Budget Analyst III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d

About The Position

The Budget Analyst III performs beginner to mid-level budget preparation and analysis work. Work involves coordinating budgetary activities, reviewing and analyzing budgets and performance measures, and providing technical advice and assistance on budgetary matters. Provides ongoing budget management to ensure financial resources are allocated in the most efficient manner to best support services, and expenditures are maintained within approved levels.

Assists with preparing supporting documentation and Monthly Financial Reports (MFRs) for submission to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB). Assists with preparation of operating budgets and other required reports. Provides technical advice and assistance to department staff on budgetary matters. Works under limited supervision of the Budget Manager, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of accounting, budgetary, and management principles, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of cost allocation and forecasting methodologies.
• Knowledge of legislative appropriation request and annual operating budget processes. of automated accounting, budgeting, and forecasting programs; and of performance measurement and reporting.
• Skill in analyzing financial data, and in the use of a computer and applicable software including but not limited to Excel, Access, Word, Centralized Accounting and Payroll Personnel System (CAPPS), and Automated Budget and Evaluation System of Texas (ABEST).
• Ability to analyze fiscal management information to determine appropriate use of funds Ability to perform statistical analyses.
• Ability to identify and develop budgetary reports and schedules.
• Ability to analyze management problems and develop and present solutions Ability to communicate effectively and to supervise the work of others.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a related field is generally preferred.
• Experience in budget preparation and analysis and in performance measurement reporting work.
• Education and experience may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates budgeting procedures to ensure efficient and effective monitoring of funding levels and expenditures.
• Participates in the preparation of budgetary adjustments and reporting, including but not limited to the monthly financial report, and program monitoring reports.
• Participates in the development and production of monthly and ad-hoc budget and statistical reports illustrating FTE levels, salary, travel, overhead, and cost pool, for actual expenses and projected trends.
• Interprets and clarifies financial and budget policies and procedures for agency staff.
• Develops and evaluates performance and workload measures associated with designated DFPS strategies to ensure accurate and appropriate reporting to the Legislative Budget Board and other entities.
• Analyzes financial resources needed to meet performance measure targets and prepares reports on the performance measures.
• Initiates budget adjustments when there is a need to revise allocations.
• Analyzes agency expenditures and program trends and develops budget formulas in preparation of legislative appropriations requests, fiscal notes, requests for federal funding, and agency budget instructions.
• Examines operating budgets to determine whether funds have been appropriately allocated by providing advice and assistance on financial planning and management, ways to better utilize funds and staff, improvement in management accountability, and efficient means to reach program objectives.
• Prepares budgets to provide management with expenditure data, trends, and recommendations.
• Participates in the development and loading of monthly budget projections, in accordance with established guidelines.
• Prepares, monitors, reviews, and analyzes operating budgets to ensure budgeted amounts are aligned to appropriated amounts in the most efficient manner, funds have been appropriately allocated, and funds are maintained within approved levels.
• Assists in the analysis of expenditure patterns and cost drivers, and makes recommendations on the use of funds.
• Reconciles federal grant awards amounts by federal fiscal year to budget amount.
• Maintains and ensures documentation to support appropriations and adjustments (such as approved letters, contracts and grants awards notifications) are updated timely and stored in an organized fashion
• Ensures that funds are available and that items being ordered meet established agency guidelines, and that the cost pool items ordered are included in the approved Cost Pool Core List.
• Performs budget liaison functions with designated agency programs and leadership staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees