Budget Analyst V

Job Description:
Budget Analyst V
Under the direct supervision of the Branch Manager, performs highly advanced technical and consultative work assisting with the oversight of the daily operations and activities. Assists Branch Manager with implementing goals and objectives; developing guidelines, policies, and procedures; developing schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established goals; coordinating and evaluating Branch activities; monitoring compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures. Coordinates and implements changes as new federal and state laws, rules, regulations and agency policies become effective. Provides leadership in budget planning for agency. Provides consultative and technical services and expertise to Branch analysts, DSHS program staff, other governmental agencies, and internal and external work groups. Leads technical staff performing financial analysis and makes recommendations to Budget leadership regarding the operating budget. Serves as Team Lead. Leads analytical and forecasting/projection functions. Assists Branch Manager with communicating with federal, state, and local officials as well as agency staff. Coordinates, assigns, and leads the work of others. Acts as liaison and resource to internal staff and interacts with LBB, Governor's Office, Legislative staff, State Auditors and Federal Auditors. Works under limited direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position has the ability to telecommute up to % Essential Job Functions:
Essential Job Functions:(40%) In coordination with the Branch Manager, administers and leads the activities of the Branch and provides guidance and direction to staff in conducting the major functions of the Branch. Responsibilities include: implementing goals and objectives for the Branch that support agency-wide strategic plans and respond to evolving needs of customers; developing and approving schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; assisting with evaluation activities; participating in regular staff meetings to discuss problems and resolutions; conducts general information and training to Branch staff and agency staff; coordinating, assigning and leading the work of the Branch staff. Participates in HHSAS budget system maintenance, including initial operating budget load and budget revision journals; position control and Commitment Accounting for payroll; routine reporting and ad hoc financial queries and data extracts required for analysis by Branch staff; preparation or approval of expenditure coding; development of Legislative Appropriations Request and annual Operating Budget; performs budget analysis, monitoring, and identification of issues for review by executive and program management; and coordinates revenue monitoring and analysis activities. May conduct routine meetings with program staff to discuss financial analyses/forecasting/projections and provide recommendations to address shortfalls or under spending. Attends meetings with Branch Manager to present monthly financial reports. Provides technical training to program managers to ensure appropriate financial management of program operations. Assists program with the development of a financial service plan to support program objectives. Participates on workgroups to implement processes in coordination with Fiscal to ensure program payments to vendors/contractors and travel reimbursements are appropriately handled. Coordinates procurement activities to ensure staff are processing requests appropriately and in a timely manner. Coordinates with the Grant Budget Analysts & Fund Management Unit as appropriate. Manages special projects as required or requested.

(10%) Identifies and suggests recommendations to change agency policies, procedures, and internal operating procedures to comply with state and/or federal requirements. Monitors and assists with evaluation of Branch operations and compliance with policies to identify needed changes and makes recommendations to improve operations. Assists with the preparation of written drafts of policies and procedures for financial services. Assists with the implementation of modified policies and procedures. Provides advice to the Branch Manager on agency-wide policies and procedures, funding and budgetary issues.

(10%) Leads and may supervise Unit staff in the absence of the Branch Manager. Assigns work, assists Branch Manager with performance evaluations, recommends staff development and training, and makes suggestions regarding personnel and disciplinary actions. Ensures all financial activities and assignments are completed in a timely manner. Works with other team leads to ensure cross training of budget analysts in the Unit. Plans and assigns the work of Branch analysts and provides direction to ensure successful completion.

(20%) Coordinates with program staff to prepare and review performance measure reports, fiscal impact analysis, cost estimates, and budget recommendations. Provides technical assistance, information and training to program staff in the preparation of annual operating budgets and all components required in the Legislative Appropriations Request. Assists management with developing procedures and processes to complete financial tasks.

(15%) Represents the Branch and Unit on internal and external workgroups and meetings. Provides budget and funding technical expertise to program staff, Branch staff and Unit Manager. Responds to requests for information from external parties regarding cost estimates for legislation and fiscal notes for proposed rules. Provides input in determining proper use of budgetary information to develop reports for the Legislative Budget Board, Governor’s Office, State Auditor, State Comptroller, and the Health and Human Services Commission.

(5%) This position currently serves as backup for the Administrative Services budget Team Lead and cross trains between all budget teams under the Branch Manager.

Flexibility in work hours, including overtime and/or extended hours, may be required for this position.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of budget and forecasting management practices and operations.
Knowledge of the State of Texas and federal accounting, budgeting, and other financial policies and procedures.
Knowledge of federal cost principles.
Knowledge of the principles of management and supervision of personnel.
Skills in providing financial analyses/forecasting/projections to staff.
Skills in management principles and practices.
Skills in project management and prioritization.
Skills in problem solving and conflict resolution.
Proficient skills in computer software including, but not limited to Microsoft Excel and Access.
Skills in computer software including HHSAS, HRMS, and other governmental financial or human resources applications.
Ability to make independent and sound technical judgment and to analyze new situations when they are encountered.
Ability to assess, interpret, and communicate financial information.
Ability to make recommendations to address financial issues.
Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally.
Ability to deal effectively with diverse groups and individuals and to maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to organize workload and set priorities.
Ability to work as part of a team.

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