MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET SPECIALIST

Position Information

The Department of Management and Finance (DMF) is seeking a detail-oriented, innovative, and analytical team player to become a member of its operating budget team as a Management and Budget Specialist. The operating budget team leads the development of the annual operating budget; monitoring implementation of the budget; and providing financial and budget information for the County Board, the public, the County Manager, and County departments to aid in the budget decision making process, promote continuous improvement to the County’s financial management, and contribute to policy making. The work is fast-paced and often time-sensitive.

The Management and Budget Specialist will be responsible for managing a portfolio of departmental assignments. A significant aspect of the work involves performing fiscal analysis and producing annual operating budget documents.

Specific Duties Include

• Assisting departments with formulating budgets and reviewing budget submissions including the development of summaries, analysis, and recommendations for the County Manager;
• Monitoring departmental operating budgets through payroll and financial reports including projections of revenue and expenses;
• Reviewing and analyzing programs and making recommendations for improvement of the effectiveness of existing programs;
• Verifying Department budget submissions against automated financial system and reports and adjusting errors;
• Reviewing and revising departmental budget narratives, budget presentations, responses to Board questions about the budget, Board reports, and other written materials;
• Providing staff training and/or coaching on budget procedures;
• Responding to policy and procedure questions from departments;
• Utilizing accounting reports and spreadsheets or other fiscal documents for analysis; and
• Assisting agencies with reviewing performance measures to evaluate County programs and services.
  
  

Selection Criteria
Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Business/Public Administration, Accounting/Finance or a related field plus significant professional experience in finance or budget, preferably in the public sector.

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Desirables: Preference may be given to applicants with experience in one or more of the following:

• Master's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a closely related field;
• Analyzing, researching, negotiating, and recommending solutions within a budgetary process for a municipal agency or central budget office;
• Coordinating and facilitating the work of others involved in the budgetary process;
• Mastery of a variety of technology tools (ERP, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, PowerBI).
• Building complex financial models; and/or
• Managing a budgetary process in a government or non-profit organization.
  
  

Special Requirements
A pre-hire background check will be made on all candidates who are prospective employees. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Additional Information
The pay ranges listed above are effective June 30, 2024. The official title for this position is Staff Management & Budget Specialist.

Normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This position is predominately virtual/remote; however due to occasional ADHOC onsite meetings, employees are expected to live within reasonable travel distance to Arlington County.

This position is part of an alternative pay program that includes career path and pay-for-performance elements and an extended salary ceiling. Entry level within the band is based on review of qualifications and experience. Pay potential will be based on performance and employee development.

Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the application process and are required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.

The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email [email protected].