Job: Budget Specialist

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Jobing Description

OVERALL JOB OBJECTIVE:

Under limited direction, provide financial, budgetary, analytical services and financial analyses for the Parks and Recreation Department, perform and assist with departmental work plan assignments, and perform related duties as required. This includes, but is not limited to, development and management of assigned Department/Division budgets, performance analysis and research projects, and management of financial services.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Financial Management
* Provides technical, financial analysis, and problem solving skills to all divisions and/or work functions within the department.
* Performs routine reviews and audits of financial transactions to ensure accuracy of financial information, as well as compliance with citywide financial and management policies and work processes.
* Comprehends industry principles related to subsidization, cost recovery, fee establishment and performance management.
* Understands citywide, Parks and Planning and Recreation Divisions' operations and makes financial decisions accordingly.
* Represents Business and Financial function and acts as information resource to internal and external customers. Serves as Liaison to the City's Finance Department and Budget Division, as well as collaborates with Budget/Financial Analysts in other City Departments when applicable.
* Reviews, prepares, and processes financial transactions using the Boulder Finance System (BFS).
* Manages and performs training sessions for staff on financial and budget data, processes, and transactions.
* Develops, maintains, and distributes financial and budget reporting documents for use within the department via the department's intraweb site and shared drive.
* Manages and monitors the Department's BoulderCard program, including ensuring departmental compliance with purchasing policy, approval and reporting.
* Reviews and monitors department's system of internal controls and strives to develop enhancements. Educates staff on proper cash handling procedures. Conducts routine internal audit functions as needed. Complies with city policies related to cash handling and internal controls.
* Recommends opportunities for financial efficiencies and provides recommendations for process improvements related to the department's business systems and operations.

2. Budget Management
* Responsible for supporting financial operations, including preparation of the department's operating and capital budgets.
* Prepares and compiles budget and financial information for the six funds that comprise the department's budget.
* Prepares the annual department budget documents, adjustments to the base budget, operating and project carryover budgets. May coordinate budget efforts within and/or across divisions or departments. Ensures accuracy of annual appropriations.
* Prepares fund financial statements, including monitoring and projecting revenues, expenditures, and fund balances.
* Provides necessary financial and budgetary information to accurately fund Capital Improvement Program and Operating projects.
* Comprehends and provides interpretation of budget information to internal and external customers.
* Communicates and trains staff in all divisions and/or work functions to understand budget data, use financial and registration systems, and track revenues ensuring budget and performance management.

3. Financial Analyses
* Analyzes and monitors revenue and expenditure budgets and actuals, determines variances, inefficiencies, changes in service delivery, and other issues to help the department manage all budgets within appropriations to ensure fund balances are maintained and financial sustainability.
* Calculates and evaluates fees for operations, programs and services that are consistent throughout the department based on department's service-based pricing method. Assesses impacts of pricing implementation and adjustments to users and revenue sources.
* Maintains the standard process developed to evaluate the cost-benefit and resource allocation regarding programs offered by the recreation division. Provides status reports to ensure department management and staff understand the budget status for operational and financial decision making.
* Compiles data and information for memorandums, reports, projects and presentations for City Council, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, internal and external city departments, and other interested parties, as appropriate.
* Assists with research and analysis projects related to the department master plan and planning initiatives, including policy issues, business methods, service levels, analytic models, financial reports and organizational effectiveness as requested. This may include organizational analysis, business process analysis, and/or cost/benefit analysis. Establishes recommendations, prepares reports, and may assist with implementation.

4. Maintains a high level of professionalism, integrity, and communication with staff members and customers
* Provides excellent service to internal and external customers. Listens to questions and concerns, evaluates issues and possible solutions, helps resolve problems when appropriate, works with managers to address systematic problems, and ensures staff members receive the necessary training and tools to conduct their duties effectively.
* Recognizes the need of team members and communicates in a direct, specific and effective manner.
* Uses feedback from others to continuously develop and improve.

5. Other:
* Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the city.
* Takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures. Reports all accidents and damage to city property.
* Knows and complies with all city and department policies; participates in professional trainings and development; and adheres to attendance and workplace attire policies.

Generally, duties and responsibilities are listed from most to least critical or time consuming.

The City of Boulder is committed to hiring employees who provide excellent customer service. Our employees act with a high level of integrity, and take responsibility for their words and actions.

City of Boulder employees strive to respect and appreciate each individual's differences, and to work effectively with all people and their diverse backgrounds. We support candid and honest interactions, which respect other points of view, and are sensitive to communication differences. We achieve organizational goals through inclusive problem solving, planning, and decision-making. Community partnerships are included in this effort.

Skills / Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or a related field, plus a minimum of two years administrative, budgetary, accounting and financial experience in a governmental setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience using analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to use computers in administrative, accounting and financial capabilities. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Knowledge and experience using spreadsheets, databases and querying tools for report writing and analysis. Knowledge and experience using business and financial systems. Knowledge and experience with internal controls and cash handling procedures. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization working as a part of several teams. Strong customer service skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with groups of people to provide financial systems training, improve processes, and solve problems. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Valid driver's license. Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal record, credit history and motor vehicle record.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS - In addition to the required minimum qualifications:
CPA or Master's degree in related field. Administrative, budgetary, accounting or financial experience in a municipal setting. Knowledge of city of Boulder Financial System (BFS) and CLASS registration system.