Budget and Policy Analyst

Salt Lake County•Salt Lake City, UT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Budget and Policy Analyst for the Salt Lake County (SLCO) Council, under the general direction of the Council Fiscal Manager, helps provide analytical support to the SLCO Council and its staff in all aspects of the county’s budgeting, accounting, and financial operations. The SLCO Council requires information that is timely, accurate, and nonpartisan. It is necessary to communicate financial information both orally and in writing; identify policy options and their financial and operational implications, and clearly explain and defend analytical results and their policy implications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or other closely related fields, plus at least five (5) years of related experience; OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience.
Principles and practices of public administration, including management and organizational design
Practices and techniques for researching and developing new or improved policies to enhance County operations on a broad and/or specialized scale
Trends in public-sector management philosophies and effective implementation processes
Government and cost accounting principles, methods, and techniques.
Local, State, and Federal legislative processes
Organization, structure, and functional responsibilities of County departments, agencies, and advisory groups
Principles and techniques of effective public relations
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standard for budget reporting and disclosure
Performance-based budgeting and evidence-based budgeting
Perform financial analysis and interpretation
Effectively use Microsoft Office applications, budgeting software, reporting systems, and financial database programs
Develop sound policy recommendations within own area of expertise and assignment
Identify policy shortfalls and initiate needed research to develop new or improved policies to address problem areas
Conduct sensitive research and investigations into managerial issues and problems which may lead to the formulation of new or revised policies
Analyze existing and proposed policies for financial soundness
Communicate the rationale, advantages, and implementation plans for new and revised policies
Maintain required security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the course of assigned duties
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County management and administrative officials
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
Thinks on one’s feet
Anticipates and responds to questions as they arise
Exhibits quantitative and software skills
Enjoys an abiding curiosity regarding public policy as it relates to county residents.

Responsibilities

Analyze the county-wide budget, working with county elected officials and departments to address budget issues, including monthly expenditure patterns, revenue shortfall, and interim budget requests
Identify financial options available to the SLCO Council, and be prepared to clearly explain, upon request, any implications the various options may have on established county policies, or on those policies the SLCO Council has asked the fiscal staff to consider as part of its budgetary analysis
In conjunction with the Council Fiscal Manager, provide recommendations to the Council Members and their staff on annual, mid-year, and interim budget requests from county organizations and their budget and policy implications; verify specific needs and recommend changes for adjustments; prepare budget data and budget justification information as required.
Prepare and present final budget proposals to the SLCO Council
Prepare financial reports either periodically or on an ad hoc basis.
Prepare revenue and expenditure projections, and analyze and review variances relative to the adopted budget
Monitor Countywide revenues and expenditures
Analyze and make recommendations regarding the strategic planning of county organizations
Coordinate with various stakeholders to improve the County’s Performance-Based Budgeting (PBB) process
Use PBB outcome measures to initiate program evaluations and to develop improvement strategies that result in cost-effective program changes.
Ensure PBB metrics accurately measure the effects of new cost-effective program changes.
Manage the SLCO Council’s annual budget and ongoing finances
Prepare and deliver presentations; and help staff and represent the Council on various county boards and committees as requested
Listen and respond effectively to elected and appointed officials and promotes understanding and partnership among them
Perform special projects and studies as assigned--including associated inquiries, correspondence, and reports.
Ensure appropriate record keeping is maintained consistent with SLCO policies
Record and enter the Council budget requests in the County’s budgeting software
Serve as the Council Office’s travel coordinator, property manager, and payroll coordinator, and coordinate the Office’s compliance with relevant policies and procedures

Benefits

12 Holidays
up to 24 vacation days
12 sick days
one personal day every year
Retirement options for hybrid pension/401(k) or 401(k) only with a 10% contribution
Medical coverage including a 100% county paid premium option
Dental and Vision coverage including coverage for adult designees
Health Savings account with a county contribution up to $1200/year
Flexible Spending Account
100% county-paid Long-Term Disability and Short-Term Disability option
Professional Development including professional membership fees paid
Tuition Reimbursement