Chief Budget Officer

Position Title: Chief Budget Officer

Department: Office of Budget Management 

Reports To: Ellis County Commissioner’s Court

Employment Status: Full-Time / Exempt

Salary: $135,246

POSITION SUMMARY

The Ellis County Budget Officer is responsible for leading and coordinating the County's annual budget development process and providing comprehensive budget analysis, financial planning, forecasting, monitoring, and reporting services to the Commissioners Court and County leadership.

The Budget Officer serves as a central resource for countywide budget development and financial planning and works collaboratively with County Departments and Elected Offices to ensure that budget requests are accurate, adequately supported, aligned with County priorities, and consistent with applicable laws, policies, and financial practices.

The position is responsible for developing and maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the County's financial position and providing timely, accurate, and understandable information to assist the Commissioners Court and County leadership in making informed decisions regarding the use of public resources.

The Budget Officer shall promote sound fiscal management, accountability, transparency, efficiency, and long-term financial sustainability throughout Ellis County.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Annual Budget Development

• Coordinate and manage the development of the Ellis County annual operating and capital budgets.
• Establish and maintain the annual budget calendar, instructions, forms, procedures, and submission requirements.
• Coordinate budget requests from all county departments, offices, and elected officials.
• Review departmental budget submissions for completeness, accuracy, consistency, and compliance with County policies and budget parameters.
• Analyze departmental requests and identify significant changes in expenditures, revenues, staffing, programs, and operational requirements.
• Develop preliminary and proposed budget recommendations for review by the Commissioners Court and County leadership.
• Prepare recommendations regarding departmental funding levels, staffing, compensation, capital expenditures, and other budgetary matters.
• Prepare materials and presentations for budget workshops, public hearings, Commissioners Court meetings, and other budget-related meetings.
• Assist in ensuring that the adopted budget is properly incorporated into the County's financial systems.

2. Financial Analysis and Forecasting

• Monitor County revenues and expenditures and identify financial trends, variances, and potential areas of concern.
• Develop short-term and long-term financial forecasts.
• Analyze historical financial information and current economic conditions to assist with revenue and expenditure projections.
• Evaluate the financial impact of proposed programs, services, personnel changes, contracts, capital projects, and other initiatives.
• Prepare financial models, projections, and scenario analyses for the Commissioners Court.
• Evaluate the potential fiscal impact of proposed legislation, unfunded mandates, regulatory changes, and other external factors affecting the County.
• Assist in developing multi-year financial plans and strategies.

3. Budget Monitoring and Administration

• Monitor departmental expenditures throughout the fiscal year.
• Compare actual revenues and expenditures to adopted budgets and identify significant variances.
• Prepare quarterly budget-to-actual reports for presentation to the County leadership and Commissioners Court.
• Work with department heads and elected officials to address budget variances and emerging financial issues.
• Review requests for budget amendments, transfers, supplemental appropriations, and other budget adjustments.
• Ensure budget adjustments are properly documented and presented for approval when required.
• Monitor compliance with the adopted budget and applicable County policies.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, operational efficiencies, and improved use of County resources.

4. Commissioners Court Support

• Serve as a primary budget and financial resource for the Commissioners Court.
• Prepare clear and concise financial information for Commissioners Court consideration.
• Provide objective analysis regarding the fiscal implications of proposed actions.
• Respond to questions from the County Judge, Commissioners, County Administrator, elected officials, department heads, and members of the public regarding County budget matters.
• Assist with preparation of budget-related agenda items, presentations, memoranda, and supporting documentation.
• Attend Commissioners Court meetings, budget workshops, and other meetings as assigned.

5. Department and Elected Official Coordination

• Establish productive working relationships with department heads, elected officials, the County Auditor, County Treasurer, County Tax Assessor-Collector and other county offices.
• Provide budget guidance and technical assistance to departments and elected offices.
• Assist departments in developing realistic and defensible budget requests.
• Promote consistency in budgeting practices across County departments while recognizing the statutory responsibilities of independently elected offices.
• Provide training and guidance regarding County budget policies, procedures, and financial practices.

6. Capital Planning

• Assist in the development and maintenance of the County's multi-year Capital Improvement Plan.
• Evaluate proposed capital expenditures and projects for fiscal impact and long-term sustainability.
• Analyze funding alternatives for capital projects, including available cash, debt financing, grants, and other funding sources.
• Coordinate with County departments regarding capital needs and projected replacement schedules.
• Assist in evaluating the long-term operating costs associated with capital investments.

7. Revenue Analysis

• Monitor major County revenue sources and develop revenue projections.
• Analyze property tax revenues, sales tax revenues, fees, permits, grants, intergovernmental revenues, and other significant revenue sources.
• Monitor changes in taxable values, collection trends, economic activity, and other factors affecting County revenues.
• Work with appropriate County offices to develop accurate revenue estimates.
• Identify emerging revenue risks and opportunities and communicate them to County leadership.

