Job Description

Posting number: 24-09358

Department: Planning And Budget

Job classification: PLANNING & BUDGET ANALYST SR

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Accounting and Finance

The Planning and Budget Office facilitates the efficient and effective use of county resources for the community's benefit. The office works on planning, researching, and evaluating budgetary and policy issues, integrating county-wide spending and strategic plans, and prepares the County's annual budget. The work performed is fast-paced and often time-sensitive. This posting reflects a series of four budget analyst-related job classifications within the Planning and Budget Office.

A Planning and Budget Analyst provides independent planning, budget, fiscal and policy analysis made directly to offices and departments and in public to the Commissioners Court. Works under only general direction with extensive latitude for independent judgment and action. Coordinates budget development, evaluation, and execution. Analyzes budget requests and develops funding recommendations throughout the budget process and as needed throughout the year. Conducts highly visible and sometimes controversial fiscal and programmatic research on a wide variety of topics. Required to publicly defend analytic conclusions to Elected and Appointed Officials. Provides analysis and recommendations on the development of County programs and policies, performance measures, and special analytic projects. Proactively identifies problems and solutions. Initiates independent and group analytic projects. Conducts economic and programmatic research and makes recommendations on County finances and projects, as required. May assist with departmental or County strategic planning efforts.

This position is eligible for telework, with in-office work as necessary from a central office location (700 Lavaca Street). Must live in or near Austin, Texas area or be willing to relocate. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the office, including possible night or weekend work.

Travis County offers a premier compensation and benefits package that includes a highly rated retirement plan, vacation and sick leave, personal holidays, longevity pay, tuition reimbursement, parental leave, medical, dental, and vision, and employee health care clinics.

If you're passionate about making a difference in your community, we want you on our team!

Examples of duties

• Coordinates every phase of planning and development of the Adopted Budget for assigned departments. Conducts budget reviews and prepares analysis of departmental budget requests. Performs such reviews and analysis, independently and with little supervision, and as a member of work teams. Presents findings directly to Commissioners Court in a public forum and defends conclusions reached with Elected and Appointed Officials.
• Works during the year with respective departments to develop budgets consistent with relevant strategic plans and available County resources. Determines the effectiveness of programs and services using performance measures and identifies measures that best reflect departmental operations for the Commissioners Court and the public. Monitors the execution of departmental budgets, analyzes departmental expenditure patterns for anomalies, evaluates financial plans, interprets budget variances, and acts as liaison with County departments concerning budgetary and program matters. May function as a team leader on special projects and assignments.
• Conducts independent departmental, programmatic, and functional evaluations, research, and analysis. Presents findings and recommendations directly to Commissioners Court for improvement, including departmental reorganizations, new programs and management analysis. May function as a member of interdepartmental problem-solving teams to address high priority County issues with broad organizational impact. Prepares economic, social and programmatic research on countywide trends and finances, for evaluation of present and future components of County services.
• Performs periodic revenue and expenditure forecasts, cost-effectiveness analysis, and other financial studies. Performs cost comparisons and cost/benefit analysis. Develops forecasts to facilitate short- and long-term financial needs. Develops evaluative and statistical methods to appraise operating results. Analyzes and interprets fiscal variances. Evaluates data from national, state and local sources to assist in the planning and evaluation process. Assists County departments in the development of strategic plans, including establishing goals, objectives and performance measures and the assessment of internal and external environments.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Planning & Budget Analyst I - Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance or a directly related field AND three (3) years experience in the area of budget analysis and management, public administration and/or local governmental finance. Experience with strategic planning, development of outcome measures, and financial forecasts.

Planning & Budget Analyst II - Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance or a directly related field AND five (5) years experience in the area of budget analysis and management, public administration and/or local governmental finance. Experience with strategic planning, development of outcome measures, and financial forecasts.

Planning & Budget Analyst III - Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance or a directly related field AND six (6) years experience in the area of budget analysis and management, public administration and/or local governmental finance. Experience with strategic planning, development of outcome measures, and financial forecasts.

Planning & Budget Analyst Senior - Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance or a directly related field AND seven (7) years experience in the area of budget analysis and management, public administration and/or local governmental finance. Experience with strategic planning, development of outcome measures, and financial forecasts.

Master's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance or a directly related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
None required.

Preferred:
Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The knowledge, skills and abilities outlined below should be appropriate for an entry-level individual, reflecting basic knowledge, good skills and the ability to perform the functions outlined.

Knowledge of:

• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Principles of public administration and budgeting.
• Program evaluation.
• Financial principles and practices.
• State and local issues.
• Organization and management principles.
• Manual and automated systems relating to assigned function.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

Skill in:

• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Public policy research.
• Statistical methods.
• Financial analysis.
• Strategic planning.
• Analytical methods.
• Both verbal and written communication, including public presentations.

Ability to:

• Speak and write effectively.
• Work with both the large and small details.
• Work independently and efficiently.
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, other government entity staff, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.

Supplemental information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 10-15 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing, crawling, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Department: Planning & Budget Office
Location: 700 Lavaca St., Austin, TX 78701. Telework available.
Work Hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with nights and/or weekends as needed.

Criminal and Educational Background Verifications are Required.