Budget Analyst 4: In-Training/Virtual

This job listing is being extended until 09/27/2024 to allow for additional applicants. If you already submitted an application you do not need to reapply.  

ESD is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Budget Analyst 4 to join our dynamic team. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with strong analytical skills, capable of making significant and independent decisions regarding budget and financial matters. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in preparing budget documents and reports and conducting detailed analysis to support sound financial decision-making. With advanced Excel skills and proficiency in various financial management systems, they excel at creating high-level reports involving advanced formulas and pivot table generation.

The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative environment, managing competing priorities, willing to use their skills of art in budgeting which are not always black or white, applying knowledge of the known to the unknown, and adapting quickly to changing organizational needs.  They are forward-thinking, with a keen ability to anticipate the implications of financial trends and data, ensuring the agency's financial stability and success. We are looking for someone who is curious and willing to follow a trail of obscure clues to find the hidden budget treasure.

The incumbent will be responsible for managing the Employment Connections (EC) annual budget of approximately $74 million, including interagency and local contracts, project management, and developing budget-to-actual reports. They will play a crucial role in planning and coordinating the internal budget process, developing cost estimates, and projections for future spending. The ability to analyze trends, monitor expenditures, and ensure compliance with policies and procedures is essential. The candidate will also provide technical assistance and training to division and program staff, ensuring accurate and timely financial data is available for decision-making.

In addition to technical expertise, the ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with customers, professional-level staff, and senior management. They will be adept at interpreting budget policies and procedures, preparing fiscal notes, and ensuring compliance with all Office of Financial Management policies. The candidate should be proactive, curious, and capable of investigating and questioning information to ensure accuracy and reliability. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the mission of providing equitable access to resources that improve economic security for the community.

Prepare budget documents and financial reports. This includes:

• Direct responsibility and lead for the agency's largest program, Employment Connections (EC) annual budget of approximately $74 million including interagency and local contracts, project management, compiling decision packages, purchase approvals and developing budget to actual reports

• Makes independent decisions for the day to day budget and purchasing matters for the division and program management to ensure budgets are not over expended and timely financial data is available to assist with sound financial decision making

• Creates and reconciles staffing and allotment requests; approves modifications or disallowance based on established fiscal considerations; develops, manages and reviews contract budgets

Analyze and monitor budgets and expenditures and prepare fiscal notes. This includes:

• Provide analysis of budget reports to identify trends

• Ensure accuracy of expenditures and process financial corrections as necessary and make recommendations based on spending patterns

• Monitor position and vacancy reports, processing personnel actions and requests thru the various technical systems.

Ensure compliance with policies and procedures. This includes:

• Review work assignments for accuracy and compliance with standards

• Evaluate and review expenditure requests for compliance and make recommendations

• Interpret and communicate budget policies and procedures to agency leadership, staff, and other stakeholders.

To request a detailed position description, click here.

We are willing to hire this position at either a Budget Analyst 3 or 4 level. If hired at the 3 level you will be required to complete an 18-month in-training plan to attain permanent status as a Budget Analyst 4.

To qualify at the Budget Analyst 3 level ($58,380-$78,468):

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, economics, or statistics AND four years of professional experience in budgets, management, or program analysis.

A Master's degree can substitute for some experience.

• OR A combination of education and/or relevant experience.

To qualify at the Budget Analyst 4 level ($69,396-$93,348):

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, economics, or statistics AND five years of professional experience in budgets, management, or program analysis.

A Master's degree can substitute for some experience.

• OR A combination of education and/or relevant experience.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim & Benefit Information Review.

Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents.

Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.

Our agency's mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship.  We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.

Opportunity for All

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program.  Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Caleb Baldwin or at 253-306-2999 or the Talent Acquisition Team, Washington Relay Service 711. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.

This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.

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