8. Grants and Special Funding

• Assist departments in evaluating the budgetary and financial implications of grants and other restricted funding sources.
• Review grant-related revenue and expenditure projections as requested.
• Assist departments in ensuring that grant-funded activities are properly incorporated into the County budget.
• Coordinate with appropriate County personnel regarding grant matching requirements, ongoing obligations, and potential fiscal impacts after grant funding expires.

9. Policies, Procedures, and Internal Controls

• Develop, maintain, and recommend improvements to County budget policies and procedures.
• Establish standardized budget processes and documentation.
• Promote sound internal controls relating to budget development and administration.
• Review existing practices and recommend improvements that increase efficiency, accountability, and transparency.
• Assist in developing policies concerning budget amendments, purchasing, departmental requests, capital planning, and financial reporting.

10. Long-Term Financial Planning

• Assist the County Administrator and Commissioners Court in developing long-term financial strategies.
• Monitor the County's fund balance and reserve levels.
• Evaluate the financial sustainability of existing programs and proposed new initiatives.
• Assist with financial planning related to major facilities, infrastructure, personnel, debt, and other long-term obligations.
• Develop financial scenarios to assist County leadership in evaluating future needs and priorities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Governmental budgeting and financial management principles.
• Texas county government operations and budgeting practices.
• Generally accepted governmental accounting and financial principles.
• Revenue forecasting and expenditure analysis.
• Capital improvement planning.
• Public-sector financial reporting.
• Budget development and administration.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting county finances and budgeting.
• Public-sector purchasing and financial management practices.
• Microsoft Office and financial/budget management software.

Skill in:

• Financial analysis and forecasting.
• Budget development and administration.
• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Developing financial models and projections.
• Preparing clear and concise reports and presentations.
• Communicating complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Identifying financial trends and potential risks.
• Managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Building effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, and members of the public.
• Using spreadsheets, databases, financial systems, and other analytical tools.

Ability to:

• Exercise sound judgment and maintain professional objectivity.
• Analyze complex financial information and make appropriate recommendations.
• Explain financial concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
• Work effectively with elected officials and independently elected offices.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial and personnel information.
• Meet strict statutory and administrative deadlines.
• Work independently while maintaining effective communication with County leadership.
• Handle politically and financially sensitive issues professionally and objectively.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Present information effectively to the Commissioners’ Court and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in:

• Public Administration;
• Business Administration;
• Finance;
• Accounting;
• Economics;
• Government;
• Public Finance; or
• a related field.

Valid Driver's License 

Ability to pass a background check 

Experience

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental budgeting, public finance, financial analysis, accounting, administration, or a related field.

Experience in county or municipal government is strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Public Finance, or a related field.
• Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) training or certification.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).
• Experience with Texas county government.
• Experience preparing or administering a governmental budget.
• Experience presenting financial information to elected officials or governing boards.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP), governmental accounting, and budget management systems.

CERTIFICATIONS

A professional certification such as CPA, CGFM, or another relevant governmental finance certification is preferred but not required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Budget Officer shall supervise assigned budget or financial analysts and support personnel within the Office of Budget Management.

The Budget Officer may also coordinate the work of departmental budget personnel and other employees involved in the County's budget process but shall not exercise supervisory authority over independently elected officials or employees under their statutory authority unless otherwise authorized by law.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Budget Officer regularly interacts with:

• County Judge;
• County Commissioners;
• County Administrator;
• County Auditor;
• County Treasurer;
• County Tax Assessor-Collector;
• Elected officials;
• Department heads;
• County employees;
• Outside financial professionals and consultants;
• State and federal agencies;
• Auditors;
• Bond counsel and financial advisors; and
• Members of the public.

The position requires a high degree of professionalism, discretion, diplomacy, and the ability to communicate financial information to individuals with varying levels of financial and governmental expertise.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in an office environment but requires attendance at Commissioners Court meetings, budget workshops, departmental meetings, public hearings, and other County functions.

The position may require occasional work outside normal business hours during budget preparation, Commissioners Court meetings, public hearings, fiscal year-end activities, and other periods of increased workload.

Occasional travel may be required for conferences, training, professional development, or County business.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed primarily in an office environment and involves using computers and other office equipment, reviewing and preparing documents, communicating with employees and stakeholders, conducting meetings, and providing departmental leadership. Duties may require occasional movement between work areas and meeting locations and occasional lifting or carrying of job-related materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Minimal travel may be required for meetings, training, or other official business. Essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The Budget Officer is expected to:

1. Provide accurate, timely, and reliable budget information.
2. Maintain a high standard of professional and ethical conduct.
3. Protect confidential and sensitive financial information.
4. Promote fiscal responsibility and accountability.
5. Support transparency in the County's budgeting process.
6. Maintain constructive working relationships with County officials and employees.
7. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenditures.
8. Provide objective financial analysis without regard to political or departmental interests.
9. Meet all applicable budgetary and statutory deadlines.
10. Continually improve the County's budgeting processes, systems, and financial planning capabilities.

DISCLAIMER

ELLIS COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Acknowledgement

I, affirm that I have reviewed and understood the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations outlined in this job description.   Furthermore, I agree to perform the duties described herein in accordance with the county’s policies and procedures, if selected for this role.

Applicant’s SignatureDate