GLO - Budget Analyst IV-V

Job Description

The Texas General Land Office primarily serves the schoolchildren, veterans, and the environment of Texas. The agency does so by preserving our history, maximizing state revenue through innovative administration, and through the prudent stewardship of state lands and natural resources.

This position is with our Financial Management Department.

Budget Analyst IV - Performs advanced (senior-level) budget preparation and analysis work. Work involves overseeing the planning, organizing, coordinating, and evaluating of budgetary activities and performance measures.

Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Budget Analyst V - Performs highly advanced (senior-level) budget preparation and analysis work. Work involves overseeing the planning, organizing, coordinating, and evaluating of budgetary activities and performance measures.

Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at : https : / / hr.sao.texas.gov / Compensation / MilitaryCrosswalk / MOSC AccountingAuditingandFinance.pdf

In order to receive Veteran's preference, a copy of the DD #214 is required at the time of interview.

The successful candidate will be an integral part of the GLO's Financial Management team. To be successful the candidate must model the GLO's competencies of Integrity, Open Communications, Teamwork, Innovation and Proficiency.

Benefits

• Free Parking
• Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
• Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
• Medical Insurance - State pays 100% of the health plan premium for eligible full-time employees and 50% of the premium for their eligible dependents.

State pays 50% of the eligible part-time employee's premium and 25% for eligible dependents.

• Optional Benefits such as dental, vision, and life insurance
• Minimum of 96+ Hours of Annual Leave a year Annual leave increases with length of service.

Essential Job Elements

Oversees and assists in planning and coordination of budgetary activities involved in the Strategic Plan, Legislative Appropriation Request (LAR), Fiscal Notes, LBB / Governor's Operating Budget, and the agency's annual Internal Operating Budget and associated templates and instruction manuals.

Develops and implements plans to communicate and explain project methodology and processes to interested groups and team members.

Performs special projects as assigned by the Budget Director or Manager; Deputy CFO; and Chief Financial Officer.

Analyzes and examines operating budgets, expenditure patterns, and cost drivers to determine whether funds have been appropriately allocated.

Reviews all purchase requisitions for accuracy, proper comptroller object code and PCA account coding, availability of budget funds, and appropriateness of expense through CAPPS (Centralized Accounting and Payroll / Personnel System) Financials.

Advises and assists agency staff on financial planning and management, budgets, full-time equivalents (FTEs), encumbrances, and expenditures, including assisting agency program areas with questions regarding purchase requisition and encumbrance change request preparation and processing rules.

Reviews requisitions for contract data, ensuring all necessary documents, contract numbers, and work order numbers are correct.

Monitors and maintains assigned program area budget. This includes, but not limited to, managing all aspects of the program area budget such as personnel actions, position management, clearing negative encumbrances, clearing negative budget balances, identifying trends, and making recommendations for appropriate use of the funds.

Calculates and documents the pro-rata share of salaries for grant billings as needed.

• Oversees the preparation of budgetary and management reports. Ensures coordination of budgeting procedures, preparation, and reporting.
• Recommends and implements ways to improve budget processes and procedures in order to gain efficiencies.

Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a related field.

Education and experience may be substituted for one another.

• Experience in state government budget preparation and analysis and in performance measurement reporting work.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles or budget practices and procedures.
• Skill in compiling and analyzing voluminous technical information and clearly communicating information for Executive Management decision making.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
• Three (3) years of full-time experience using CAPPS (Centralized Accounting and Payroll / Personnel System) Financials and managing program budgets at a State of Texas agency.

Budget Analyst IV : Six (6) years of full-time experience working in the following (or closely related) fields : accounting, auditing, budget preparation / analysis, financial, statistical analysis, business, public administration, or closely related experience at a State of Texas agency.

Budget Analyst V : Eight (8) years of full-time experience working in the following (or closely related) fields : accounting, auditing, budget preparation / analysis, financial, statistical analysis, business, public administration, or closely related experience.

Due to seasonal reports and projects that are deadline driven, this job requires work outside normal business hours as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a related field.

Education and experience may be substituted for one another.

• Experience with a Texas governmental agency(s).
• Experience in budget preparation and analysis, financial management, fiscal policymaking, and performance measure reporting.
• Experience with preparation of a state agency Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR), Strategic Plan or Published Operating Budget (POB).
• Experience in Fiscal Note review and / or analysis.
• Experience working with the Centralized Accounting and Payroll / Personnel System (CAPPS); Knowledge of Uniform Statewide Accounting System (USAS).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of accounting, budgetary, and management principles, practices, and procedures; of forecasting methodologies;

of automated accounting, budgeting, and forecasting programs; of performance measurement and reporting; and of the legislative fiscal note process.

Skill in the use of a spreadsheet software, with proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; of using effective written and verbal communication to convey information in a clear, concise manner;

and identifying and resolving problems by using strong analytical techniques, innovative approaches and taking initiative in preventing and solving problems.

• Ability to analyze fiscal management information to determine appropriate use of funds, to perform statistical analyses;
• identify and develop budgetary reports and schedules, to analyze management problems and develop and present solutions; manage projects that include the work of others;
• work as part of a team in a self-directed environment; communicate effectively both written and verbally; establish and maintain an effective and professional working relationship with others at all times in the course and scope of conducting business;
• demonstrate a high level of integrity, strong work ethic, and commitment to meet deadlines; establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, agency staff and management to achieve common goals;

and plan, organize, and prioritize multiple assignments to effectively manage a fast paced and changing work environment without compromising accuracy.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the employee to primarily perform sedentary office work; however, mobility (moving around the work-site) is routinely required to carry out some duties.

This position requires extensive computer, telephone and client / customer contact and communication. It requires the ability to move and position oneself as needed for filing and similar routine office duties.

The job also requires normal cognitive abilities requiring the ability to learn, recall, and apply certain practices and policies.

It requires the stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions. Ability to read printed materials and computer screens.

The individual must be able to move and transport records, documents, boxes, and all related information and materials, weighing up to 20 pounds when required.