PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Budget Analyst will perform financial, operational and budgetary analysis in support of SCRRA’s financial planning and analysis activities.

TO APPLY: This is a continuous recruitment with the first review of applications beginning October 15, 2021. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This the career level of the Budget Analyst series. At this level, the incumbent has some latitude for independent judgment and may vary work methods and procedures, but usually within prescribed parameters.
 
SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

• Receives supervision from departmental management/supervisory level roles
• No formal supervisory responsibilities

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

• Assist in the design of reporting processes to enhance the analysis and correction of budget problems
• Review coding on Requisitions and ensure budget exists to support expense.
• Interact with Cost Centers regarding the “Budget transfer” process; verify funds availability for transfer expenditure changes between accounts and calculate impact to member agencies.
• Track and monitor all amendments to the approved annual operating and capital budgets.
• Provide support for the monthly and year-end close of the general ledger.
• Work collaboratively with department staff in analysis of departmental revenue, expenses and other financials.
• Assist in maintaining the cost accounting system within the Financial Information System, Oracle.
• Assist with the preparation and analysis of the annual operating budget, revenue and expenses.
• Assist in the annual cost setting process and year-end reconciliation of operating expenditures.
• Assist in the conversion of the budget process to a more efficient and automated environment.
• Provide support to Cost Centers with current financial information and any questions regarding budgets.
• Review budgets to monthly, quarterly and annual actual reports to monitor expenditure.
• Collect and analyze data, record results and make recommendations for cost savings.
• Create and maintain documentation files to support operating budget information for ease of retrieval and historical analysis.
• Provide timely explanation and analytics of variances between actual results and forecasts/budgets.
• Assist in the production of quarterly performance measurement reports to the appropriate Board Committee and the Board of Directors.
• Assist in the development of reports for internal agency management for publication.
• Work with department staff to coordinate various ongoing and annual special projects including but not limited to comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), Indirect Cost Allocation Plan, and internal and external audits.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or a related field or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of six (6) years’ experience accounting, finance, business intelligence and/or budget, along with experience performing complex financial analysis of operational expenditures.
• A combination of training, education and or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications.  Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience.
• Valid Class C Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than three moving violations and no DUI’s within the last three years.

• Accounting principles and procedures related to cost accounting, budgeting, and forecasting 
• Principles and practices of public administration
• Principles and practices of administrative research and statistical analysis

• Resolving discrepancies and analyzing trends
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Use of Microsoft Office with advanced skills in Excel
• Strong and effective communication skills both verbally and in writing
• Strong and effective organizational and time management skills

• Build team cohesiveness by establishing, communicating, and reinforcing the Finance mission statement
• Perform complex analysis and prepare associated reports
• Identify, monitor and track complex trends and patterns
• Ability to comprehend the public service environment, SCRRA mission, objectives, and business model

• Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations
• Operate tools to perform the duties of the position; such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery
• Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs
• Exchange ideas by means of communication
• Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks 
• Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks
• Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations

Selection Process:
 
Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview.  Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas.  Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA.
  
 Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position.
  
 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
  
  The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA