Budget Analyst

Budget AnalystThe Budget Analyst reports directly to the Comptroller and serves as the primary operational resource for institutional budget development, budget administration, budget analysis, position budgeting, and budget reporting. The position coordinates the preparation, review, implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College's annual operating budget and prepares analyses and recommendations for review by the Comptroller. The Vice President for Finance and Operations provides executive oversight and final review of significant institutional budget recommendations and submissions, as appropriate. The Budget Analyst works closely with the Comptroller, institutional leadership, Human Resources, Payroll, departmental budget managers, and other campus stakeholders to ensure budgets and related financial structures are accurate, appropriately supported, properly authorized, and aligned with institutional priorities and University System of Georgia requirements. Day-to-day supervision, work assignments, performance management, and operational direction for this position are provided by the Comptroller. Because the position has access to highly sensitive and confidential institutional and personnel information, including proposed personnel actions, budget reductions, organizational changes, and potential reductions in force before decisions are finalized or communicated to affected employees, the Budget Analyst must exercise exceptional discretion and maintain strict confidentiality. The ability to safeguard this information and limit its disclosure to authorized individuals is essential to the effectiveness, credibility, and integrity of the position.MAJOR DUTIESBudget Development and PlanningBudget Monitoring, Analysis, and Decision SupportBudget Administration and Financial StructureUniversity System of Georgia Budget ReportingPersonnel and Position BudgetingDepartmental Support and TrainingPurchasing Card and Internal Control ResponsibilitiesOther Duties as AssignedKNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED BY THE POSITIONThe position requires knowledge of budgeting, financial analysis, general accounting principles, and financial-reporting practices. Knowledge of governmental or higher education accounting and budgeting principles and procedures. Ability to analyze complex financial information and identify trends, risks, inconsistencies, and potential corrective actions. Ability to develop financial forecasts, models, projections, and alternative budget scenarios. Advanced spreadsheet and data-management skills used to organize, reconcile, analyze, and present complex financial information. Ability to prepare accurate, complete, timely, and well-supported budget analyses, reports, amendments, forecasts, and submissions. Strong written, oral, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial information to financial and nonfinancial audiences. Strong attention to detail, organizational ability, time management, and capacity to manage multiple priorities and fixed deadlines. Ability to exercise sound professional judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining effective communication with the Comptroller. Ability to build collaborative relationships and provide responsive service to campus stakeholders. Commitment to accountability, accuracy, continuous process improvement, and responsible stewardship of institutional resources.COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORKThe position performs complex analytical and administrative work supporting the College's budget development, personnel budgeting, financial forecasting, reporting, and ongoing budget control. Work requires the interpretation and reconciliation of financial and personnel data from multiple systems; evaluation of budget requests and funding alternatives; maintenance of departments, projects, and related financial structures; and identification of material variances, risks, and emerging financial issues. The employee must balance recurring reporting requirements and fixed deadlines with unanticipated analyses and institutional priorities. The accuracy and timeliness of this work directly support management decisions, internal controls, institutional compliance, and financial stewardship.PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENTWork is performed primarily in a professional office environment using computers, financial systems, spreadsheets, and standard office equipment. The position regularly requires extended periods of sitting, computer use, reviewing detailed financial information, and communicating by telephone, video conference, and in person. The employee may be required to stand or walk across campus and may occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 10 pounds. Additional work hours may be required during annual budget development, fiscal year-end, quarterly reporting periods, system implementations, audits, or other peak operational periods. Occasional local or out-of-area travel may be required for training, meetings, or University System of Georgia activities.SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITYThis position reports directly to the Comptroller and does not currently have direct reports. The Budget Analyst provides functional guidance, training, and technical assistance to departmental budget managers and administrative staff. The position may coordinate assigned budget activities and special projects involving personnel from multiple departments.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a directly related field from an accredited college or university. Three years of progressively responsible experience in budgeting, financial analysis, accounting, finance, or a closely related area. Demonstrated experience preparing budgets, analyzing financial data, reconciling information, and preparing management reports. Demonstrated proficiency using spreadsheets and standard business software to organize and analyze financial information.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSFive or more years of progressively responsible experience in budget development, financial analysis, governmental accounting, or higher education finance. Experience with University System of Georgia budget practices and reporting requirements. Experience using PeopleSoft Financials, PeopleSoft HCM, Workday, Workday Adaptive Planning, or comparable enterprise financial and human-capital systems.