LEGISLATIVE STATE BUDGET SPECIALIST

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

11d

About The Position

The Legislative State Budget Specialist is an entry-level position that works under direct supervision of the Legislative Budget Administrator of the Budget and Fiscal Review Section. This role is responsible for providing nonpartisan review and analysis of fiscal, budgetary, or programmatic issues related to an assigned subject. The specialist will research and prepare narrative and data-based reports, review and evaluate resources and operations of programs or public organizations, provide technical assistance in assigned areas to members of the General Assembly, prepare fiscal legislation such as appropriation bills and amendments, and provide staff support to various committees and subcommittees responsible for legislative oversight of agency budgets.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, public administration or related field from an accredited college or university.
Good interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to navigate complex state budget processes.
Basic understanding of budget related terminology and practices.
Basic understanding of the legislative process and the functions of state and federal agencies.
Ability to conduct objective research and data analysis.
Knowledge and basic proficiency in Windows Applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Ability to learn to extract and compile information from various sources including the statewide accounting system.
Ability to express the results of research and data analysis in concise written and verbal form.
Ability to present reports, requests, and recommendations in public committee meetings.
Ability to develop and maintain a good working relationship with legislators, state agency contacts, legislative staff and Bureau peers to provide cohesive data, reports, and legislation for the General Assembly.
Knowledge of the laws and procedures related to the General Assembly.
Ability to communicate with Bureau staff, state agency staff, members of the General Assembly, and members of the public.

Responsibilities

Research data as requested by members of the General Assembly and supervisors and prepare reports of findings.
Analyze policy issues, prepare reports, and make presentations to legislative committees.
Compile budget and fiscal reports, including the review and analysis of budget and policy issues.
Draft, proof, and track appropriation bills, amendments and special language.
Provide staff support, including research and presentations, to the Arkansas Legislative Council and its subcommittees, the Joint Budget Committee and its subcommittees, and the Joint Budget Committee/Arkansas Legislative Council Committee.
Be available to members of the General Assembly, state agency staff, and Bureau staff to provide information and assistance regarding policy research issues.
Develop and maintain knowledge in assigned subject matter areas, including monitoring national policies, policy trends in other states, news items, and emerging developments.
Serve as a Joint Budget Committee bill clerk during legislative sessions.
Occasional out-of-state travel to seminars or conferences.
Perform other related responsibilities as required or assigned by the Legislative Budget Administrator for the Budget and Fiscal Review Section, the Deputy Director for Fiscal Services, and the Director of the Bureau.
Travel as needed to in-state and out-of-state legislative committee meetings.