Budget Analyst - Lancaster, United States - Lancaster County, SC

Description

Salary: $55, $68,000.00 Annually

Location : Lancaster, SC

Job Type: FULL TIME

Department: Finance

Opening Date: 12/08/2023

Description

Lancaster County, SC, located in the fast-growing and highly desirable Charlotte, NC region, is the third fastest-growing county in South Carolina with a population of 106,000. The County recently adopted a new Strategic Plan and is committed to managing growth and enhancing the quality of life through sound policies, innovation, capital investments, business recruitment, public safety support, and parks and recreation amenities. The County workforce consists of 684 full-time employees and approximately 500 part-time employees and operates on a combined funds budget of over $131 million for FY24.

Examples of Duties

The County is seeking qualified candidates for the Budget Analyst position to assist in the planning, preparation, and administration of the County's annual operating budget that includes enterprise funds, grant and special revenue funds, and a capital improvement plan. The position will compile and analyze financial and performance data, as well as budget projections and special reports.

Specific duties will include providing technical and informational assistance to department directors and staff to ensure compliance with budgetary and accounting policies, county strategic plan, capital improvement plan, and the long-term financial plan. Review and research revenue and expenditure variances throughout the year and alert the appropriate management personnel of potential issues. Communicates the budgetary plan and progress to executive-level administration. This position reports directly to the Budget Director.

Hiring range is from $55,000 to $68,000 and will be based on qualifications and experience.

Typical Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have at least three to five years of public budgeting experience, local government experience preferred, and have a high degree of problem-solving capabilities and internal customer service. A strong work ethic and ability to multi-task with attention to detail is critical. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration or Business Administration, Accounting, government finance or related field emphasizing research, analysis, and reporting complex financial data. Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. Master's Degree preferred.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Equal Opportunity Employer

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including a computer, telephone, etc. Must be able to exert up to five pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for periods of time. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of up to twenty pounds.

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communications: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers and receiving direction and instruction from supervisor.

Language Ability: Requires ability to read a variety of policies and procedures, financial documents, accounting manuals, tax manuals, etc. Requires the ability to prepare financial reports, records, correspondence, etc. with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Requires the ability to apply influence systems in staff leadership and supervision; to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions; to counsel and teach co-workers. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical and/or professional languages including accounting, budgeting, personnel, legal, etc.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to use mathematical formulas, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time. Must be able to use accounting mathematics and advanced applications of statistics.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office machinery; to operate motor vehicles.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination and Visual Acuity: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color; requires the visual acuity to determine depth perception, peripheral vision, inspection for small parts; preparing and analyzing written or computer data, etc.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. The worker may be subject to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.

Physical Communications: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Finance Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Budget Analyst position. Has considerable knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of County and other governmental agencies. Has knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has working knowledge of the principles and practices of public finance administration, with particular emphasis on accounting and revenue collection. Has working knowledge of and skill in basic as well as advanced accounting and the processes involved in the same specifically related to the public sector. Is skilled in compiling, reviewing and preparing various billing information. Is capable of producing quality work, which requires constant attention to detail. Is able to offer instruction and advice to co-workers regarding departmental policies, methods and regulations. Is able to offer training and assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has good organizational, technical and human relations skills. Is able to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Has knowledge of proper English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar. Has knowledge of modern office practices and technology; has skill in the use of computers for word and data processing. Is able to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department. Has knowledge of how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Has knowledge of how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work: Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance: Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.

Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to establish and maintain good will. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards. Ensures such standards are not violated.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• State of South Carolina Blue Cross Blue Shield Health & Dental Insurance
• Eyemed Vision Insurance
• SC State Retirement
• Long Term Disability
• Family Medical Leave
• Paid Annual Leave and Sick Time (accrued bi-weekly)
• Bi-weekly Pay Schedule
• On-site Health Clinic
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Discount YMCA Membership
• Lunch & Learn Programs
• Optional 401k and Deferred Comp Plans
• Optional Short Term Disability (Colonial Life)