Senior Budget/Research Analyst - 60015468

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, disability and

Life insurance

15 days annual leave

15 days sick leave

13 paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Deferred compensation

SCRS & State ORP retirement

Job summary

State of South Carolina in Columbia is seeking a Senior Budget/Research Analyst to analyze agency budgets, support the Governor’s Office in developing the Executive Budget, and oversee the state’s annual budget. This onsite role is based in Columbia, SC.

You will conduct in-depth financial analyses, develop performance metrics, track legislation, and provide data-driven recommendations to improve fiscal decisions across agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, economics, political science, or related field; at least 3 years' relevant financial analysis experience.
• Master's degree may substitute for up to 2 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and evaluate agency budget requests to align with statewide fiscal objectives.
• Conduct financial analyses and prepare reports for executive decision-making by the Governor’s staff.
• Develop performance metrics and monitor agency program performance throughout the fiscal year.
• Track budget-related legislation and support the budget development process.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budget development

Data analysis

Policy analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (substitution)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Job description

Senior Budget/Research Analyst

The Department of Administration's Executive Budget Office (EBO) is growing and are now seeking an experienced Senior Budget/Research Analyst to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping South Carolina’s fiscal priorities by supporting the Governor’s Office in developing the Executive Budget and overseeing the state’s annual budget. In this role, you will analyze complex agency budgets, evaluate funding needs, and provide strategic recommendations to Executive Budget Office leadership and the Governor’s staff to help align budget decisions with the Governor’s priorities. You will also conduct in-depth research on agency programs, operations, and policies to support informed decision-making and responsible stewardship of state resources. This position is onsite in Columbia, SC.

Responsibilities of the Senior Budget/Research Analyst:

• Analyze and evaluate agency budget requests, providing strategic recommendations to Executive Budget Office leadership and the Governor’s staff to ensure alignment with the Governor’s priorities and statewide fiscal objectives.
• Conduct complex financial and budgetary analyses to support executive decision-making, ensuring recommendations are data-driven, well-supported, and delivered within established deadlines.
• Assist agencies in the development of performance metrics and analyze the relationship between funding levels and agency activities and performance. Monitor and evaluate agencies' performance of defined metrics throughout the fiscal year.
• Research, identify analysis methodologies, and prepare reports as assigned by executive or gubernatorial staff. You will track the budget and pertinent legislation throughout the legislative cycle.
• Conduct routine analysis, to include deficit monitoring, position management, and grants management, to ensure agency operations follow applicable state and federal laws.
• Partner with agencies throughout the year to address fiscal and operational issues. You will review agency programs and processes to develop a thorough understanding of each agency.
• Process agency budget documents throughout the fiscal year, including special expenditure requests, transfers, FTE Management, etc., to ensure authorized funds are used in the manner prescribed by law.
• Gather information from agencies as requested for statewide projects and surveys.
• Serve as subject matter expert on the Budget Development Team. Provide guidance to budget analysts on complex budget and finance issues and assist with resolving issues on a daily basis.
• Routinely review, recommend, and implement strategic and operational improvement initiatives that are in line with the agency and area's vision and mission. Manage special and strategic initiatives as directed and works with cross-functional groups to ensure completion of initiatives.
• Perform other assigned duties as required.

• A bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, economics, political science, or a related field with at least three (3) years of relevant experience conducting financial analysis, performing financial projections, or monitoring program performance.
• A master's degree in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or economics may be substituted for up to two (2) years of relevant experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to interpret and analyze complex financial data and reports.
• Ability to interpret state and federal laws governing state finances and programs.
• Proficient in use of word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may be required to bring a copy of college transcript to the interview. A copy of the transcript may also be uploaded as an attachment to the application, if required by the hiring department or if desired by the applicant. Please note that some areas of the Department may require an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area, after hiring. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination.

The Department of Administration is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The South Carolina Department of Administration offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.