Budget Analyst 2

State of Montana • Helena, MT

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources is hiring a Budget Analyst for the Trust Lands division. The position administers short- and long-term fiscal plans related to trust lands management, grants administration, long-range building plans, and legislative budget proposals. It oversees budget development, procurement, contracting, facilities management, and ongoing division operations; serves as the primary budget advisor to the Trust Lands Deputy Division Administrator; and performs other duties as assigned.

The Budget Analyst manages day-to-day finances for trust lands programs within the Division. Working with Division leadership, bureau and program staff, Financial Services, and other budget and financial staff, the analyst ensures budgets, expenditures, revenues, fund balances, cash flow, and projections are accurate, current, and aligned with program needs, approved budgets, and available funding. The role requires a strong foundation in public-sector budgeting and financial management, and the ability to learn and apply the Division’s funding requirements, revenue streams, statutory obligations, and operational needs. The position reports to the Trust Lands Deputy Division Administrator and is based in Helena, Montana.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States and hold a valid driver’s license with fewer than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months. Fingerprinting and a background check are required. The State of Montana does not sponsor employment visas and participates in E-Verify.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, public administration, finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of job-related experience; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Extensive skill in fiscal management, budgeting, expenditure and revenue forecasting, program administration, plan implementation, financial analysis, and standard office and specialized financial software applications.
• Knowledge of public-sector accounting, financial management, budget development and administration, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of state budgeting, appropriations, legislative processes, fiscal notes, and implementation of enacted budget decisions.
• Knowledge of program management, public administration, contract administration and negotiation, procurement, grant administration, and financial internal controls.
• Knowledge of the Department’s mission, Division goals and objectives, and trust lands programs’ funding structures and operational needs.
• Knowledge of trust principles, trust accounting, statutory requirements, trust-related legal obligations, trust revenue classifications and restrictions, the Trust Accounting Cap, the public-school-trust 95/5 rule, the Earnings Reserve, and applicable Morrill Act and Montana Code Annotated requirements.
• Knowledge of financial systems and reporting tools, including SABHRS, IBARS, ATLAS, standard office software, and specialized accounting and budget applications.
• Knowledge of organizational theory, employment law, program requirements, personnel-management practices and techniques, and applicable collective-bargaining agreements.
• Ability to develop and explain accurate, realistic projections; identify funding concerns; analyze and explain complex financial information; investigate discrepancies; and apply judgment to financial and budgetary problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, prepare clear financial and legislative materials, and negotiate consensus with varied stakeholders.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and time-management skills.
• Valid driver’s license with fewer than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; the State does not sponsor employment visas.
• Fingerprinting and a background check are required.
• Submit a cover letter describing interest and relevant experience, along with a resume, through the State of Montana Careers site.

Responsibilities

• Administer short- and long-term fiscal plans related to trust lands management, grants administration, long-range building plans, and legislative budget proposals.
• Oversee budget development, procurement, contracting, facilities management, and ongoing division operations.
• Serve as the primary budget advisor to the Trust Lands Deputy Division Administrator.
• Manage day-to-day financial operations for trust lands programs within the Division.
• Partner with Division leadership, bureau and program staff, Financial Services, and other budget and financial staff to keep budgets, expenditures, revenues, fund balances, cash flow, and projections accurate, current, and aligned with program needs, approved budgets, and available funding.
• Plan, organize, and direct short- and long-term fiscal management programs.
• Monitor and analyze budgets, expenditures, revenues, fund balances, cash flow, and available authority across multiple funds and programs.
• Develop and explain realistic projections and identify potential funding concerns before they affect operations or compliance.
• Analyze complex financial data, investigate discrepancies, and address routine, unusual, and unprecedented financial and budgetary problems.
• Prepare financial reports, budget materials, and legislative documentation; communicate and negotiate with staff, leadership, agencies, legislators, auditors, and the public.
• Maintain effective working relationships with Division leadership, program staff, Financial Services, other budget and business analysts, external agencies, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Meet recurring reporting, fiscal, legislative, and fiscal-year-end close deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; vacation leave increases with years of service.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
• Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution retirement plans, plus an optional 457b Plan.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility may apply.
• Longevity pay with continued state service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level