Public Service Coordinator I - Budget Analyst

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

1d•$66,206 - $94,058•Hybrid

About The Position

Maine’s Bureau of the Budget provides central budget and position planning and control in support of gubernatorial objectives and legislative intent. The Budget Analyst serves as the subject matter expert in creating and managing the budgets for assigned policy areas. This professional services work involves: instructing and advising state departments and agencies in formulating budget and program requests; analyzing, implementing, and administering budgets and work programs; and conducting budget-related analyses, forecasts and projects. This position also acts as a primary resource for the Bureau, and others in the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, regarding the programs and financial structure of assigned state agencies. This requires an in-depth understanding of the current programs, departmental plans and goals, and trends (programmatic and fiscal) that could have budgetary impact. The Budget Analyst’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, the Budget Analyst is expected to: Contribute to a professional and team-oriented environment; Demonstrate reasoned judgment, creativity and initiative in problem-solving and developing recommendations for executive consideration; Develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers 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.
Knowledge of budgetary processes and techniques.
Ability to evaluate, revise and implement managerial procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively and express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to interact diplomatically and effectively with staff, department and agency personnel and the public.
Ability to evaluate facts, reach logical conclusions and make sound recommendations and decisions.
Ability to analyze and project payroll, revenue and expenditures.
Strong analysis, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal skills including active listening, facilitation, negotiation and sensitivity to a political environment.
Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite software such as Outlook, 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 two (2) years of relevant experience or Bachelor’s degree with at least four (4) years of relevant experience.
Preferred degree concentrations are public or business administration, accounting, finance, economics or closely related field.
Relevant experience is budgeting, business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, and fiscal or economic analysis.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with the State’s Budget and Financial Management System is desirable.

Responsibilities

Directs and participates in the creation and review of department/agency budget requests and revenue forecasts to develop a budget proposal consistent with goals and objectives set forth by the Governor and within available resources.
Guides departments and agencies through the annual work program distribution based on the enacted budget laws to ensure funds are sufficient to meet obligations.
Evaluates department/agency requests for changes in the annual work programs, including financial orders and budget orders, using knowledge of programs, objectives and available resources.
Makes recommendations to the State Budget Officer on the appropriate action to be taken, including proposing appropriate alternatives.
Responds to technical and procedural questions on budgetary matters and the state’s budget process and system.
Monitors legislation in assigned policy areas including staying informed on activity in legislative committees and House and Senate sessions.
Reviews all enacted legislation pertaining to assigned departments/agencies, and performs fiscal analysis as necessary, to assess programmatic and budgetary impact.
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.
Analyzes and reports on revenue and expense patterns and trends within assigned departments/agencies which could have an impact on state budget requirements.
Participates in the preparation of the Maine State Government Annual Report and the 4-year expenditure and revenue forecasts.

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.