Budget Analyst 2

State of Montana • Helena, MT

11d

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, and serves as the primary budget advisor to the Trust Lands Deputy Division Administrator.

The Budget Analyst manages day-to-day finances for trust lands programs within the Division. In partnership with Division leadership, bureau and program staff, Financial Services, and other budget and financial staff, the analyst ensures that budgets, expenditures, revenues, fund balances, cash flow, and projections are accurate, current, and aligned with program needs, approved budgets, and available funding. The position requires a strong foundation in public-sector budgeting and financial management, as well as 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.

Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest and how their experience aligns with the role, along with a resume, through the State of Montana Careers site. A fingerprint and background check and a valid driver’s license are required. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States; the State of Montana does not sponsor employment authorization.

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 use of 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 plan, organize, and direct short- and long-term fiscal management programs.
• Ability to develop and explain accurate, realistic projections and identify potential funding concerns before they affect operations or compliance.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and to negotiate consensus with staff, leadership, agencies, legislators, auditors, and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external colleagues, agencies, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and time-management practices.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States. The selected person must provide work-authorization documents within three days of hire; the State of Montana does not sponsor.
• Valid driver’s license required, with fewer than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.
• Fingerprint and background check required.

Responsibilities

• Administer short- and long-term fiscal plans for 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 finances 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.
• Monitor and analyze budgets, expenditures, revenues, fund balances, cash flow, and available authority across multiple funds and programs.
• Develop and explain financial projections and identify potential funding concerns before they affect operations or compliance.
• Analyze, interpret, and explain financial data; investigate discrepancies; and address routine, unusual, and unprecedented financial and budgetary problems.
• Prepare financial reports, budget materials, and legislative documentation.
• Maintain working relationships with Division leadership, program staff, Financial Services staff, 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, and holiday leave; vacation leave increases with years of service.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
• Retirement plans, including Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plans, plus an optional 457b Plan.
• May qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Longevity pay with continued state service.

What This Job Offers

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