Placer Employment Opportunities

Budget Analyst

Recruitment #2015-14700-01

Introduction

Applications received by Friday, January 30, 2015 will be reviewed and processed.

Applications received by Friday, February 13, 2015 will be reviewed and processed.

Applications received by Friday, February 27, 2015 (the final deadline) will be reviewed and processed. 

The current vacancy resides in the Placer County Executive Office which has primary responsibility for supporting and implementing policy direction provided by the Board of Supervisors.  The County Executive Office operates in a fast paced, dynamic environment. Given the dynamic nature of the work, managers must be skilled in addressing shifts in priorities while maintaining day-to-day operations within a framework of meeting critical deadlines. The position provides technical financial expertise and direction in support of the County Executive Office and its division, policy teams and County Departments.

POSITION INFORMATION

The individual in this position will perform high-level financial and budgetary functions to include coordination with departments. This position requires the ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with a range of professional and technical level staff. The successful candidate will demonstrate skills in accounting, budgeting, and local government practices. The individual must be able to develop clear, concise written reports and materials and present complex financial and accounting information; identify and develop recommendations for short and long term solutions.  

Experience with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in a government setting is highly desirable. 

DEFINITION

To act as a lead in administrative and analytical functions related to the preparation, review and analysis of budgets; to review fiscal operations, practices and internal controls; to plan, direct, coordinate, and participate in administrative activities such as contract administration, and/or other specialized projects/programs; to participate in the development and implementation of policies and procedures affecting the County budget; to serve as subject matter expert in specific area(s) of government operations related to budget, fiscal and policy development; and to serve as a member of the department’s management team.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Budget Analyst is a single classification, professional position responsible for establishing, coordinating, maintaining, and monitoring a variety of administrative policies, budget and fiscal practices and processes on a countywide basis as well as providing a liaison with and support to departments as a representative of the County Executive Office.  Positions within this job series are exclusive to allocation within the County Executive Office.

This is an advanced journey level class, distinguished from subordinate classes by the greater level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned and independence of action taken.  Employees in this job class perform more difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series.  Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all policies, procedures, and operations related to assigned areas of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from a Principal Management Analyst or County Budget Administrator.

May exercise direct supervision over professional, technical, and clerical employees.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Direct, coordinate, and/or participate in budget preparation, reviews and monitoring for assigned departments; review final budget presentation with justifications; and perform advanced and/or managerial budget preparation and/or analytical work.  Ensure coordination of budgeting procedures, preparation, and reporting.  Inform management of budget deviations, problems, and events likely to impact operations; explain causes; and measure impact on department mission and resources and operations. 
  • Consult with assigned department(s) on issues related to budget preparation, analyses, presentation, and review; analyze and review the most complex of departmental budgets, provide recommendations and alternative solutions to department(s), assist in reframing departmental budgets to better reflect the goals and objectives of the County.  Support assigned departments regarding sensitive and complicated fiscal, policy and program issues and efforts.  Serve as a liaison between the departments, the County Executive Office, and the Board of Supervisors as necessary.  
  • Construct forecasts and estimates for revenue and expenditure projections; provide alternative budget scenarios for management review and finalize budget(s) consistent with County practices. 
  • Create and maintain working spreadsheets and statistical reports for budget analysis; implement necessary adjustments; and maintain fiscal controls. Ensure that proper and generally accepted accounting practices are being followed. 
  • Conduct complex financial analyses that assist in the development of operational and capital budgets, overhead rates, headcount studies and other fiscal analysis.  Prepare summary and detailed financial performance reports, ensuring the accuracy of the data presented.  
  • Coordinate review and action on new debt issuances and the refinancing of existing debt with other County departments. 
  • Support departments in creating effective and appropriate agenda items, memoranda, and correspondence for the County Executive Officer’s and Board of Supervisors’ review; advise and assist departments in the development of appropriate explanations, documentation, and justification to support agenda items.   Prepare agenda items for presentation to the Board of Supervisors and other key officials as appropriate. 
  • Direct, coordinate, and/or participate in administrative activities, which may include contract administration, capital project coordination, and other functions as needed within the County Executive Office. 
  • Direct and manage the work of consultants; prepare requests for proposals, review bids, interview and select consultants; manage workflow, establish expectations and priorities and monitor outcomes; and negotiate, administer and monitor contracts. 
  • Consult with management staff in the formulation of administrative policies; develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures; participate in the development and maintenance of operating procedures/manuals.  
  • May provide technical direction and supervision to professional, technical and clerical staff in support of assigned department(s) and program(s); provide positive leadership and direction to a team of professional and technical staff; act as a primary resource regarding County systems, organization, operations, and services. 
  • Oversee, coordinate, and participate in research and analyses on a variety of issues and topics; perform extensive review of related issues through interviews, correspondence, reading and other research methods; prepare highly detailed, comprehensive reports relating findings to the specific needs and concerns of the County; provide recommendations to the County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors. 
  • Oversee, coordinate, and participate in designated special project(s) and /or program(s) and serve as the subject matter expert; develop implementation strategies and monitor the status of assigned program(s) and/or project(s); provide leadership and direction to interdepartmental team members; prepare reports, correspondence and memoranda, and make presentations that include recommended action to the County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors. 
  • Maintain current expertise in designated specialty areas; monitor current events and changes to laws, standards, rules and regulations and analyze the effect on the County’s operations and services; prepare reports with updates, analyses and recommendations; and represent the County’s interests.  
  • Prepare and present responses and/or recommendations in response to questions, issues or concerns related to project(s), program(s) and other specialty areas.  Represent the County of Placer and the County Executive Office to the public and to other agencies in a positive and productive manner. 
  • Maintain awareness of and participation in external professional organizations and resources to ensure the highest level of professional standards are applied to service delivery within the County’s Executive Office. 
  • Serve as a positive and motivational team leader as well as a positive and effective member of a peer group. 
  • Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is the applicant's responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience: Four years increasingly responsible analytical, management or administrative work experience in budgeting, accounting, finance, public administration, or a comparable field; two years of management; with one year in a supervisory capacity.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a related field.
 
