Budget Analyst

Position Description

Position Overview:

The Budget Analyst plays a crucial role in the financial planning and analysis of the county's budget. This position involves developing, analyzing, and monitoring the county's budget to ensure financial stability and effective use of resources. The Budget Analyst works closely with various departments to prepare annual budgets, forecast future financial needs, and provide strategic financial recommendations.

Job Duties:

• Assist in preparing the annual budget for the county, including revenue and expenditure projections.
• Analyze departmental budget submissions for accuracy and compliance with county policies.
• Monitor and report on budget performance throughout the fiscal year.
• Conduct financial analysis to identify budget variances and underlying causes.
• Develop financial forecasts to project future budgetary needs.
• Provide recommendations for budget adjustments and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with department heads and other stakeholders to gather budgetary information and address financial queries.
• Present budget reports and findings to county officials and committees.
• Ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and policies related to budgetary processes.
• Provide guidance on fiscal policy and financial best practices to county departments.
• Participate in special projects, such as cost-benefit analysis, program evaluation, and financial modeling.
• Assist in the development of long-term financial plans and strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of experience in budget analysis, financial planning, or a related field.
• Knowledge of accounting and Financial Principles.

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs):

• Good knowledge of MS Excel, including advanced tools and formulas, complex tables, and charts
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have good, strong knowledge of computer skills and an understanding of budget and finance software.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
• Possessing superior analytical skills and good reasoning and judgment skills are essential.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement:

In accordance with Harris County's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:

• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities.
• Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation, but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Education:

• Master's Degree or higher in Business Administration, Accounting or Finance.

Licensure:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Experience:

• Prior experience working with PeopleSoft

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.

Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.

Salary: Commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting, or operations command center environment, but some field work may be required. May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event).

This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting to 25 lbs., frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FEATURED BENEFITS:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Wellness.

Professional development opportunity.

Flexible spending account.

457 deferred compensation plans.

Retirement pension (TCDRS).

Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).

Disability and life insurance.

Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• None of the above

02

If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?

• Finance
• Accounting
• Economics
• Public Administration
• Other related field
• Unrelated field
• N/A; No degree

03

How many years of experience do you have in budget analysis, financial planning, or a related field, and do you have knowledge of accounting and financial principles?

• 1 - 2 Years
• 3 - 4 Years
• 5 - 6 Years
• 7+ Years

04

Describe your experience preparing or supporting an annual budget. Include your role, the size or scope of the budget, and the tools or systems you used.

05

Provide an example of a time you identified a budget variance. What caused it, and how did you address it?

06

How do you ensure your work aligns with financial policies, regulations, and audit requirements?

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

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