Purpose and Scope
The position of Senior Budget Analyst serves as a strategic liaison with school leaders, principals and all District Chiefs and Departments to support in making the best resource allocation decisions. This position performs forecasting and analyses of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) revenue and expenditures relative to budget planning; provides assistance to cross-functional project teams that include Finance, Academics, Strategy, Human Resources, and administrative support areas to provide appropriate oversight of the MSCS budget and long-term financial plan; serves as a budget knowledge expert that assists with the development and implementation of appropriate controls and policies, the coordination and planning of annual and long-term financial goals, and the alignment of resources with MSCS strategic goals.
Essential Job Functions
Serves as lead on complex financial analysis to include development of the annual budget aligned with strategic goals to include conducting long-term financial planning and assisting with the student-based allocation effort.
Serves as the primary point person to interact and engage internal and external stakeholders at all levels about financial and budget processes, position management, improvements, training, and data-driven reporting at the School and District level.
Strategizes and contributes sound financial advice based on forecasting and analysis of expenditures.
Analyzes and monitors MSCS revenues, expenditures, position(s) and resource allocation.
Assists with the development of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools annual operating budget and assists Departments and School Leaders with budget related issues.
Applies budget control functions within MSCS, including budget planning, budget preparation, and budget presentation.
Utilizes appropriate strategies and problem-solving tools to assist in decisions concerning planning, utilization of funds, delivering services and evaluation of services provided; and identifies potential problems or opportunities for improvement regarding resource utilization.
Supports the executive team with efforts of organizational change and development by assisting departments in developing strategic plans, business plans, benchmarks, performance measures, performance contracts, and other continuous improvement initiatives; performs process reviews, redesign and implementation of department activities.
Develops and leads a comprehensive position management process with appropriate controls across all funds; monitors and enhances the accuracy of position control management and budgeted salaries and benefits across all funds in collaboration with all District Leadership; and collaborates with Academics, Human Resources, and all Finance Departments.
Constructs and implements a comprehensive plan to streamline and improve the District budget check-in/out across all funds that allows Human Resources and Finance to take appropriate actions in a timely matter.
Analyzes financial information (e.g., updated and accurate budget and position control data, etc.) for the purpose of identifying potential budget variances, compiling statistical information, developing procedures, and conforming to established financial practices and regulatory requirements.
Develops and prepares rigorous financial analyses with multiple scenario and sensitivity analyses related to position management around District restructures, position reclassifications, school openings, closures, mergers, expansions, rezoning, grade reconfigurations, and revocations.
Provides updated guidance and training for the Finance team of District staff and teams.
Prepares budget, financial, and position reports for Chiefs, Directors and School Leaders and any other special report as requested.
Monitors, reviews and interprets changes in laws, regulations, and best practices related to public agency budgeting.
Performs other related responsibilities as required or directed.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Public or Business Administration, or closely related field plus a minimum of five (5) years of Accounting, Finance, and/or budgeting analysis, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience totaling 9 years. Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Public Administration or related field or equivalent is preferred. Experience in a school district, charter school or other education setting is preferred. (PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED).
Degree Equivalency Formula:
Bachelor’s Degree= 4 years plus required years of experience.
Master’s Degree= 2 years plus required years of experience. Where Master’s degrees are required, years for Bachelor’s Degrees must be included.
