PRINCIPAL FISCAL ANALYST
Exam status, as of October 22, 2026. No examination is open now. The most recent announcement we hold was a promotional examination for Law & Public Safety (symbol PS0296P), which closed October 21, 2026. Exam schedule
Rules that apply to this title
A guide to the rules, not legal advice.
Principal Fiscal Analyst is a state or local title in New Jersey's competitive civil service, which means the way in is an open exam rather than a direct appointment.
On paper it calls for a master's degree, though the specification lets enough relevant experience stand in for the degree. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $76,287 to $111,856, and state payroll currently lists about 25 people in the title, led by Treasury.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 8 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 8 employers and how to apply →Examination announcements for this title
Promotional announcements
This title has appeared on the Commission's promotional lists; the announcement has closed. Promotional announcements are posted on the 1st of each month and removed after about three weeks. A promotional examination produces its own eligible list and is open only to people who already hold permanent status in a qualifying title within the unit named on the row, not across that employer generally; filing without eligibility means an ineligible determination and no refund of the fee.
| Title | Symbol | Employer and unit who may file | Closes | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRINCIPAL FISCAL ANALYST$76,287 to $111,856 a yearPromoted from: Fiscal Analyst, Senior Fiscal Analyst | PS0296P | Consumer Affairs/Office of the Director | October 21, 2026 | Closed | Announcement |
Every row is CSC's own; see the full announcement calendar.
This title at the Civil Service Commission
The Civil Service Commission's minutes record 1 matter naming it since January 16, 2019: examination scoring or administration (1).
- CSC Docket No. 2022-1902 April 6, 2022 · Examination scoring or administration · Denied
Who employs this title
Principal Fiscal Analyst appears on the State payroll at 8 departments, most of them at Department of Treasury.
State departments
Where this title is used
Principal Fiscal Analyst is a common title, so it is used in both State and local service. The local side is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, which set their own pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule.
Check whether an employer is a civil service jurisdiction · How local civil service works
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 25 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $97,764. The agencies employing the most are:
- Treasury (8)
- Community Affairs (8)
- Law and Public Safety (3)
- Human Services (2)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
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 general supervision of a supervisor takes the lead in developing, analyzing, reviewing and coordinating the preparation for review and maintenance of the department budget; conducts other fiscal analyses, takes the lead in analyzing budgets for grants, contracts, state funds and/or program funds, assists in analyzing fiscal impacts, maintains records; does other related duties.
Examples of work
Develops budget revenue and expenditure projections. Reviews financial data and reporting systems. Takes the lead in preparing fiscal and other reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Provides technical advice on fiscal matters and problems. Provides guidance and instruction as lead worker to staff. Monitors the preparation, review and maintenance of budget. Approves expenditures; authorizes payment of vouchers, orders and other transactions. Allocates payment from various sources to appropriate accounts; approves transfer of monies from accounts. Reviews expenditures for compliance with budget policies. Establishes and maintains budget records and files. Utilizes financial software packages. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
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 the principles of cost and fund accounting. Knowledge of the methods used to prepare, review and maintain the budget. Knowledge of financial projection and forecast methods. Knowledge of the procedures for the transfer of appropriations. Knowledge of the theory and principles of fiscal analysis. Ability to read and interpret, laws, rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations. Ability to provide technical instruction and assistance to subordinate staff. Ability to provide advice on fiscal matters and problems. Ability to establish and maintain fiscal and other records and files. Ability to review, analyze and interpret financial records and statements. Ability to prepare fiscal studies and reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Ability to develop financial projections or forecasts. Ability to analyze complex financial records. Ability to calculate revenue and expenditure projections. Ability to recognize discrepancies in financial data. Ability to establish and maintain budgetary records and files for analytical, statistical, and administrative purposes. 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 essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. 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. Seven (7) years of professional experience in the collection, analysis, evaluation and presentation of financial data used to provide an accurate accounting of administrative and operating costs and the preparation of reports containing conclusions and recommendations for a private business or government agency. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting or Finance; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.