Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports for the purpose of maintaining expenditure controls.

Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

1. Direct the preparation of regular and special budget reports.

2. Analyze monthly department budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls.

3. Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation.

4. Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations.

5. Summarize budgets and submit recommendations for the approval or disapproval of funds requests.

6. Review operating budgets to analyze trends affecting budget needs.

7. Consult with managers to ensure that budget adjustments are made in accordance with program changes.

8. Compile and analyze accounting records and other data to determine the financial resources required to implement a program.

9. Perform cost-benefit analyses to compare operating programs, review financial requests, or explore alternative financing methods.

10. Interpret budget directives and establish policies for carrying out directives.

11. Seek new ways to improve efficiency and increase profits.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Budget Analysts. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Budget Analysts, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$45,900 for entry level workers, and $76,060 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Less Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 2,710 Budget Analysts employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 2,800  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 10 job(s) each year, and a total of 60 job openings each year.

Budget analysts - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Certified Public Accountants Career Opportunities Handbook - Provides CPA job seekers with a guide to small and medium sized firms from around the New York State area. Firms which accept applications from entry level accountants and those which feature internships are highlighted.

Finance and Accounting Managers - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

Administrative Services Managers - Plan, direct, or coordinate supportive services of an organization, such as recordkeeping, mail distribution, telephone operator/receptionist, and other office support services. May oversee facilities planning and maintenance and custodial operations.

Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products - Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semi-finished materials for manufacturing.

Cost Estimators - Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

Management Analysts - Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplifications and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

Accountants - Analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization.

Auditors - Examine and analyze accounting records to determine financial status of establishment and prepare financial reports concerning operating procedures.

Actuaries - Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain premium rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

Operations Research Analysts - Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods using a computer to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May develop related software, service, or products. Frequently concentrates on collecting and analyzing data and developing decision support software. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

Economists - Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to aid in solution of economic problems arising from production and distribution of goods and services. May collect and process economic and statistical data using econometric and sampling techniques.