STATE BUDGET SPECIALIST 3

Definition

Under the general supervision of a supervisory official, takes the lead in a variety of functions related to the preparation, execution, tracking, and analysis of the Governor's budget, including problem identification and resolution; compilation and analysis of program and budgetary information gathered from a variety of sources; technical and substantive review of budgetary data, appropriations language, program performance data, savings proposals, growth requests, program staffing levels, budget resolutions, related legislation, and other information; preparation of associated tables, reports, bill comments, fiscal notes, letters, memoranda, etc.; liaison functions within and outside of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); representation of OMB work at varying levels of government; and a variety of data/information management and administrative tasks associated with budget analysis; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Takes the lead in preparing and disseminating information concerning the Administration's position on appropriations action taken by the Legislature.
• Takes the lead in maintaining a computer data file supporting the appropriations monitoring process.
• Takes the lead in developing the database which supports the Governor's annual budget and contributing to the preparation of the technical materials portion of the budget document.
• Takes the lead in reviewing agency program plans, budgets, appropriations, operating reports, performance data, and other available information to identify programs or program components in which substantive problems or issues exist which require investigation and/or analysis; defines the issue or develops plans for conducting the analysis.
• Evaluates transfer requests to confirm necessity, level of approval required, and consistency with program objectives.
• Analyzes accounting, distribution, and budget authority options to ensure conformance to language in the budget and the Appropriations Act.
• Researches and investigates complex public policy issues, secures and compiles data, and develops position papers.
• Takes the lead in planning for program benefit/priority reviews and preparing documents for budget hearings.
• Takes the lead in developing revenue and expenditure analyses and projections.
• Takes the lead in developing and compiling information on state agency programs as requested by the Office of Legislative Services (OLS).
• Takes the lead in reviewing agency budget requests and developing budget recommendations.
• Reviews the more complex or difficult agency budget submissions for technical and conceptual accuracy and consistency; works with OMB and agency staff to resolve problems encountered; ensures that milestones in the budget preparation process are met, and that both the budget document and the database supporting it are of high technical quality.
• Takes the lead in reviewing and evaluating budget impact of proposed and implemented changes in State and federal law.
• Reviews various documents affecting the budget, accounting, purchase, and personnel systems.
• Compiles data and other information using personal computer applications, and analyzes its implications to produce statistical or analytical reports for OMB leadership. The subject matter of the analysis may concern a wide variety of budgetary topics such as planned versus actual spending in the current fiscal year, the effect of budgetary proposals on the discretionary spending limits established by the Appropriations Act, and comparisons of OMB and OLS scoring of legislation.
• Reviews recommendations on the advisability and necessity of agencies' requested personnel actions based on programmatic and fiscal considerations.
• Participates on interdepartmental panels, advisory committees, and/or task forces created to address a particular program area or a problem situation.
• Considers various complex/difficult conceptual, technical, and procedural issues related to the budget process (e.g. implications of the Appropriations Act for OMB reporting requirements, refinement of computer systems applications to accommodate evolving technical budgeting requirements, etc.), which may result in the development of OMB positions on various conceptual issues to facilitate the exchange of information with the OLS, Legislature, and Appropriations Committees; and the development of revised OMB rules, practices, and/or procedures and those of other state agencies.
• Reviews directory letters such as supplemental appropriations and re-appropriation adjustments and reversions.
• May prepare correspondence to internal and external parties on behalf of OMB Director or State Treasurer.
• Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• 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.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Management Science, Economics, Accounting, Public or Business Administration, Political Science, Finance, Mathematics, Public Policy, Government Administration, Actuarial Science, Statistics, or Budgeting.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in the compilation and review of program and budgetary information, including the analysis, development, and/or evaluation of budgets or operations of a private or public organization.

License

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

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of management science concepts and practices (e.g., Management by Objectives, Program Planning, and Budgeting Systems, Operations Research, Systems Analysis, and Total Quality Management).
• Knowledge of budgeting and planning practices and procedures, program analysis, organization principles, and administrative practices.
• Knowledge of the organization and functions of New Jersey state government and of intergovernmental relationships.
• Knowledge of federal programs and regulations, and their impact on the funding of state programs.
• Knowledge of data processing technology and its application to decision making in the management of government agencies.
• Ability to function as a lead worker and provide assistance/guidance to lower level staff.
• Ability to apply statistical theory, practices, and techniques, and information systems technology to the evaluation of budgets.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply laws and regulations to specific situations.
• Ability to identify programs or program components in which problems or issues exist which require investigation and/or analysis.
• Ability to recognize and define latent budget and policy issues, and to recommend appropriate action to be taken.
• Ability to translate knowledge of state agencies and programs into recommendations for the most effective use of limited resources.
• Ability to analyze agency operations and develop alternative budget strategies and cost estimates.
• Ability to develop revenue and expenditure analyses and projections. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain essential records.
• 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, and 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.

Possession of a Master's degree in one of the above areas from an accredited college or university will satisfy the education requirement irrespective of the area of concentration at the Bachelor's level.

Possession of a Master's degree in one of the above areas from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of the indicated experience.

A general Bachelor's degree supplemented by a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester hour credits in any combination of the following areas: Management Science, Economics, Accounting, Public or Business Administration, Political Science, Finance, Mathematics, Public Policy, Government Administration, Actuarial Science, Statistics, or Budgeting, including one (1) additional year of experience as stated above, may be substituted for the education and experience requirements.

Possession of a Doctorate degree in one of the above areas from an accredited college or university may be substituted for two (2) years of the indicated experience.