ASSISTANT BUDGET EXAMINER

Code: 00326@ Local Non-Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the supervision of a Budget Examiner aids in analyzing budget requests and the preparation of recommendations thereon; does related work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Work is assigned by the supervisor or a budget examiner of higher grade who gives specific instructions and explanations with each assignment and provides guidance on work in progress. The incumbent is responsible for independently carrying out recurring work assignments of limited duration such as reviewing data in budget forms and schedules for accuracy and consistency, and comparing current estimated funding needs by line item with past expenditures in the same budget areas to note differences. Issues which involve potential violations of law, conflict with existing budgetary policies, or deviations from accepted work plans and practices are referred to the supervisor or to a higher graded co-worker for resolution. Completed work such as reports on status of funds, data summaries, and entries of numerical data in budget forms and schedules is reviewed periodically for accuracy, adequacy, and compliance with instructions and procedures. The employee follows procedures, policies, formats, and practices in detailed supplements to broad budgetary guidelines. Available guidelines are specific to most work situations encountered. The employee uses judgment in selecting the appropriate portion of guides for use in completing assignments in budget formulation and budget execution. When new or revised guidelines apply, the supervisor provides instructions and interpretations concerning their use. The employee reviews changes in the budgets and programs of assigned activities, and summarizes changes in narrative format, using proper terminology. The employee fills out budget forms and schedules which cover activities of the assigned organizational segment, line items, or groups of functions. He assists higher-graded budget examiners in reviewing and analyzing budgetary data, information, and requests by verifying the accuracy and authenticity of data submitted and searches for and obtains information needed to cross-check data in forms, schedules, and requests. The incumbent applies the fundamental principles, practices, regulations, and procedures of budget administration to the formulation and compilation of budget estimates, and the tracking of obligations and expenditures for assigned line items and object classes in the budget. Tasks performed constitute a segment of the broader and more complex assignments of higher graded co-workers within the office. Completed work, such as estimates of annual funding needs for specific line items, and information on the current status of funds available in accounts affects the accuracy and reliability of consolidated budget estimates prepared by co-workers. Statistical data and factual information researched and compiled by the employee form the basis for more complicated recommendations and reports to management developed by others. Co-workers and budget officials are contacted for the purpose of obtaining advice concerning the technical treatment of budgetary data, and proper methods of obtaining or transferring funds, or recording funding transactions.

Examples of work

Performs routine and recurring budget administration duties which facilitate the conduct of more complex and detailed review and analysis functions conducted by the supervisor and higher level budget examiner. Gathers extracts, reviews, verifies, and consolidates a variety of narrative information and statistical data needed in the formulation and presentation of budget requests. Cross-checks the accuracy of budget and program data in related budgetary forms, schedules and reports. Changes or recommends the adjustment of inconsistent totals, sub-totals and individual entries. Compares figures in current estimates of funding needs by line item or object class with prior year expenditures and brings significant variations to the attention of the supervisor. Researches guides to extract legal, regulatory, program and budgetary information for use by the supervisor or higher level examiner. Prepares summaries of narrative, quantitative and statistical data in budget forms, schedules, and reports. Prepares preliminary budget estimates and reviews justifications for a few relatively stable program and/or program support activities. Receives, screens, and recommends approval, disapproval or modification of budget execution documents such as requests for allotments of funds, requests for personnel action to fill vacancies, and travel orders when such recommendations can be made on the basis of availability of funds and compliance with regulatory requirements. As assigned, aids in studies of budget requests, the preparation of analyses of expenditures and budget requests and in the development of budgetary reports and recommendations. Assists in relating salary changes to wage increases by industry. Performs assigned tasks in drafting the preliminary budget. Aids in relating operational changes to budget requirements. Assists in reviews of budgetary practices and carries on assigned research in order to make the budget a more meaningful document. Aids in making administrative studies in order to ascertain the validity and adequacy of budgets from various departments. Helps in preparing transfer resolutions, emergency resolutions, and budget line item transfers. Aids in the preparation of statistical and financial reports containing finding and recommendations on various budget and research matters. Drafts correspondence, maintains records, and files as required.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of basic theories and principles of management and how government agencies are organized and funded in order to identify and relate information about an organization's programs to its operating budget. Ability to conduct assigned budget, research, and related work and develop effective work methods. Ability to aid in developing budget procedures and adequate work programs for the carrying out of such budgets. Ability to prepare accurate and informative reports. Ability to draft correspondence, and to establish and maintain records and files. Ability to effectively communicate factual information orally and in writing; for example, to explain and summarize the reasons for changes in funding needs or expenditures for specific line items in the budget, or to convey information about rules, regulations, and procedures to managers. Ability to apply the body of knowledge which comprises budget administration to the formulation, justification and presentation of budget estimates and to the control of obligations and expenditures in approved operating budgets. Ability to perform tasks which require analytical reasoning with numbers. Ability to obtain, compile, and summarize narrative information and quantitative data. Ability to compare current and planned expenditures with authorized funding levels in order to project possible over or under expenditures of funds. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Four (4) years of professional experience in the evaluation and analysis of budget requests or in the preparation and presentation of budgets. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.