance Financial and budget analysis experience Forecasting expenditures Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1‑6. Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. #J-18808-Ljbffr