STATE BUDGET SPECIALIST

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

The State Budget Specialist is responsible for assisting in the preparation, monitoring, and analysis of the budgets of state departments. This role supports the budgeting process by gathering financial data, preparing budget reports, assisting in budget forecasts, providing technical assistance, and ensuring that state agencies comply with budgetary regulations. The State Budget Specialist will work closely with senior budget professionals to contribute to state department fiscal planning, budget execution, and financial reporting processes.

Requirements

Familiarity with budgeting terminology, processes, and government financial regulations.
Understanding of basic accounting principles and financial analysis techniques.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and provide insights into budgetary processes.
High attention to detail and accuracy in preparing financial documents, reports, and data entries.
Ensures that all budgetary information is correct and adheres to established guidelines.
A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, public administration, or a related field is required.
OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS UPON REVIEW.

Responsibilities

Assist in the preparation of the annual state budget by compiling financial data from various state agencies.
Review, analyze, and prepare financial information concerning personnel, operations, grants, capital projects, and other expenses to determine budgetary requirements, and solutions to operational issues with statewide fiscal impact.
Provide technical expertise and assistance to state agencies in the development of biennial and annual fiscal programs.
Analyze biennial budget requests and present and recommend state agencies’ budgetary requirements to the Governor for Executive Recommendations and defend and justify those recommendations to the General Assembly.
Evaluate the impact of federal and state budget policies and produce technical budget documents and reports within given deadlines and time frames in support of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the Governor.
Attends legislative committee meetings, track legislative recommendations for state agencies’ budgets, and prepare associated documents for presentation to the General Assembly.
Prepare budgetary reports, spreadsheets, and other documentation to support budget creation utilizing databases, word processing, financial and budget applications, for review by senior budget officials and leadership.
Ensure that all data is accurate, complete, and aligned with state budget guidelines.
Collect financial data from different departments and state agencies.
Assist in the preparation of budget forecasts and financial projections based on historical data and future trends.
Monitor and track state agency expenditures and revenues to ensure that they align with the approved budget.
Assist in reviewing budget revisions, amendments, and requests for funding adjustments.
Help maintain accurate records of budgetary processes and ensure documentation is up-to-date and accessible.
Interpret and disseminate legislation, policies, and procedures, and ensure state agencies’ and institutions’ compliance through review of organizational structures or activities.
Assist in special budget-related projects as assigned, including analyzing new funding proposals, researching financial trends, or preparing reports for legislative hearings.