Budget Analyst

Statement of Duties:

The City of Somerville is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Budget Analyst to join our Finance team. This position supports the Budget Director in preparing and managing the City’s annual Operating Budget and 10-Year Capital Investment Plan, monitoring department budgets, forecasting revenues and expenditures, and conducting special analyses to support strategic decision-making.

• Assist in developing, implementing, and administering the annual Operating Budget.
• Compile and analyze financial data, prepare charts and tables, and review departmental budget submissions for accuracy and alignment with City goals.
• Train City staff on budget procedures and provide guidance throughout the budget process.
• Support planning for the 10-Year Capital Investment Plan, including project scheduling, cost modeling, and maintaining project data.
• Monitor and analyze budget performance; identify and explain variances.
• Analyze revenue and expenditure trends; recommend updates to the 10-year financial forecast.
• Provide financial analysis for collective bargaining, including costing out proposals and agreements.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for grant applications, programs, fees, and capital purchases.
• Assist with preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
• Prepare special reports for City leadership
• Verify position and payroll data in collaboration with Human Resources and Payroll.

Education and Experience: A Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, or public administration, supplemented with at least (3) years experience in governmental finance, preferable at the local level. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Master’s Degree preferred. Must be versed in activity-based costing, techniques of budget analysis, and information systems for cost-analysis. Must be proficient in the compilation, manipulation, analysis, and maintenance of large amounts of financial data.

Must have excellent analytical skills and the ability to understand complex issues. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to work under general supervision. Must be attentive to detail and possess effective verbal and written communication skills. Must have facility with EXCEL and Microsoft Office, and the ability to work with financial management software systems.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge: Knowledge of governmental budgeting (capital and operating and accounting practices as well as a general understanding of municipal operations and public policy.

Abilities: Establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with diverse stakeholders regarding strategy, policy, and operations; work independently; manage multiple tasks efficiently, prioritize, and balance short and long-term responsibilities; carry out assignments to completion in an efficient and accurate manner; communicate and collaborate with executive-level individuals; learn new concepts quickly; maintain confidential information; and maintain, manage, and organize information used for collaboration and public presentation.

Skill: Must be proficient in the compilation, manipulation, analysis, and maintenance of large amounts of financial data. Must have excellent analytical skills and the ability to understand complex issues. Must have strong knowledge of Excel and Microsoft Office, and the ability to work with financial management software systems. Experience with coding languages (R, Python or similar) are valuable but not required.

The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to attend evening meetings or complete work assignments.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Physical

Skills:

Few physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. May also be…