Budget Analyst

Veterans Health Administration • Iowa City, IA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Budget Analyst performs budget administration functions for research and medical care appropriated funds supporting Research and Development (R&D). The role includes formulating, justifying, presenting, and/or executing a portion of an R&D operating budget of $20–25 million. The position is not virtual; the employee must live within or be willing to relocate within commuting distance of the duty location.

The analyst supports budget planning and execution by preparing estimates, evaluating financial data and spending trends, monitoring obligations and expenditures, and advising management on resource allocation. The position also serves as Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for R&D contracts and coordinates with vendors and contractors regarding equipment and supplies or to resolve problems.

Work is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work is generally performed in an office, with some walking and standing to attend meetings and visit offices or buildings. The role requires concentration and sustained performance under prolonged stress because of deadlines and the nature of the work.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level in the Federal service, including budget formulation and execution; financial data and expenditure-trend analysis; preparation of budget estimates, forecasts, and reports; monitoring obligations, expenditures, and funding allocations; applying budget policies and regulations; and advising management on financial planning, resource allocation, and budget discrepancies.
• Alternatively, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.M. may substitute for experience, provided the education demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and is from an accredited institution.
• Alternatively, an equivalent combination of qualifying graduate education beyond the second year and specialized experience may meet the GS-11 requirements; the graduate courses must demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Submit transcripts when using education to qualify.
• Complete the required application steps, questionnaire, and online assessment.
• Register with Selective Service if a male born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete a background/security investigation and required online onboarding and pre-employment identification requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as required for Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a one-year probationary period.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within commuting distance of the duty location.

Responsibilities

• Formulate, justify, execute, and monitor budgets for organizational programs, including preparing annual estimates, analyzing funding requirements, and tracking obligations and expenditures.
• Analyze financial data, historical spending trends, and projected costs to identify funding shortfalls, recommend adjustments, and support effective use of appropriated funds.
• Prepare financial reports, budget projections, and supporting documentation for management decisions about resource allocation and program operations.
• Apply federal budgetary regulations, financial management policies, and appropriations requirements to ensure proper allocation, obligation, and expenditure of funds.
• Coordinate with program managers, fiscal personnel, contracting officials, and other stakeholders to resolve budget discrepancies, reconcile financial records, and support budget execution.
• Monitor financial commitments for contracts, personnel agreements, and other program expenditures to confirm funding availability, accurate accounting, and compliance.
• Provide management with technical guidance and recommendations on budget planning, financial controls, cost analysis, and efficient use of resources.
• Serve as Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for R&D contracts and as a point of contact for vendors and contractors regarding equipment and supplies or problem resolution.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Eligible selected applicants may request credit for prior work or military service toward annual leave accrual; approval is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree