Location: Augusta,Maine,United States
BUREAU OF THE BUDGET
SENIOR BUDGET ANALYST
-STATEWIDE ONLY-
Opening Date: November 25, 2024
Closing Date: December 11, 2024
Job Class Code: CA32
Grade: 32
Salary: $77,896.00 - $110,073.60/Annually
Position Number:016100317
JOB DESCRIPTION
Maine’s Bureau of the Budget provides central budget and position planning and control in support of gubernatorial objectives and legislative intent. The Senior Budget Analyst serves as the subject matter expert in creating and managing the budgets for assigned policy areas. The position reports to the Deputy State Budget Officer.
Successful Senior Budget Analysts:
- gain an in-depth understanding of the current programs, departmental plans and goals, and trends (programmatic and fiscal) that could have budgetary impact;
- maintain a high degree of discretion, independence and objectivity;
- apply reasoned judgment, creativity and initiative in problem-solving and developing recommendations for executive consideration;
- develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the management and staff of various departments and agencies;
- hold a positive attitude and high degree of personal initiative and motivation;
- adhere to Bureau policies, procedures, standards and values; and
- stay organized and productive with minimal supervision, adjusting easily to constantly shifting priorities.
REPRESENTATIVE TASKS
In this role, you can expect to:
- Participate in the creation and review of department/agency budget requests and revenue forecasts to develop a budget proposal consistent with goals and objectives set forth by the Governor and within available resources.
- Guide departments and agencies through the annual work program distribution based on the enacted budget laws to ensure funds are sufficient to meet obligations.
- Evaluate department/agency requests for changes in the annual work programs, including financial orders and budget orders, using knowledge of programs, objectives and available resources. Make recommendations to the State Budget Officer on the appropriate action to be taken, including proposing appropriate alternatives.
- Respond to technical and procedural questions on budgetary matters and the state’s budget process and system.
- Monitor legislation in assigned policy areas and stay informed on activity in legislative committees and House and Senate sessions. Review all enacted legislation pertaining to assigned departments/agencies, and perform fiscal analysis as necessary, to assess programmatic and budgetary impact.
- Conduct research on State laws and query and analyze data from State financial systems to problem solve and provide information to inform policy and decision-making at executive levels.
- Analyze and report on revenue and expense patterns and trends within assigned departments/agencies which could have an impact on state budget requirements.
- Assist in providing on-the-job training and guidance to Budget Analysts. May direct and coordinate other Bureau staff when they are directly assigned to the Senior Budget Analyst for accomplishment of specific projects.
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of budgetary processes and techniques.
- Ability to communicate effectively and express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
- Ability to interact diplomatically and effectively with staff, department and agency personnel and the public.
- Ability to evaluate facts, reach logical conclusions and make sound recommendations and decisions.
- Ability to monitor, analyze and project payroll, revenue and expenditures for large departments with numerous accounts and complex programs, funding streams and organizational structures.
- Strong analysis, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills including active listening, facilitation, negotiation and sensitivity to a political environment.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite software such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.
- Ability to easily learn various computer applications, including the State’s budget, accounting and human resource systems and related data retrieval and analysis tools.
Knowledge in the following areas is also preferred:
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and public finance.
- Knowledge of governmental accounting procedures, operations, organizations, procedures and practices.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A Master’s degree with at least two (2) years of relevant experience or
- Bachelor’s degree with at least four (4) years of relevant experience.
- Preferred degree concentrations are public or business administration, accounting, finance, economics or closely related field. Relevant experience is budgeting, business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, and fiscal or economic analysis. Prior experience working with the State’s Budget and Financial Management System is desirable.
In addition to the standard application form, you must provide a cover letter that briefly describes the particular aspects of your work experience that are most relevant to the key knowledge, skills and abilities for this position.
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 18.09% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
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