Budget Analyst V - Method of Finance

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

7d • $6,378 - $8,582

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Budget Analyst V performs highly advanced, senior-level budget preparation and analysis for various DFPS program areas. Reporting to the Method of Finance Budget Manager within the Office of Finance, the position oversees planning, organizing, coordinating, and evaluating budget activities required to produce reports such as the Legislative Appropriations Request, Governor’s Legislative Operating Budget, monthly financial reports, and other required reports. The role works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment and may assign or supervise other budget staff.

The position supports designated Strategies by coordinating budget activities, preparing and analyzing financial reports, advising on expenditure trends and possible reallocations, and monitoring operating budgets and methods of finance. It develops and evaluates budget requests, analyzes cost estimates for proposed legislation and exceptional items, and coordinates implementation of the impacts of new laws and rules. The Budget Analyst V also verifies source data, reviews financial trends and variances, identifies unusual activity, and informs management about budget deviations and events that may affect operations.

The position is based in Austin, Texas. Flexibility in work hours, including overtime and/or extended hours, may be required. An Excel skills exercise may be administered during the interview process.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in finance, business, auditing, accounting, or a related field, plus two years of related professional experience in budget preparation or analysis, financial reporting, performance reporting, or statistical analysis or reporting.
• Related work experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of four years.
• Experience in budget preparation and analysis, financial management, fiscal policymaking, and performance measurement reporting.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and practices, budgetary procedures, management principles and practices, legal restrictions governing fund allocation, Appropriation Control, Cash Management, Grant/CFDA Management, Cost Allocation, and Federal Reporting.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and present statistical data and produce statistical reports; make budget projections; and analyze financial data.
• Skill in applicable computer software, including Excel, Word, Access, HHSAS, CAPPS, USAS, or other financial systems.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives; monitor and report on performance measurement; analyze management problems and develop and present alternative solutions; coordinate data gathering and analysis; and plan, assign, and/or supervise others.
• Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
• Employees must complete required security training and abide by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.
• Staff must be familiar with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility standards for creating accessible electronic information resources.
• Employees must provide documentation establishing identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Current or prior State of Texas or DFPS experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate budget activities and prepare, review, and analyze routine financial reports for designated Strategies.
• Provide consultation and technical assistance in monitoring and analyzing expenditure patterns and trends to identify potential reallocations, realignments, or adjustments.
• Lead the coordination of budgeting procedures, preparation, analysis, and reporting.
• Assist in developing policies, procedures, and instructions concerning budget functions.
• Monitor, review, and analyze operating budgets and methods of finance to ensure budgeted and appropriated amounts are aligned, funds are appropriately allocated, and funds are used appropriately.
• Develop and evaluate budget requests; monitor budgets, encumbrances, and expenditures; and make adjustments as needed.
• Prepare, review, and analyze agency cost estimates for proposed legislation and exceptional items in coordination with program staff.
• Lead and coordinate implementation of, and assess impacts from, state law and rule changes resulting from new legislation.
• Work with Budget management to establish work methods, priorities, and methodologies or techniques for budget evaluations.
• Inform management of budget deviations and events likely to affect operations within designated Strategies.
• Review key and non-key performance and workload measures required by the Legislative Budget Board for opportunities to reallocate financial resources.
• Provide a secondary review of operational cost estimates for affordability at the Strategy level.
• Verify, review, and analyze source documents and data at the Strategy level; review trend and variance analyses, test for reasonableness, and identify unusual financial activity.
• Plan and assign tasks to team members in the absence of the Budget Manager or when authorized.
• Perform other duties as assigned and as needed to maintain unit operations.
• Promote and demonstrate appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and work-related contacts.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid coverage for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus access to 401(k) and 457 savings plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at rates described as lower than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

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