Budget/Financial Analyst

SALARY: $59,508.00 - $77,896.00 Annually

OPENING DATE: 05/24/20

CLOSING DATE: 06/07/20 11:59 PM

DESCRIPTION:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Performs a wide variety of professional budgeting,

performance measurement and lead analyst duties in support of the budget development and

control function and provides complex technical staff assistance to the Finance Manager,

Director of Finance and Budget and other departments; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This class is responsible for the creation,

distribution and explanation of the City's annual operating and capital budgets, including

preparing budget instructions and appropriate documents and monitoring progress on budget

preparation; assists in the preparation of the City's long-range financial projections; assists

departments in specifying requirements for their annual operating budgets and expenditure

plans, including training departments in the use of the system and budget development; assists

in the preparation and analysis of amendments to the operating and capital budgets; provides

support in the presentation of complex financial information to management and other groups;

and conducts research and analysis on projects having significant impact on the department. An

important component of this position is to work as part of an internal team to create a more

data-driven, high performance organization focusing on outcomes and not outputs, which

includes cross-departmental cooperation and integration using performance measurement and

evaluation which leads to an equitable community of choice. Work is performed under the

supervision of the Director of Finance and Budget, and in accordance with general policies and

guidelines established by the City Manager and City Council. Work is reviewed by the Director of

Finance and Budget through meetings, reports and results achieved. This position requires the

ability to work non-traditional hours during budget season.

EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY):

ESSENTIAL: Compiles, reviews and analyzes data submitted by departments and divisions for

inclusion within the City's annual budget within the budget preparation time frame; and the

City's five-year capital improvement program. Participates in the completion of the City's Annual

Budget and Capital Improvement Program documents; attends budget meetings and public

hearings; provides advisory services to departments on funding methods and sources; and

recommends appropriate budgeting procedures for unique situations. Provides detailed

budgetary analyses and recommendations; assists departments in the preparation and

evaluation of performance measurement indicators; completes special analytical assignments;

and develops budget instructions and request forms. Identifies policy or procedural issues,

formulates resolutions for recommendation to the Director of Finance and Budget, and directs

the implementation of approved resolutions. Analyzes and reviews budget expenditures and

revenue estimates, ensuring compliance with state and municipal laws; and builds databases

and spreadsheets of financial, economic, investment, financial market and other data using

information and financial models to generate forecasts, analyses, and reports of financial,

investment and revenue issues. Collects, compiles and analyzes information from various

sources on a variety of specialized topics including complex financial, analytical, budget or

administrative issues. Performs special cost, trend, impact and other analyses; drafts reports

and recommendations; evaluates the impact of legislative actions on the City and taxpayers;

and collects data and prepare reports regarding amendments to the operating budget or capital

improvement plan. Monitors the budget through the fiscal year, ensuring compliance with the

amended budget and making the Director of Finance and Budget aware of any budgeting issues.

Makes recommendations to the Director of Finance and Budget regarding cost saving or profit

generating opportunities and profitability improvement strategies. Participates in the

preparation of financial and budgetary reports; uses available tools to create, administer and

distribute reports for analysis including budgets to actuals, revenue and expense trends and

detailed information at the transactional level. Monitors budget execution; identifies

discrepancies between budget forecasts and actual expenditures; and analyzes financial

information to determine present and future financial performance. Works with the Director of

Finance and Budget to improve methods, communication and customer satisfaction with

departments and the general public. Participates in various department and external

committees; responds to resident's questions and service requests in a courteous, equitable and

timely manner; participates in Leadership Team meetings; participates in the City's intercultural

competency training and program; and coordinates with committees designed to integrate high performance government principals into the City of Dubuque.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Current practices and principles used in budget development, implementation, monitoring and

administration;

• Generally accepted accounting principles and governmental accounting principles;

• General laws and policies governing finance practices and procedures;

• Research techniques, methods and procedures; and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Ability to:

• Prepare accurate and reliable reports containing findings, recommendations and conclusions

on budget-related matters;

• Determine long range needs and fiscally plan and organize work for the accomplishment of

objectives;

• Apply financial techniques such as accounting, statistics or math to develop spreadsheet

analysis;

• Provide technical budget services in planning, preparation and execution;

• Independently research, analyze, evaluate and solve complex analytical problems;

• Effectively use research methods and statistical techniques in the compilation of data to

perform budget analysis;

• Proactively seek new or additional on-the-job training opportunities to obtain mastery over

tasks;

• Expand personal knowledge and add value to the work group;

• Provide consistent, timely and high quality work that has been self-reviewed for accuracy and

completed in entirety;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, the City Council, the

general public and public and private agencies;

• Visualize, gather information, articulate, analyze, solve complex problems and make

decisions;

• Exercise independent judgment;

• Prioritize a heavy workload under the pressure of competing assignments;

• Work effectively as a member of a team.

• Highly advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the functions of pivot tables, complex

formulas, charts, graphs while maintaining data integrity.

• Advanced proficiency utilizing Microsoft Word, including formatting, creating table of contents

and datalinks.

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Demonstrated ability to follow a management philosophy that is input-oriented and values

equity, problem solving, and the development of partnerships.

• Values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Experience in budget/finance analysis or accounting; experience working with a diverse workforce and population; possession of a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Management, Financial Mathematics or related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the essential knowledge, skills and abilities is required. Experience in local, state, or federal government budget or finance; and a Master's degree in Business Administration or a related field are preferred.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

OVERTIME STATUS: Exempt

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employee shall establish their principle place of residence within

thirty (30) miles of their place of employment as soon as practicable after appointment, but

within two years of appointment.

The City of Dubuque is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration

for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender

identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.