Performs intermediate skilled technical work in the preparation, administration, research and analysis of county operating and capital budgets. Analyzes budgetary and policy issues formulating and recommending budgetary and operational policies. Prepares detailed financial reports, conducts professional research, and analyzes current and future financial trends to assist management in making informed policy decisions.
- Participates in the preparation and distribution of the annual operating budget.
- Monitors the County’s operating budget by maintaining a budget amendment tracking system and continuously analyzing budget amendments to ensure the budget is balanced.
- Reviews reports and recommendations on department and other agency budget needs; indicates tentative approval/disapproval based on established policies and practices; forwards findings and recommends to Finance Director with suggested modifications and/or recommendations.
- Assists in developing policies, procedures, and practices governing the development, formulation, and maintenance of the County’s operating and capital budgets; prepares supporting budget documents, including revenue projections, statistical data, budget amendments, and other fiscal information.
- Maintains budget, records, and files.
- Reviews departmental budget transfer requests for accuracy and ensures funds are available in appropriate line items.
- Provide guidance in Munis software on specific items to be included during the preparation of the annual budget.
- Train new department heads on entering their budget in Munis software.
- Conducts audits, surveys, and evaluations of department/office/agencies, ascertaining funds allocated have been expended as specified; assists in maintaining budgetary control over funds appropriated; monitors County expenses and revenues; recommends modifications to internal audit controls as needed.
- Works in the Emergency Operations Center during manmade and natural disasters.
- Reviews individual department expense and revenue accounts throughout the year and consults with departments to resolve any identified issues or discrepancies.
- Assists departments with financial system issues, such as setting parameters to print reports, keying budget amendments, and entering budget requests and justifications.
- Gathers data from the financial system and other sources to provide requested information and reports to the Director and other departmental staff.
- Collaborates with Human Resources to analyze salary, benefit, and position data to provide an accurate salary and benefit projection for the next fiscal year.
- Reviews and summarizes data submitted by the Board of Education in their annual budget report and reviews the NC Association of County Commissioners’ report to ensure accuracy.
- Prepares monthly revenue and expenditure report for review with Finance Director highlighting current trends and budget variances.
Additional Job Functions- Maintains budget section of department's website.
- Attends budget workshops, hearings, and related meetings with County Commissioners and County staff as needed.
- Performs related work as directed.
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field and three (3) years of accounting, budget development and analysis and related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Master's degree is a plus. Government financial experience is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of principles and methods of public agency accounting and budgeting; financial, statistical, and program analysis; performance measurement systems related to local government budgeting; research techniques; budget software programs; applicable federal, state, and County laws; general knowledge of the functions and operations of local government agencies; budget forecasting techniques; and County program operations.
Skilled in preparing reports; using computers and applicable software; reviewing and interpreting statistical information; analyzing budgets and programs; evaluating program effectiveness; working on multiple tasks; developing budgets; performing financial analysis; performing statistical analysis; ability to work with large amounts of data, interpret financial records and, detect errors; and ability to express ideas effectively orally and in writing; ability to plan and coordinate the work with others; ability to conduct detailed research and prepare reports and findings; ability to maintain effective working relationships with others sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
