Budget Analyst



JOB CODE: 1426

PAY GRADE: 1210

SALARY RANGE: $41,114 - $69,994

LOCATION OF WORK
Finance Department

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of a higher classification, performs professional work in fiscal budget formulation and administration as a staff specialist. Work involves assisting in all phases of the budgeting process, including budget planning, preparation of budget manuals, budget preparation and review, and ensuring compliance with City-Parish budgeting procedures. Close supervision and guidance is required until the incumbent becomes sufficiently proficient to exercise independent judgment in accordance with established policies, rules and regulations. Work is subject to review through discussion and observation of results obtained. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Assists in preparation of the various components of annual operating budgets of various departments; estimates various types of costs, determines needs for supplies, equipment, services and estimated revenues. Reviews all purchases and expenditures of certain departments and agencies to ensure compliance with budget and established policies and procedures; monitors departmental spending to ensure compliance with the approved budget. Reviews budgets for grant applications; attends Preliminary Grants Review and Contracts Review Committee meetings. Prepares detailed revenue and expenditure projections and estimates of fund balance for various departments. Reviews payment vouchers, budget transfer requests, purchase orders, and budget supplements. Assists department heads and/or fiscal personnel concerning various operational and fiscal matters. Designs and sets up computer spreadsheets for budgetary purposes. Performs special projects.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of modern municipal budgetary methods and techniques. Knowledge of the laws, ordinances and regulations governing the financial operation of the jurisdiction involved, particularly as applicable to budgetary activities. Knowledge of the various City-Parish government departments and agencies and their operations. Knowledge of the municipal accounting, purchasing, and financial systems. Skill in the operation and care of computers, calculators and other office machines used in connection with accounting work. Ability to analyze accounting, financial and statistical statements, and reports for budgetary and administrative purposes. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department heads and other officials and to exercise initiative and judgment in difficult situations. Ability to prepare and write clear, concise reports. Ability to make decisions based on recognized precedents and practices and to use resourcefulness and tact in meeting problems. Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions. Ability to use a computer for word processing and spreadsheet applications. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree with at least twenty-four semester (thirty-six quarter) hours of a university professional accounting curriculum.

SUBSTITUTIONS
Master's degree with at least twenty-one semester (thirty-one and a half quarter) hours of a university professional accounting curriculum.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES / REGISTRATIONS
(Unless otherwise specified below, must possess at the time of appointment and must be maintained current throughout employment in this classification.) None.

OTHER JOB ASPECTS
None.


NOTE:
The work examples described in this specification are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from job performance requirements if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the job.