License or Certificate: 
May need to possess a valid California driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Personnel Department.

Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Principles and modern methods of public and business administration as related to public finance, budgeting and fiscal control.
  • Methods and techniques of accounting and financial analysis as approved under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Principles and practices of fiscal, statistical, and administrative research and report preparation.
  • Computer systems and software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
  • Standard and accepted English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
  • Standard and accepted modern research and data collection techniques, including the use of surveys and questionnaires.
  • Standard and accepted principles and practices of motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
  • Pertinent local, state, and federal laws, guidelines, regulations, and statutes.
  • Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
  • Principles and practices of local government structure and operations, including county administration, organization, programs and functions. 

Ability to: 

  • Direct and participate in advanced administrative, fiscal, and operational activities.
  • On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws; regulations and codes; problem solve operational and technical policies and procedures; remember various rules and interpret policy.
  • Develop and administer policies, guidelines and procedures.
  • Negotiate agreements between differing individuals and groups.
  • Perform complex mathematical and statistical calculations accurately.
  • Analyze and make sound recommendations on complex financial data.
  • Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive financial analyses, reports, and written materials.
  • Exercise independent analysis and judgment in solving difficult and complex administrative, management, and technical problems.
  • Independently perform the most difficult financial analytical functions.
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  • Read, analyze, evaluate and summarize written materials and statistical data including reports, financial reports and budgets.
  • Apply knowledge in a specific field/area to the needs of the County.
  • Determine effective method of research; and compile data and present in form most likely to enhance understanding.
  • Plan, supervise and evaluate work activities of professional, technical, and clerical staff.
  • Prepare reports, statistical data, forms, questionnaires and surveys.
  • Interpret and apply pertinent local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
  • Analyze situations quickly and objectively, apply appropriate elements of decision-making and determine the proper course of action. 
  • Use a computer, calculator, typewriter, telephone, facsimile machine, postage meter, and photocopy machine.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  • Work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at desk or in meetings for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; walk, stand, bend, squat, kneel, or twist, perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means or enter/retrieve data from computer; and lift light weight.
  • Obtain information through interview process; successfully accomplish multiple assignments; and deal firmly and courteously with the public.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

All applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be required to respond to an online Conviction History Questionnaire, which will be sent as a link on their notification that minimum qualifications have been met.  Failure to respond to this questionnaire within (3) three calendar days of the minimum qualification notification will result in disqualification from the examination.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination, which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation and/or be bonded.

MODIFIED AGENCY SHOP

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Placer County now offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please visit our website at:
http://www.jobaps.com/placer/sup/abfreenames.asp.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

BENEFITS

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Click here to view benefits for Management bargaining unit

Selection Plan

Applicants will receive email communication throughout the recruitment process.

An eligible list will be established for both the current and future vacancies.



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