Budget Analyst

Position Description

The Office of Management and Budget serves Commissioners Court in carrying out its vision for Harris County government. Our mission is to assist the Court in safeguarding the County’s fiscal health, achieving strategic objectives, promoting transparent, accountable government and serving the residents of Harris County.

The Office of Management and Budget has four primary areas of responsibility:

Budget Encouraging efficient resource allocation through development of County budgets that are aligned with the priorities of the community and of elected officials.

Finance Raising funds for capital projects and managing the County’s investments. Acting as a trusted and fiscally responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.

Management Implementing the strategic priorities of Harris County by coordinating financial resources and department activities. Communicating to the public and to Commissioners Court relevant, non partisan and accurate budget, financial and performance data.

Performance Enhancing government’s effectiveness through financial and data analysis. Delivering applications, dashboards, maps, and technical support to assist Commissioners Court, departments and agencies in achieving their goals.

Risk Management Ensuring the safety of the Harris County workforce in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Coordinating local, state and federal financial resources to respond effectively to natural and public health disasters.

The Office of Management and Budget is seeking a qualified Budget Analyst!

Under the supervision of the Director of Budget and Performance of the Harris County Office of Management & Budget Health and Opportunity Portfolio, the Budget Analyst I is responsible for advanced and semi-complex analysis and financial modeling of budget and financial data for county departments and agencies and provides recommendations based on the results of the analysis conducted. In addition, this position draws the connections between performance and spending, interpreting results, and making the data useful for the public, County department heads, and Commissioners Court.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Budget Coordination and Development: Develops annual budgets by serving as the primary budget contact for selected county departments, provides the resources and support they need to submit required budget forms successfully. Analyzes budget and expense trends and assigns operating and capital budgets in conjunction with established practices and policies in preparation for the upcoming Fiscal Year.
• Budget Analysis and Financial Reporting: Analyzes departmental budgets and variances by consistently monitoring expenses and reviewing budget requests of county departments. Provides timely and accurate reports of county departments’ execution and conformance to authorized budgets throughout the fiscal year, including, but not limited to, preparing quarterly projections that estimate future financial needs.
• Research and Communication: Researches budgeting best practices from benchmark counties and/or peer organizations and presents findings to the team. Provides information to management clearly, accurately, and consistently by assembling and summarizing data and preparing/presenting findings, analysis, and recommendations. Ensures reporting is timely, accurate, and meets the requirements of the audience for whom the reports are drafted. Proactively researches departmental needs and communicates with various teams within the County.
• Financial Modeling and Forecasting: Performs extensive financial modeling in support of the key county initiatives. Performs quarterly review and forecasting of program and service budgets for year-end budget expectations.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university

Experience:

• One (1) year of professional budgeting, financial analysis, or accounting experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of budgeting or fiscal analysis.
• Excellent financial analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills; effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks/initiatives.
• Ability to work independently, quickly, flexibly, and accurately to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work well with the public, County personnel, and external organizations; builds and maintains cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Effectively prioritizes, identifies, and solves problems.
• Excellent communication skills, including presentation, grammar, and writing skills.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel and other computer-based data information systems.

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.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time
• Monday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Salary:

• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 Pay Periods

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports To Position: Director of Budget and Performance, Health and Opportunity Portfolio
• Supervises Positions:

Work Environment:

• This position is based in an office environment, where the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, scanners, and filing cabinets is routine. The physical demands associated with this job are minimal, with occasional lifting and moving of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. The role is predominantly sedentary, involving mainly sitting with occasional standing and walking.

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Benefits

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