Budget Analyst - OFM

Budget Analyst

The purpose and mission of the Office of Financial Management is to be responsive to the priorities and needs of the citizens of Indianapolis and Marion County, to ensure financial stability and operational health; through strategic and accurate budgeting, timely financial reporting, best in class procurement and promoting a culture within our enterprise that empowers professional development and transformative leadership. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

This position will manage a wide range of financial and budgetary matters on behalf of City-County agencies. The position holder works within the City's Office of Finance and Management, which serves as the central financial department for the City-County government, performing a variety of complex budgetary and financial services for city and county agencies and officials. The budget analyst will research, analyze, consolidate, and present financial data to the Budget Manager to support fiscal policy decision making. The position will communicate fiscal policy to agency leadership and respond to general requests related to budget management. Ability to use independent judgment when there are no policies or procedures in place. Must have the ability to apply common sense understanding and deal with problems involving multiple variables in a variety of situations. Actions are subject to review on a continuing spot check basis by the Controller and Deputy Controller. Interactions require extreme tact, diplomacy, and persuasiveness in dealings with agency leadership and elected and appointed officials. Position reports to Budget Manager.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between the central finance office and agency leadership on financial matters ranging from budget development, capital planning, funding options for projects and programs, and feasibility studies
• Work with stakeholders both internal and external to the City, respond to inquiries, provide specialized and complex information and assistance regarding specific budgetary transaction, and work with finance staff to resolve budgetary issues and guide budgetary decision making
• Understand the fundamentals of budgeting and, with support, guides fiscal decision making for their portfolio of assigned agency and departments
• Responsible for, with support, intermediate financial analysis that results in recommendations to the Budget Manager for presentation to the Controller and Deputy Controller.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget for assigned agencies and departments, working with management to plan and identify business and capital needs, forecast expenditures, determine funding for projects and programs, and conduct feasibility studies
• Manage and oversee the budget for their assigned agency or department by monitoring and tracking financial transactions, maintaining financial systems, reconciling financial discrepancies, preparing decision packages, and managing and overseeing contracts, which includes reviewing contractor requirements, terms, and rates to ensure compliance with fiscal rules and policies, and approving and allocating funds with budget accounts to pay for contractor goods and services
• Providing advice to client agencies with regards to budget management
• Analyzes agency / departmental personnel spending trends and budgetary impact of personnel changes
• Establishing a working knowledge of the City / County budget process, the accounting system, and the chart of accounts
• Establishing a familiarity with State fiscal policy and administrative changes impacting local government finance
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics or related field

Proficiency in financial analysis tools, including Excel, and familiarity with financial systems.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

Master's degree in Public Policy, Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics or related field

One or more years' experience as a finance professional

Prior professional experience in government employment with a preference toward local government.