BUDGET ANALYST

State of Arkansas; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 57,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Arkansas is seeking a Budget Analyst to assist in preparing and organizing the state’s annual budget by gathering financial data, creating projections, and analyzing historical data to ensure accurate budget planning. You will collaborate with department managers to gather relevant data for department budgets, ensuring alignment with overall state financial goals.

The role supports strategic decision-making with budget reports and forecasts, conducts financial analysis to identify

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess financial data and identify trends.
• Ability to perform detailed variance analysis and explain underlying causes of budget discrepancies.
• Competence in developing financial models and forecasts to project future budgetary needs.
• Exceptional attention to detail to ensure financial data accuracy and well-supported budget decisions.
• Understanding of government budgeting processes, accounting principles, and financial regulations.

Responsibilities

• Monitors expenditures and appropriations in AASIS.
• Assists with the AOP and Biennial Budget process for designated programs.
• Prepare monthly financial reports for designated programs.
• Providing financial analysis and strategic input to facilitate high-level decision-making by management.
• Communicates complex cost accounting concepts to management and staff.
• Reports and explains cost allocations and budget decisions to internal and external stakeholders.
• Process payments for grant recipients.
• Assists with setting up vendors in AASIS and resolving payment issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Financial modeling

Variance analysis

Attention to detail

Communication with management

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or related field

Tools

AASIS

Job description

Position Summary

The Budget Analyst will assist in preparing and organizing the state's annual budget by gathering financial data, creating projections, and analyzing historical data to ensure accurate and effective budget planning. Collaborate with department managers to gather relevant data for the creation of department-specific budgets, ensuring alignment with overall state financial goals. Prepare budget reports and present financial summaries to support strategic decision-making for budget allocations. Conduct financial analysis to determine budget trends and help identify areas for cost-saving or reallocation of resources. Prepare and maintain financial reports that detail the department's budgetary status, including income, expenditures, and forecasts. Ensure the department's budget complies with relevant laws, regulations, and policies regarding financial management and reporting.

Position Summary

The Budget Analyst will assist in preparing and organizing the state's annual budget by gathering financial data, creating projections, and analyzing historical data to ensure accurate and effective budget planning. Collaborate with department managers to gather relevant data for the creation of department-specific budgets, ensuring alignment with overall state financial goals. Prepare budget reports and present financial summaries to support strategic decision-making for budget allocations. Conduct financial analysis to determine budget trends and help identify areas for cost-saving or reallocation of resources. Prepare and maintain financial reports that detail the department's budgetary status, including income, expenditures, and forecasts. Ensure the department's budget complies with relevant laws, regulations, and policies regarding financial management and reporting.

This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

Job Responsibilities And Expected Results

• Monitors expenditures and appropriations in AASIS.
• Assists with the AOP and Biennial Budget process for designated programs.
• Prepare monthly financial reports for designated programs.
• Providing financial analysis and strategic input to facilitate high-level decision-making by management.
• Communicates complex cost accounting concepts to management and staff.
• Reports and explains cost allocations and budget decisions to internal and external stakeholders.
• Process payments for grant recipients.
• Assists with setting up vendors in AASIS and resolving payment issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Information

Job Series: Budget

Classification: Budget Analyst – Career Path

Class Code: FBU01P

Pay Grade: SGS07

Salary Range: $57,351- $84,879

Job Summary

The Budget Analyst plays a vital role in assisting with the development, implementation, and analysis of a department’s budget. This position supports the preparation of financial documents, ensures compliance with state regulations, and monitors departmental spending to optimize the allocation of state resources. The Budget Analyst will work closely with senior financial staff and department heads to provide insights into budgetary performance and make recommendations for improvements.

Primary Responsibilities

Assist in preparing and organizing the state’s annual budget by gathering financial data, creating projections, and analyzing historical data to ensure accurate and effective budget planning. Collaborate with department managers to gather relevant data for the creation of department-specific budgets, ensuring alignment with overall state financial goals. Prepare budget reports and present financial summaries to support strategic decision-making for budget allocations. Conduct financial analysis to determine budget trends, and help identify areas for cost-saving or reallocation of resources. Prepare and maintain financial reports that detail the department’s budgetary status, including income, expenditures, and forecasts. Ensure the department’s budget complies with relevant laws, regulations, and policies regarding financial management and reporting.

Knowledge And Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess financial data, identify trends, and make recommendations for improving budget performance. Ability to perform detailed variance analysis and explain the underlying causes of budget discrepancies. Competence in developing financial models and forecasts to project future budgetary needs. Exceptional attention to detail to ensure that financial data is accurate and budgetary decisions are well-supported by reliable information. Ability to identify errors or inconsistencies in financial data and correct them before they affect the budget process. Solid understanding of government budgeting processes, accounting principles, and financial regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a related field is required, plus two (2) years of experience in budgeting, financial analysis, or a related financial management field.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.