Senior Budget Analyst

State of Ohio; Kentucky; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Ohio is seeking a Senior Budget Analyst to deepen understanding of ODJFS programs and support budget decisions. You will manage complex fiscal work, build trusted relationships with program areas, and contribute to process improvements across the Budget Bureau.

The role requires strong analytical abilities, experience with public sector budgets, and the ability to present data clearly to stakeholders while coordinating with program offices. Located in Columbus, OH.

Qualifications

• 4 years' budgeting experience with fiscal management & control involving quantitative/statistical analysis.
• Graduate core program in accounting, public finance, public administration or business administration; AND 12 months' experience in fiscal management & control.
• Undergraduate core program in accounting, public finance, public administration or business administration; 12 months' experience as Budget Analyst.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage budgets for operating, capital, and grant funding with allotments and cash flow.
• Forecast expenditures, monitor appropriations, and ensure compliance with targets.
• Analyze spending patterns and propose fund transfers to meet obligations.
• Build grant spending plans using multiple data sources and align with rules.
• Create reports with visuals tailored to the audience and present findings.

Skills

Fiscal analysis

Forecasting

Report development

Communication

Independence

Excel

OAKS BI reporting

Education

Graduate degree in accounting/public finance/public administration/business administration

Undergraduate core in accounting/public finance/public administration/business administration

Tools

Excel

OAKS BI

Job description

Office of Fiscal and Monitoring Services

The Office of Fiscal and Monitoring Services (OFMS) Fiscal Services Division is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring all the Agency's budget activities. This encompasses the biennial budget process, annual budget implementation, and projecting federal budget estimates. The Division is also responsible for the management of the Agency's revenue, disbursements and financial obligations as well as performing daily federal cash draws, reconciles and reports on federal grant status. Learn more about the Office by visiting the ODJFS OFMS webpage .

What You Will Do:

As a Senior Budget Analyst in the Budget Bureau, you're eager to gain in-depth knowledge of how ODJFS programs work and use that insight to make sound, timely budget decisions. In this role, you'll manage complex fiscal and budget work, build trusted relationships with program areas, and work on projects that strengthen agency operations.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Plan and manage budgets for assigned program areas (operating, capital, and grant funding), including allotments and cash flow.
• Forecast and monitor appropriations, expenditures, encumbrances, and utilization to stay within targets and compliance requirements.
• Analyze spending patterns and recommend fund transfers so accounts can meet obligations without service interruptions.
• Build grant specific spending plans using data from multiple sources; align plans with federal and state rules.
• Create and present reports (tables, charts, visuals) that convert complex data into clear insights tailored to the audience.
• Investigate variances (actuals vs. estimates), identify drivers, and recommend corrective actions.
• Budget Exceptions.
• Agency Control: Clear purchase order (PO)/Voucher/Paycard/Travel errors. Budget transfers need to be completed in the morning when possible.
• Allotments: Submit journal entries according to appropriation line item (ALI) assignment list.
• OhioBuys pending items: Review and approve daily.
• Payroll Errors: Wait for Cost Management.
• Journal Voucher Adjustment as needed.
• Partner with program areas to understand operations, emerging needs, and the impact of policy or volume changes on budgets.
• Contribute to process improvements and special projects that increase accuracy, speed, and transparency in the Budget Bureau.
• Prepare budget meeting materials with program office.

Preferred Skills:

• Fiscal analysis across multiple data sources; ability to research, collate, classify, and analyze information to draw valid conclusions.
• Forecasting methods (trend analysis, cash flow analysis) and skill comparing actual vs. estimated expenditures.
• Report development with clear narratives and visuals tailored to the audience.
• Independence and prioritization: You manage your workload and deliver to deadlines with minimal oversight.
• OAKS BI reporting experience (or comparable ERP/BI reporting) and strong Excel skills; familiarity with visuals (e.g., charts in PowerPoint).
• Communication: Ability to present complex data simply and engage partners constructively.
• Experience with public sector budgets, grant funding, or human services programs.
• Exposure to variance investigation, fund transfers, or allotment planning at a portfolio level.
• Experience building process improvements, templates, or standard methodology.

Schedule: Full-time.

Hours: Standard workdays are Monday through Friday. Hours are between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Location: This position will be headquartered at the James A. Rhodes State Officer Tower - 30 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215.

Travel: Occasional travel within the state of Ohio.

Position Number: 20038697. This vacancy has been reposted.

PN(s): 20038697.

The candidate, at minimum, must have the following:

• 4 years' experience in budgeting that included fiscal management & control involving use of quantitative/statistical analysis (e.g., probability statistics, linear regression, multiple variable regression, computer assisted regression analysis models, trend analysis, forecasting cost benefit analysis).
• Completion of graduate core program in accounting, public finance, public administration or business administration; AND 12 months' experience in fiscal management & control involving use of quantitative/statistical analysis (e.g., probability statistics, linear regression, multiple variable regression, computer regression analysis models, trend analysis, forecasting cost benefit analysis).
• Completion of undergraduate core program in accounting, public finance, public administration or business administration;
• 12 months' experience as Budget Analyst, 63261.
• The equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.