Budget Specialist (Grade 16)

Yuma County•Yuma, AZ

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Under minimal supervision, this position provides technical and analytical support in the development, monitoring, and reporting of the County’s annual budget. This role requires strong critical thinking, independent analysis, and sound judgment to interpret complex financial data and support strategic decision-making. The position has county-wide responsibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, accounting or finance.
Two years of experience in finance, accounting, analytical or budgetary work.
Experience, preferably in a governmental or public sector setting.
Intermediate proficiency with Excel.
Requires successful completion of a background check.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of County policies and procedures.
Knowledge of budget preparation, administration, and analysis.
Knowledge of public sector organization and functions, preferably in a County.
Knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting practices and procedures.
Skill in analyzing and evaluating effectiveness of financial, management, and organizational programs to develop solutions to enhance operations.
Skill in distilling raw data into written reports presented in a manner useful to decision-makers and to the public.
Ability to learn theory, principles, and practices of budgeting and finance.
Ability to learn principles, programs and practices of fiscal analysis and research methodology.
Ability to learn financial systems software and the general application information technology systems to forecasting and analysis.
Ability to learn fiscal management techniques, policies and procedures.
Ability to learn performance measurement techniques of a local government.
Ability to learn statistical and quantitative analysis techniques.
Ability to learn federal and state regulations relative to local government finance.
Ability to learn research methods and technical report writing.
Ability to learn to collect, interpret and evaluate narrative and statistical data pertaining to fiscal and management matters and translated results into coherent, well written reports.
Ability to learn how to analyze and understand complex issues related to assigned area of responsibility and develop effective recommendations.
Ability to learn how to perform financial analysis utilizing current technology comparable to that employed by the County.
Ability to manage and organize large amounts of data in an accurate and easily understandable manner.
Ability to effectively design accurate and complex spreadsheets.
Ability to establish and maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, other agencies, and the public.
Ability to work independently and as a team member.
Ability to recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to read, to write and synthesize data and reports.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to plan, prioritize, manage and respond to multiple assignments.
Ability to effectively respond to phone calls, emails and complaints in a timely manner.
Ability to lift up to 5 – 25 lbs.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job specifications with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Provides technical analysis in the evaluation, preparation, and presentation of the annual countywide budget, ensuring alignment with fiscal policies, strategic priorities, and available resources.
Evaluates departmental budget requests ensuring compliance with budget guidelines.
Conducts ongoing budget analysis and variance reporting across departments; identifies root causes of variances and collaborates with departments to implement corrective actions.
Exercises independent judgment to challenge assumptions, validate data integrity, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
Interprets and evaluates large datasets to identify anomalies, inefficiencies, and emerging budget issues.
Assists with preparing and presenting budget amendments through agenda items to the County Board of Supervisors.
Serves as a resource to departments and elected offices by providing guidance on budget development, budget policies, and resource allocation.
Provides training and ongoing support to department staff, department directors, and elected officials.
Ensures effective system utilization and data integrity with budget software applications.
Assists in the preparation, analysis, and publication of the County’s annual Budget Book and Budget-in-Brief.
Assists in the development, analysis, and maintenance of the County’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Assists in the development and maintenance of long-range planning.
Supports OMB leadership by preparing summaries, reports, and presentation materials that translate complex financial data into understandable information for decision-makers.
Responds to complex ad hoc reporting and analytical requests, often under tight deadlines.
Assists in the development and implementation of budget policies and procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned.