Budget & Forecasting Analyst

Financial Management Services Budget Group Staff Analyst

The Financial Management Services Budget Group Staff Analyst provides analytical support for monthly financial reporting, budget-to-actual variance analysis, and annual operating budget development. The position partners with operating groups to compile and interpret financial data, develop recommendations, and support leadership decision‑making.

• Prepares, monitors, and forecasts monthly financial reporting and the annual operating budget; provides monthly line‑item projections based on year‑to‑date actuals, historical trends, and service line inputs.
• Serves as a liaison to service lines to support monthly projections, annual budget development, and routine budget maintenance activities, including budget transfers and journal entries as applicable.
• Investigates and analyzes budget items of medium complexity, including funding variances, trend changes, and forecasting risks; develops recommendations and proposed solutions for leadership review.
• Prepares, edits, and maintains budget guides, templates, and procedure documentation; responds to correspondence and requests for information as assigned; ensures information is accurate and accessible.
• Compiles and interprets financial and operational data; prepares management‑ready deliverables (reports, variance narratives, charts/graphs, briefing materials) to support decision‑making at the Division Manager level and above.
• Performs analytical work of average complexity involving financial and trend analysis; identifies drivers behind variances and communicates findings clearly to stakeholders.
• Participates in the evaluation and improvement of budget workflows and reporting processes; identifies opportunities to streamline steps, standardize tools, and strengthen internal controls and customer experience.
• Uses SAP and Microsoft Office (especially Excel) to run and reconcile reports, manipulate datasets, and support financial monitoring and reporting requirements.
• Handles confidential financial and operational information with discretion and professionalism.
• Represents the supervisor/management in meetings as needed to gather information, coordinate responses, and support resolution of moderately complex issues.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

The position is physically comfortable; the individual has some discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment. This is a Department of Houston Public Works position at the Tier III Level.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a field directly related to the type of work being performed. Graduate degrees related to the type of work may substitute for the experience requirement on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Three (3) years of professional administrative, financial or analytical experience related to the type of work being performed are required. Professional experience may substitute for the educational requirement on a year‑for‑year basis.

• A valid Texas Driver's License and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2‑2).
• Budget‑to‑actual variance analysis, forecasting/projections, and management reporting experience.
• Annual operating budget development support.
• Advanced Excel and experience with SAP (or similar ERP) reporting.
• Ability to interpret data, summarize findings, and recommend solutions.
• Stakeholder liaison experience and strong written communication (briefings/variance narratives).

Selection/SKILLS TESTS:
None. However, the department may administer a skill assessment evaluation.

No.

Pay Grade 26. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.