Budget Analyst

Job Description - Budget Analyst (00009) )

To be considered for this position, you must reside in Montana.

Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200+ unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI’s purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000+ students pre‑K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400+ school districts, 16,000+ educational professionals, and 3,000+ adult learners.

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public service loan forgiveness – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

The Office of Public Instruction’s Centralized Services Division provides service in the areas of fiscal control, payroll, accounts receivable/payable, budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, purchasing, contracts management, and allocation/distribution of State and Federal grants to school districts, special education cooperatives, universities, colleges, and state institutions. OPI has a biennial budget of over $2 billion, which consists of an annual operating budget of over $35 million and over $900 million of flow‑through funds.

The budget unit provides financial analysis and budget development, allocation, monitoring, and training to all levels of program administrators. The budget unit also provides the Executive Team, Division Administrators, and program managers with budget responsibility, accurate and timely budget status information.

Required for the first day of work:

• Knowledge of concepts and theories of school finance and budgets.
• Knowledge of database computer applications, data storage, and retrieval techniques.
• Knowledge of personal computer software such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of basic accounting and auditing principles.
• Knowledge of legislative process.
• Ability to interpret fiscal records, compile data, and prepare fiscal reports.
• Ability to conduct in‑depth analysis of financial systems, identify inconsistencies, and resolve critical problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to research, write reports clearly and effectively.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Three years of directly related budgeting experience.
• Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted.

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online, including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents, you must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process.

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the PERS retirement system.

Salary: $38.65 - $38.65 hourly

Telework Eligibility:
Not Telework Eligible

Benefits Package Eligibility:
Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings: 1

Employee Status:
Regular

Schedule:

Full‑Time

Job Type: Standard

Shift: Day

Travel:
Yes, 5 % of the time

Primary

Location:

Helena

Agency:
Office of Public Instruction

Union:
Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date:
Jan 15, 2026, 10:01:54 PM

Closing Date:
Ongoing

Required Application Materials:
Resume

Contact Name:
Human Resources | Contact Email: opi.careers | Contact Phone: 406‑444‑2673

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency’s HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay tana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.