Budget Analyst

The role of the Budget Analyst is to support the development, implementation, and monitoring of the City budget and Capital Improvement Program, and perform various budget analyses.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Budget Analyst is a journey-level position in the Financial Planning Division of the Finance & Administration Department. This position performs analyses of budgetary issues and assists in the development and balancing of the City budget. This position is distinguished from the Senior Financial Analyst, which conducts complex financial, budgetary, and compensation analyses that facilitate key decision making.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a variety of research and analysis of budgetary issues and prepares reports of findings and recommendations.
• Provides technical assistance and training to departments concerning budget and accounting issues.
• Conducts ongoing monitoring of City revenues and expenditures and provides analysis of trends, culminating in periodic reports on City's financial performance and annual report on City's financial condition.
• Provides support during City-wide budget process by assisting in development and balancing of the City budget. Develops customized budget-related reports. Prepares and provides budget preparation training to City staff. Reviews departmental budget materials for completeness, accuracy, and reasonableness. Works with a variety of departmental staff, including departmental budget coordinators, division managers, and department directors to acquire needed information. Prepares annual budget for selected funds as assigned. Participates in budget review meetings with the City Manager and City Council. Assists in preparation of preliminary and final budget documents.
• Produces monthly sales tax trend analysis reports for City Council and city management.
• Assists in development of the six-year capital improvement program. Reviews departmental materials for accuracy, completeness, and consistency. Assists in production of preliminary and final CIP documents.
• Conducts special studies and analyses pertaining to a wide variety of issues.
• Conducts a variety of budget analysis projects and reconciliation of accounts. Monitors assigned revenue and expenditure accounts and prepares correcting journal entries if needed. Prepares reports of findings and recommendations for corrective action. Assembles revenue and expenditures data and analyzes trends.
• Develops and maintains Information Technology, Public Works, and Development Services rate models and other cost allocation modes as assigned.
• Assists Senior Financial Analyst in gathering data for the City-wide indirect cost allocation model.
• Assists in preparation of the City's comprehensive annual financial report.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

• Serves as departmental representative on ad hoc task forces and committees dealing with a wide variety of internal issues.
• Other projects and duties as may be assigned by the Director or Financial Planning Manager.
• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

Why Kirkland?

Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!

If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they will tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive leadership and City Council, and fearless innovation.

We also invest in you!

Competitive Wages: We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome benefits: The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs: To help address the challenge of finding reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has reserved spots for City employees at local and regional providers, available at a discount. New employees gain access to Kirkland's reserved spots as soon as they start employment. Learn more!

Training and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing it's employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.

• Thorough knowledge of financial management principles and municipal budgeting practices. Knowledge of a variety of analytical techniques.
• Knowledge of governmental fund accounting principles and practices and financial reporting standards.
• Advanced skill in the use of spreadsheet software and related graphics capabilities. Ability to develop charts, graphs, and other explanatory materials as needed. Knowledge of database and report-writing software.
• Ability to learn and effectively use financial software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and routinely handle sensitive department materials.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of staff. Ability to tactfully and effectively assure timely flow of department materials.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information verbally and in writing and to support presentations with graphs and charts.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, elicit cooperation, resolve conflicts and coordinate a diverse group of individuals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field.
• Experience: 2 years professional level experience in budget, finance, or accounting preferably in a municipal setting.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

• Work is conducted in a typical office setting. Position typically requires extended periods of sitting while performing keyboard operations.
• Due to the demands of budget deadlines, occasional evening or weekend work is required.
• Attendance at Council meetings is occasionally required; meetings are held in the evenings or outside normal office hours.

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. First review of applicants will be made by 15th day from original post date.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 711.