Budget & Strategic Plan Manager

City of Goldsboro; Goldsboro (NC); On-site; USD 97,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Goldsboro seeks a seasoned finance professional to lead budget preparation, financial and operational analysis, and strategic planning. You will manage the city's annual operating and capital budgets, forecast costs, and provide executive reporting to City management.

The role emphasizes independent judgment, collaboration with the Management team, and alignment of budget with the city’s strategic plan, including cost-control and performance measurement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in accounting, business, public administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in public sector budget or program analysis and/or municipal management.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Develops a controlled budget strategy for program needs to include short-term, intermediate, and long-range projections for resource allocation and appropriations.
• Provides leadership in strategic planning, performance management, budget coordination, grants oversight and executive reporting.
• Develops and directs the city budget process and coordinates communication with departments.
• Coordinates and directs the review and analysis of proposed budgeted expenditures; prepares recommended budget and monitors budget and expenditures.
• Assists Department Directors in analyzing operations to establish appropriate user fees.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

This recruitment will remain open; individuals who have already applied do not need to reapply.

Hiring range is negotiable between $90,966 and $118,294 depending on a candidate's qualifications and experience.

Performs difficult professional and administrative work involving budget preparation, financial and operational analysis; development, analysis, and management of strategic plans; gathering and reviewing performance management and outcome-based data; preparing meaningful reports and doing related work as required.

An employee in this class directs and oversees the development and maintenance of the city’s annual operating and capital budgets. Work also involves analysis of operations for cost-effectiveness and forecasting of future costs and revenues. Work provides analysis and guidance to city management. Special projects and analyzes are expected in this class. Considerable independence of work and a high level of judgment are aspects of the work. Work is performed in accordance with established municipal finance procedures, local ordinances, and North Carolina General Statutes governing the responsibilities of local government financial and budget operations. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Manager or their designee and is evaluated through conferences, reports, and observation. Work will include collaboration with the Management team, Director of Finance and all departments to unify the budget with the city’s strategic plan.

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Develops a controlled budget strategy for program needs to include short-term, intermediate, and long-range projections for resource allocation and appropriations; ensures budget strategy is integrated with overall city goals.
• Provides leadership in strategic planning, performance management, budget coordination, grants oversight and executive reporting.
• Develops and directs the city budget process and coordinates communication with departments.
• Coordinates and directs the review and analysis of proposed budgeted expenditures; prepares recommended budget; assisting with monitoring budget and expenditures; preparing and maintaining budget spreadsheets, records, and files.
• Coordinates and facilitates the annual update of the Capital Improvement Plan.
• Researches, analyzes, and prepares varied budgetary/financial projects and executive reports at the direction of the City.
• Assist Department Directors in analyzing operations to establish appropriate user fees.
• Monitors programs’ budget performance; performs cost control activities; monitors revenues and expenditures to assure sound fiscal control; assures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time.
• Prepares a variety of studies, reports, and related information for decision-making purposes.
• Coordinates with Finance Director in monitoring and reporting the cities performance measurement/management system.
• Evaluates service costs and make related recommendations to the Management team and Department Directors.
• Coordinates directly with Department Directors or respective staff to ensure proper understanding and utilization of budget information.
• Researches, evaluates, and implements any new expense/revenue business models to facilitate future decisions based on budgetary impacts.
• Researches and makes recommendations on cost savings measures.
• Works collaboratively with the Finance Director and team on budget monitoring, analysis, revenue forecasting, project budget/accounting matters, and respective budget amendments.
• Identifies and recommends improvements in divisional and departmental operations to ensure support functions are efficient and cost effective.
• Analyzes current expenditures and revenues for patterns or potential problems.
• Prepares and maintains budget spreadsheets, records, and files.
• Performs related tasks as required.

• Thorough knowledge of the functions and operations of municipal organizations.
• Extensive knowledge of the theories, principles, practices and techniques of municipal accounting, finance, and budgeting.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local government laws and policies concerning the fiscal operations of a local government unit.
• Thorough knowledge of research techniques, methods, and procedures; ability to analyze and develop budget estimates; ability to conduct detailed research and prepare reports and findings.
• Considerable knowledge of principles of organization and administration.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to establish priorities for the completion of work in accordance with required deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other employees, department heads, and management, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, department heads, management, and the public.
• Ability to use an adding machine, personal computer, and computerized accounting software for the maintenance of the City’s financial records.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Word and Excel.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in accounting, business, public administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in public sector budget or program analysis and/or municipal management;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• None.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The City of Goldsboro is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.