Fiscal Policy Analyst
Join the City Auditor's Office as a Fiscal Policy Analyst or Senior Fiscal Policy Analyst (depending on qualifications). You will lead independent audits and analyses that uncover risks, strengthen internal controls, and improve how City services are delivered. Senior-level candidates will also guide projects and mentor staff. This is your chance to make a real impact and help ensure public resources are used wisely.
With supervisor approval, incumbents may be eligible for intermittent remote work; however, they must physically reside within the Sacramento region or have the ability to regularly report to a City of Sacramento physical worksite with little notice.
The ideal candidate thrives on turning complex data into actionable insights that improve City services and strengthen accountability. They communicate clearly and confidently, collaborate effectively across teams, and bring curiosity, initiative, and flexibility to every project. Motivated by public service, they are passionate about making a real impact in the community. Senior-level candidates are eager to lead projects, mentor others, and help shape high-impact audits from start to finish.
To perform independent analysis and review of budget and policy issues and develops options and recommendations to address these issues. Responsibilities include comprehensive review and analysis of proposed budgetary and legislative matters. Conducts independent and objective financial, operational, and program audits and investigations to determine compliance with prevailing laws and to identify opportunities to strengthen internal controls. Responds to City Council requests for information and analysis of the city's budget and programs, conducts independent fiscal and policy research, and reports on issues of importance to the City. Work must be solution-oriented and performed in a timely manner.
The Fiscal Policy Analyst is a journey level classification in the professional Fiscal Policy Analyst classification series and is populated with multiple incumbents. The Fiscal Policy Analyst is distinguished from the Senior Fiscal Policy Analyst in that the latter performs analytical work with a very high degree of independence and responsibility. The Senior Fiscal Policy Analyst is the advanced-journey level in this class series and is populated with multiple incumbents. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower-level class of Fiscal Policy Analyst. Appointment to the higher class requires that the employee be performing substantially, the full range of duties for the class and meet the qualification standards for the class. The Principal Fiscal Policy Analyst is the supervisory level classification in the series and is populated with multiple incumbents. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower-level class of Senior Fiscal Policy Analyst. Appointment to the higher class requires that the employee be performing substantially, the full range of duties for the class and meet the qualification standards for the class. The Principal Fiscal Policy Analyst is distinguished from the Senior Fiscal Policy Analyst in that the former performs analytical work with increased complexity, independence and responsibility. Additionally, the Principal Fiscal Policy Analyst provides direct supervision of lower-level Fiscal Policy Analysts.
General supervision is provided by Principal Fiscal Policy Analyst or higher-level management positions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and / or may be required to perform related duties as needed :
Qualifications
Knowledge of : Principles, practices, and techniques of public administration and public policy. Principles and practices of organizational, financial, and policy analysis. Principles, methods, and practices of municipal finance, budgeting, and accounting. Principles, methods, and practices of long-range financial planning. Operational characteristics, services and activities of audit and performance measurement programs. Principles and practices of complex auditing and accounting functions and their application to municipal / governmental accounting systems, with emphasis on fiscal and operational aspects of such organizations. Various professional accounting standards such as Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Generally Accepted Governmental Auditing Standards (GAGAS). Basic research and analytical methods, techniques, and procedures. Technical report writing and presentation. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
Skill in : Use of modern office equipment, including computers, computer applications and software.
Ability to : Analyze a variety of complex administrative and organizational problems, and make sound, independent policy and procedural recommendations. Communicate clearly, verbally and in writing. Effectively plan and organize complex budgetary and auditing projects; design, implement, and monitor internal audit programs, systems, and procedures. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others at all staff levels. Interpret laws, regulations, and policies. Prepare comprehensive and accurate reports. Demonstrate patience, poise, flexibility, tact, reliability, and dependability. Work effectively with sensitive and confidential information. Display good judgment. Adjust to rapidly shifting priorities and timelines. Learn quickly and show initiative. Work effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Facilitate groups.
Experience and Education : One year of increasingly responsible professional-level administrative and analytical experience, including experience in budget, strategic planning, auditing, program evaluation, and / or policy analysis. AND Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public policy, public or business administration, economics, accounting, or a related field that includes a curriculum of economics, statistics, public finance, and policy analysis. OR Five years of increasingly responsible professional-level administrative and analytical experience, including experience in budget, strategic planning, auditing, and / or policy analysis. Substitution : A Master's degree in one of the above fields may substitute for one year of experience required.
Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university / college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and / or copies are acceptable. An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.
Certification : Designation as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) is highly desirable. The following certifications (or equivalent) are also desirable : CISA (Certified Information System Auditor), CGAP (Certified Government Auditing Professional), CRP (Certified Risk Professional), CFFA (Certified Forensic Financial Analyst), CMA (Certified Management Accountant), CCSA (Certification in Control Self-Assessment), CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), CQA (Certified Quality Auditor), CTP (Certified Treasury Professional), GPC (Grants Professional Certification).
The Selection Procedure
Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.
1. Application : (Pass / Fail) All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline.
Senior Auditor • Sacramento, CA, US