DEFINITION:
Reporting directly to the Assistant Finance Director, the Budget Analyst is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the preparation of the City's budget and monitoring the budget during the year; coordinating city-wide grant reporting; providing legislative updates for the department; performing a wide variety of professional budgeting, accounting, auditing and financial analysis work; analyzing and evaluating financial records; assisting in the performance of operational reviews and performing a variety of analytical assignments as required by management.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The listed tasks are essential for this position and may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Prepare budget manual and department budget instructions; serve as liaison to all departments during budget preparation; provide technical information and guidance; assist departments in budget implementation and administration activities throughout the year; identify revisions and enhancements to budget related computer systems and applications; assist staff in the performance of audits of financial records; prepare reports and administer assigned accounts or programs; track and report on City investments; participate in developing and evaluating accounting procedures and fiscal practices; recommend changes to departmental work methods and practices; assist in providing technical support and training; update the department of key legislative changes; coordinate citywide grant reporting; keep current of relevant changes in municipal budgeting and accounting trends; and perform a variety of analytical assignments as required by management. Serve as backup to other accounting functions such as payroll, accounts payable, etc. May be required to work shifts, holidays, and/or weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Training and Experience: Requires the equivalent to a Bachelors degree in a related field with major coursework in Accounting, Finance or, Public Administration and two (2) years of related experience. A Masters Degree in Accounting, Finance or Public Administration is desirable and may be substituted for the appropriate experience. A valid California driver’s license is required at the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must have knowledge of municipal budgeting, accounting and auditing principles, practices and procedures; applicable laws, ordinances, regulations and policies governing accounting and budgetary management of a municipality; skill in the operation of a variety of office equipment, including computerized word processing, spreadsheet and database applications used with modern accounting systems. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; perform a wide variety of accounting and financial analysis work; compliment a highly motivated and energetic team oriented organization; effectively communicate and foster superior service levels with surrounding departments; review, analyze and prepare data; prepare and maintain accurate reports; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; learn new computer software applications and procedures; and identify enhancements to existing systems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently sits, uses a telephone and personal computer with a computer monitor screen for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms; and must occasionally lift and/or move 10 pounds.

Revised: January 2010