Senior Budget Analyst

Job Summary

Monitors, researches, analyzes and implements complex programs and research projects related to the City's budgetary operations.

Representative Duties

Facilitates the preparation of the City's annual budget by serving as a liaison to assigned departments during budget preparation and providing technical information and guidance.

Reviews and analyzes budget requests submitted by departments and prepares recommendations concerning departmental budget requests.

Assists in the creation, distribution, and explanation of City budget preparation instructions, including annual, mid-year and end-of-fiscal year processes.

Participates in the preparation of mid-year and end-of-fiscal year budget reviews, and prepares related budget revision recommendations for City Council approval.

Participates in the preparation of City revenue and expenditure forecasts.

Coordinates the preparation of the City's Cost Allocation Plan to reimburse the General Fund from enterprise funds and recover overhead costs through grant programs.

Assists departments in budget implementation and budget change activities; and monitors the budget of assigned departments.

Assists other City staff in the preparation of staff reports having fiscal and/or budgetary impacts. Prepares reports for management review; assists in the preparation of and reviews organizational performance data for reports.

Participates in developing and evaluating accounting procedures and fiscal practices; and recommends changes to departmental work methods and practices.

Recommends and assists in implementing new or revised financial systems modules, procedures and records.

Makes presentations to City Council and/or represents supervisors at City Council and/or civic or professional group meetings, as directed.

Leads and coordinates the work activities of staff.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills :

Knowledge of:

Basic accounting and auditing concepts, principles, and practices.
Budget development and management.
Budgeting policies, practices and analysis.
Project management principles and practices.
Business administration.
Quantitative and management analysis techniques.
Program and project development, implementation and evaluation.
Relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Report writing techniques.
Effective leading and coordinating techniques.
Effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:

Select, supervise and train staff.
Analyze and solve administrative and budgeting problems.
Plan, develop, implement, administer and evaluate projects and programs.
Perform a wide variety of accounting and financial analysis work.
Act as a resource for Finance and other department staff members.
Keep abreast of current developments in municipal budgeting and accounting trends.
Review, analyze and prepare data.
Prepare and maintain accurate reports.
Plan, organize and ensure the completion of work assignments and, as applicable, the
work of others.
Work independently under minimal supervision.
Provide effective customer service.
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employee and the public.

Skill in:

Using a personal computer and applicable software applications.
Effective written and verbal communication.

Education, Training and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration or a closely related field.

Three years of recent, paid work experience in budget analysis, budget preparation and budget administration. A Master's degree in Business, Public Administration or a closely related field may substitute for one year of the required budget-related experience. Public sector budget experience is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid Class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is regularly performed indoors in a home or office environment, in accordance with the City’s Telework/Flexible Workplace Policy, with frequent interruptions. Contact with the public and meeting deadlines is frequently required. Physical demands include sitting, standing, kneeling, bending, reaching, and walking. May occasionally attend meetings after regular work hours and/or weekends.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position. Please note , applications may be rejected if incomplete. Résumés, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of your college diploma/transcript with your application. Applicants who indicated receipt of degree from a foreign institution must provide United States degree and credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcript. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified. You must upload and attach a scanned copy of your transcripts or diploma to your on-line application.

SELECTION PROCESS : All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding their qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate:
Training & Experience Evaluation - Qualifying
Oral Interview - 100%

NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS :
Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation. The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 1/9/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

• 

• City of Santa Monica

Show more