Public Service Executive II - Deputy State Budget Officer

Department of Administrative and Financial Services•Augusta, ME

About The Position

The State of Maine, Bureau of the Budget provides central budget and position planning and control in support of gubernatorial objectives and legislative intent. The Deputy State Budget Officer assists the State Budget Officer in administering a statewide budget process and system including overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Bureau and supervising Bureau staff. In the absence of the State Budget Officer, the Deputy assumes full responsibility for the functions of the Bureau. The Bureau’s professional services work involves instructing and advising departments and agencies in formulating budget and program requests; analyzing, implementing, and administering budgets, work programs and position actions for state departments and agencies; and conducting special analyses/projects and preparing reports on budget related policy issues. The Deputy’s responsibilities require a high degree of discretion, independence and objectivity. This professional must be capable of staying productive and making sound decisions with minimal supervision, as well as adjusting to constantly shifting priorities. In performing the duties of this position, this Deputy is expected to: Motivate and foster professionalism and teamwork among Bureau staff Demonstrate reasoned judgment, creativity and initiative in problem-solving and developing recommendations for executive consideration Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Bureau staff, peers and the management and staff of various departments and agencies Demonstrate a positive attitude and high degree of personal initiative and motivation; and Adhere to Bureau policies, procedures, standards and values.

Requirements

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and public finance.
Knowledge of state laws and regulations.
Knowledge of governmental accounting procedures and practices.
Knowledge of governmental operations, organizations, procedures and practices.
Ability to administer a statewide budgeting process and system.
Ability to evaluate, revise and implement managerial procedures, including ability to plan and write procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively and express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to interact diplomatically and effectively with staff, executives, peers, legislators, department and agency personnel and the public.
Ability to evaluate facts, reach logical conclusions and make sound recommendations and decisions.
Ability to prioritize a large workload with differing needs from a variety of departments and agencies.
Ability to effectively lead teams, manage change and promote professionalism.
Strong analysis, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal skills including active listening, facilitation, negotiation and sensitivity to a political environment.
Strong project management skills.
Proficiency in using office suite software such as Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.
Ability to easily learn various computer applications, including the State’s budget, accounting and human resource systems and related data retrieval and analysis tools.
A Master’s degree with at least four (4) years of relevant experience or Bachelor’s degree with at least six (6) years of relevant experience.
Relevant experience is budgeting, business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, and fiscal or economic analysis.

Nice To Haves

Prior supervisory experience and experience working with the State’s Budget and Financial Management System is desirable.
Preferred degree concentrations are public or business administration, accounting, finance, economics or closely related field.

Responsibilities

Directs and guides Budget and Position Control Analysts in the performance of their assigned duties and responsibilities.
Evaluates staff performance and provides constructive feedback.
Assists with design, development and implementation of procedures for reviewing and processing budget requests in order to finalize a budget document that is consistent with the Governor’s programs and objectives, anticipated revenues and State laws.
Examines and evaluates Budget Analysts’ recommendations concerning departmental requests for changes in the work programs using knowledge of programs, objectives and available resources in order to recommend to the State Budget Officer and the Governor the appropriate action to be taken.
Reviews financial orders in order to make a recommendation to the State Budget Officer using knowledge of the State’s programs, available resources and applicable laws and rules and advises the State Budget Officer of appropriate alternatives.
Assists with oversight of the technical and operational aspects of the State’s computerized budget system.
Coordinates with the Office of Information Technology and the State Controller’s Office on file transfers between the budget, accounting and human resources systems and assists in trouble shooting file transfer issues.
Develops and interprets budget documents for the Departments, the Legislature and the Governor’s Office.
Prepares and assembles materials on financial and a variety of other policy matters for the State Budget Officer, Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services and the Governor using knowledge of the topic at hand and policy position in order to establish, clarify or further define the Administration’s position.
Conducts research on State laws and queries and analyzes data from State financial systems to problem solve and provide information to inform policy and decision-making at executive levels.
Represents the State Budget Officer, Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services on a variety of Committees, Task Forces and Study Groups.
May testify at Legislative hearings and work sessions on a variety of broad fiscal, program and policy areas in order to support, clarify, and define the Governor’s position and to influence the final outcome of Legislative action.

Benefits

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 18.91 % of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System ( MainePERS ), on behalf of the employee .
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave . Additional , unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act .
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package , covering many aspects of wellness.