City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Budget Officer

Under general direction, this position manages budget and performance management operations and plans, directs, and coordinates the presentation of budgets for controlling funds to implement the City’s program objectives.  

1. Directs, plans, and coordinates the activities of personnel involved in reviewing, examining, and evaluating proposed budgets, including operating, grants, capital, and special project budgets.
2. Develops processes to determine trends affecting budget needs and to provide budget forecasting. Develops budget preparation guidelines. Interprets budget directives and policies and establishes procedures and practices for implementing policies.
3. Plans, reviews, and conducts special studies in such areas as information flow, work production methods, operating procedures, or cost analysis to determine the most effective method of accomplishing work and to support an organizational culture of continuous improvement.
4. Directs organization-wide performance measurement and strategic alignment programs including alignment of missions, goals, and funding to the organization’s strategic priorities; supporting data analysis; and facilitating performance management sessions to assess and improve organization performance and change-management initiatives.
5. Consults with City management to ensure adjustments are made in accordance with program changes to facilitate long-term planning.
6. Testifies regarding proposed budgets before examining and fund-granting authorities to clarify reports and gain support for estimated budget needs.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of principles and methods of budget and long-range plan preparation, maintenance, and controls.
• Knowledge of principles and methods of management analysis and research.
• Knowledge of process continuous improvement tools, frameworks, and methods.
• Skill in planning and controlling the work of others.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in preparing comprehensive reports and recommendations.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective communication and working relationships with City of Austin administrators, employees, and the public.
• Ability to develop strategic direction and program implementation collaboratively with various stakeholder/community groups.
• Ability to use an equity-lens to budgetary decisions.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Business; Public Administration with concentration in Finance, Accounting, or Economics; or a closely related field, plus seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience related to the job, in a large and complex municipal or other governmental organization, including (3) three years of experience which were in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, or another relevant field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.