Budget Policy Analyst
City of Madison, Wisconsin Overview
The City of Madison’s Finance Department is seeking a qualified Budget Policy Analyst to assist in the development, presentation, and implementation of the City’s $300.3 million operating budget and the $360.5 million capital budget. We are seeking team-oriented candidates who thrive in a fast-paced and challenging work environment who believe that innovation drives results.
General Position Description
The Analyst selected for this position will be assigned a dynamic portfolio of City agencies and will lead all phases of the budgeting process for these agencies, from budget formulation and evaluation through to budget implementation and monitoring. The Analyst will also work on ad-hoc projects as part of the Department’s emerging focus on innovation in the Madison’s budget process. Key responsibilities will include:
- Building fiscal assumptions for capital and operating budgets.
- Advising agency program managers and fiscal staff on budget formulation and execution.
- Monitoring and forecasting expenditures to ensure compliance with the authorized budget.
- Evaluating the fiscal and operational impacts of various budget scenarios.
- Preparing and presenting budget recommendations to senior City leadership.
- Preparing the City’s annual budget publications for use by the Common Council and public.
- Analyzing and preparing fiscal notes outlining financial implications of proposed legislation.
- Participating in efforts to engage the community in the budget process.
- Performing ad-hoc fiscal research and analysis, in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
- Assist in the development and monitoring of agency performance measures to guide budgetary decision making.
A Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, public policy, economics, accounting, statistics, political science or operations research from an accredited college or university. In addition to educational requirements, two years of experience in the analysis of budgets, management operations, government programs, statistics, economics, public policy, legislation or systems. Note that a Master’s degree in any of the above fields can substitute for some of the experience requirement.
Key requirements of the positions include:
- Extensive experience in developing, preparing, documenting, and maintaining financial models.
- Well-developed analytical skills.
- Ability to function independently while maintaining clear communication with senior management and all levels within the organization.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite with strong Excel skills.
- Support and promote collaborative efforts to achieve mission requirements;
- Promote teamwork;
- Communicate openly and candidly;
- Participate fully in discussions;
- Employ techniques for problem solving and decision making; and
- Ensure that the principles of equal opportunity are properly observed.
Although our primary mission is to develop the City’s annual operating and capital budgets, the Budget and Program Evaluation section of the Finance Department is evolving itself to integrate work across a series of innovative initiatives that are intended to strengthen the City’s fiscal condition and lead to better results for Madison’s citizens. The Analyst selected for this position will have the opportunity to participate in the development of some of these exciting initiatives, including:
• Outcome Budgeting: As a member of the budget team you will play a pivotal role in transitioning Madison’s budget process to an outcomes -based process focused on connecting the City’s resources with results that matter most to citizens. As part of this transition, you will assist agencies in building service structures that reflect the manner in which citizens interact with services. You will also assist in developing and monitoring agency performance measures.
• Racial Equity and Social Justice: Launched in the fall of 2013, the initiative focuses on eliminating racial and social inequities in municipal government by implementing strategies in three main areas: Equity in City policies and budgets; Equity in City operations; and Equity in the community. As a member of the Budget and Program Evaluation team you will be involved in incorporating these concepts into Madison’s budget process.
• Program Evaluation: The Budget and Program Evaluation section is beginning to conduct rigorous independent research on select City services to ensure that they are operating cost-effectively while simultaneously achieving high levels of citizen satisfaction. Budget Policy Analysts will lead independent research for agencies within their portfolio and present findings to Senior City leadership.
About Madison
Consistently ranked one of the best places to live in America, Madison offers all the amenities of a large city without all the hassle. Not only is Madison the state capital and home to the state flagship university, it is a thriving city that invests in talent, research, jobs, and culture. Nestled between two lakes, with a total of five lakes within the city’s vicinity, Madison is a naturally beautiful city with a variety of outdoor activities for every season. The city facilitates a range of cultural events year-round and takes advantage of its many parks for art, food, and musical festivals.
Application
Applications are due on or before March 27th, 2017. Applicants must apply online at:
For more information about this position, please contact:
Laura Larsen
Budget and Program Evaluation Manager
Email: llarsen@cityofmadison.com
Phone: (608)267-4913