Principal Budget Analyst

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage the development of a City's financial plan, including capital and operating budgets and financial strategies; lead and participate in complex financial analyses of proposed policy changes; serve as a liaison between departmental management teams; provide information and analytical support involving major projects.
• Monitor assigned departments to ensure that budget priorities are properly executed; evaluate existing and proposed financial strategies, policies, plans, procedures, programs and functions of assigned departments and budget units; consult with and advise department and budget unit staff; make recommendations.
• Conduct detailed research and analysis of economic and legal conditions in the public and private sector to forecast long-term fiscal impact of decisions made by the city about programs and functions of City departments; analyze budgetary and statistical data and make recommendations; and provide financial information, analysis and recommendation for complex labor proposals.
• Conduct public presentations to the Mayor and City Council, other governmental bodies, community groups, and other public gatherings regarding complex and controversial policy, fiscal, and administrative issues.
• Coordinate, review and evaluate budget segments prepared by operating department and divisions; initiate policy recommendations for functional and organizational changes in departments and budget units to achieve annual budget goals in areas of cost-effectiveness and levels of service of those departments; develop recommendations for, and coordinate budget preparation activities with other management analysts and staff to prepare the final budget for presentation to the City Council.
• Research, evaluate and make decisions on requests for assigned departments and budget units for changes in allocation of positions, funding appropriations, and program functions throughout the fiscal year.
• Review existing and proposed legislation for impact on the City, consult with affected departments, make recommendations, and write proposed changes.
• Represent the office and frequently take the lead role on committees and task forces for the development, scheduling, implementation, and monitoring of programs with Citywide impact.
• Represent the City in multi-jurisdiction committees, task forces, or work groups, often organizing, conducting, and implementing efforts.
• Provide customer service by responding to information requests, conducting budget analysis, reviewing, researching, and providing solutions to problems.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of business administration, public administration, public finance, management, and team building.
• Experience in conducting analytical studies of administrative and management practices, methods, and procedures.
• Ability to independently research, analyze, and make effective recommendations on administrative, management, organizational, budgetary, and fiscal practices.
• Experience with preparing and presenting complex reports and making public presentations.
• Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, economics, accounting, or related field.
• Six years of progressively responsible professional-level budget, accounting, or financial administrative and analytical experience, including three years of advanced journey-level experience in forecasting, accounting, strategic planning, and policy or financial analysis.
• Municipal experience is desirable.
• Proficiency in using modern office equipment, including computers and software related to statistical analysis.

Nice to Have

• Experience in public sector budgeting.
• Experience in labor negotiations.
• Supervisory experience and ability to lead and guide staff.
• Experience in conducting complex fiscal and operational analysis.

Qualifications

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, economics, accounting, or related field.
• A Master's degree may substitute for one year of experience.

Benefits & Perks

• Salary range of $94,538.01 - $148,897.36 annually.
• Potential for intermittent remote work with supervisor approval.
• Bilingual pay options available.
• Participation in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).