The City of Wichita Office of Budget and Research has a staff of five professionals who report to the Budget Officer. Budget Analysts work alongside seasoned Budget Office staff to compile the City of Wichita Budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and administer the organization-wide performance measurement program. The Budget Officer reports to the Director of Finance and works closely with the City Manager's Office.
The primary duty of a City of Wichita Budget Analyst is to monitor and compile budgets for assigned departments. The City of Wichita is a full-service municipality that provides a variety of services including water and sewer, airports, transit, and housing, as well police, fire, parks and recreation, planning, and a convention center, as well as internal services such as IT, law, finance, and administration. Therefore, there are a variety of opportunities to cultivate working relationships with administrative staff in departments to develop broad-based knowledge of local government operations.
The Office of Budget and Research is a leader in the field of municipal budgeting, having earned the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Award for 35 consecutive years. Budget staff is frequently invited to serve as guest lecturers, convention presenters, and roundtable facilitators.
The Office of Budget and Research plays an important role in organization-wide strategic planning and performance measurement. Budget Analysts often research and analyze policy options and evaluate programs. Other opportunities for involvement include CIP compilation and review, budget implementation projects, and performance measure collection.
The City of Wichita budget process places increasing importance on community engagement and there more opportunities to use new and traditional media. Office of Budget and Research Staff present at traditional District Advisory Board meetings and coordinate Social Media Town Halls each year.
This is technical professional work studying financial matters and preparing reports. Budget activities are analyzed and monitored for specific Departments that have budgets of limited complexity. Routine work is performed independently. Employees may supervise special projects as assigned or be assigned to assist in large or complex projects under the direction of another. Work is directed and reviewed through the establishment of goals and subsequent evaluation of progress toward goal attainment.
Workdays & Hours - Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 5:00pm
Bargaining Unit: Employee Council
**Posting may close at any time ** - Facilitates the annual budget preparation process by providing information and expertise to administrative staff of assigned departments.
- Composes portions of the annual budget.
- Monitors financial data submitted by assigned departments for accuracy, completeness, and quality control.
- Gathers and organizes information to be used in administrative and procedural analysis.
- Supports citizen engagement efforts at traditional meetings and though social media.
- Develops portions of organizational financial reports that cover assigned departments.
- Develops and presents financial recommendations.
- Conducts financial studies as assigned.
- May provide staff support to boards or committees as assigned.
- Completion of work assignments may require the operation of a vehicle.
- These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive.
- Other related duties may be assigned as needed.
- Ability to research, analyze, summarize, and report findings.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Knowledge of basic principles and practices of financial analysis and planning.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other Departments, and City officials.
- Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information, including in spreadsheet development, using basic mathematical and descriptive statistical operations.
- Some knowledge of an integrated financial system.
- May require ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas driver's license.
- An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
Required Experience and Training
Graduation with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA), or completion of graduate-level coursework toward one of these degrees, and one year of experience obtained through an internship, graduate fellowship, or full-time employment that includes budget preparation, financial analysis, accounting functions, or financial reporting, including analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and supporting budget development processes.
OR
Graduation from a four-year college or university in any major and three years of progressively responsible work experience that includes budget preparation, financial analysis, accounting functions, or financial reporting, including analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and supporting budget development processes.
OR
Ten years of experience performing governmental budgeting functions that includes budget preparation, financial analysis, accounting functions, or financial reporting, including analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and supporting budget development processes.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.
Attainment of passing scores on pre-employment tests. Candidates with the required experience and training will be required to take the following assessments:
- Analytical Skills
- Business Writing
- Microsoft Excel – Whole Test
Preferred Experience and Training
- Master’s degree in public administration, Finance or Business Administration.
- Advanced proficiency in financial management software and tools.
Starting pay for current City employees will be determined by City of Wichita policy or applicable bargaining unit agreement.
Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check
