Budget Analyst GS-0560 Career Path Guide April, 2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS BUDGET ANALYSIS G-0560... 1 Career Path Guide... 1 Your Career as a Budget Analyst SNAP SHOT... 1 Your Expertise... 1 Previous Experience... 1 Key Duties and Responsibilities GENERAL ALL GS LEVELS... 1 Competencies ALL GS LEVELS... 2 Career Development - ALL GS LEVELS... 3 The Importance of Mentoring... 4 Advancement... 4 Budget Analyst GS-5... 5 Budget Analyst GS-7... 7 Budget Analyst GS-9... 10 Budget Analyst GS-12... 17 Supervisory Budget Analyst GS-12... 20 Budget Analyst GS-13... 23 Supervisory Budget Analyst GS-13... 26 Budget Analyst GS-14... 29 Supervisory Budget Analyst GS-14... 33 Budget Officer GS-14... 36 Budget Analyst GS-15... 39 Supervisory Budget Analyst GS-15... 41 Budget Officer GS-15... 44 Budget Analyst Career Path Guide
Budget Analysis GS-0560 Career Path Guide The Budget Analyst is a HUD Mission Critical Occupation meaning that it is core to carrying out the primary mission of the Department. Whether you aspire to be a senior leader or choose to deliver steady technical expertise as a HUD Community Planning & Development professional, your contributions to the mission are valued and essential. The purpose of this career path guide is to provide you with a realistic preview of typical experiences, responsibilities, and duties associated with this occupation as well as strategies for developing and advancing your professional development as you grow your career at HUD. Your Career as a Budget Analyst SNAP SHOT Government budget analysts occupy two broad types of positions: Budget Analyst and Budget Officer. As a Budget Analyst, you are in a position that involves analytical, technical, and administrative duties in one or more phases of the budgetary process: budget formulation and justification, presentation and enactment, or execution. Budget analysts are responsible for a segment of an organization's budget, programs, and/or organizational structure that is less than the full scope of budgetary operations for the organizational component. A Budget Analyst also may develop budgetary guidance. There are also Supervisory Budget Analysts. A Budget Officer is a supervisory or non-supervisory position with delegated authority and responsibility for the total budgetary operations of an agency or other organizational segment. Your Expertise Your role requires knowledge and skill in applying budget-related laws, regulations, policies, precedents, methods and technique. You need to have a high level of familiar on the following topics, in order to provide advice to program managers, agency administrators, and others: the amounts and types of funding available; the purposes for which the money in the budget may be legally used; the time-frames within which available budget funds or authority must be used; trends in the obligation and/or expenditure of funds; and, the effects of budgetary changes on related activities (e.g., purchase of office supplies and equipment, maintenance of buildings and grounds, hiring of personnel, and payment for travel expenses). Previous Experience It is advantageous for the Budget Analyst to have experience in the following areas: analyzing problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; planning and organizing work; and communicating effectively orally and in writing. Experience in gathering, assembling and analyzing sources of factual information, including accounting reports, payroll records, work reports, inventory or supply data is also valuable, as is the ability to analyze and evaluate program effectiveness, problems, trends, and accomplishments. Key Duties and Responsibilities GENERAL ALL GS LEVELS The Budget Analyst role is often a process generalist, in that they are involved in all phases of the budgetary process. Some budget analysts specialize in a particular phase of the budget process, and have broad responsibility for multiple programs or organizational components. The three phases co-exist during the fiscal year. When the approved operating budget for the current fiscal year is in the execution phase, the proposed budget for the following fiscal year is in the presentation/enactment phase, and the budget request for two years 1 Budget Analyst Career Path Guide
hence is in the formulation phase. The budget cycle for a single budget year covers nearly three calendar years. Below is a brief description of each: Budget Formulation the process of preparing detailed analyses and estimates of annual funding needs for one or more future budget years. The process begins with the gathering, comparing, and correlating information about projected costs of current and future programs and activities. Analysts then determine costs and benefits of different levels of program operations. Finally, analysts put the recommended budget for the desired level of program operations into a format consistent with existing legislative and regulatory guidance and acceptable to reviewing and approving authorities. Budget Presentation/Enactment Congressional review of the President's budget formally marks the start of the presentation/enactment phase of the budget process. This phase is formal, as distinguished from those budget presentations and reviews of a less formal nature, that take place within agencies prior to submission of the President's budget to Congress. Before considering appropriations for a specific program, Congress must first enact legislation, referred to as enabling legislation that authorizes an agency to carry out the program. Such legislation provides budget authority for the program, and may also set limitations on the amount of money that can be spent to carry it out. Congress, at its will, authorizes agencies to operate for one or more years. Budget Execution the phase during which OMB makes funds in the approved fiscal year budget available to agencies to carry out their missions, functions, and programs. OMB makes these funds available on a timephased basis (e.g., quarterly, or for specific projects) through the apportionment process. The apportionment process consists of a system of administrative controls intended to achieve the most economical and efficient use of funds available by preventing the need for supplemental or deficiency appropriations, or lapses of budget authority. Agencies further control their own obligation and expenditure of funds available through a similar distribution of allotments and sub-allotments that are distributed on a time-phased, project, or other basis. During the budget execution phase, agency budget and program officials monitor, check, and control the use of agency funds. Competencies ALL GS LEVELS The competencies below are relevant to all Budget Analysts across all GS Levels. Knowledge, skills and abilities are also presented by specific GS Level. Competency Federal Budget Process Budgetary Accounting and Control Description Makes appropriate interpretations and applications of substantive and procedural statutory, regulatory, and administrative requirements to formulate, justify, defend, execute, evaluate and report on use of Federal resources. Executes budget activities in compliance with appropriate requirements, advises organizational leaders on compliance requirements and options, and uses flexibility in requirements to achieve the greatest possible effectiveness and efficiency in budget development and administration, aligned with the mission and goals of the organization. Accurately and consistently applies budget controls and financial management systems and procedures. Uses generally accepted accounting principles, policies, procedures and Federal accounting structures, following and applying new developments as appropriate, to ensure proper use and accounting of the organization s funds, integrity of the organization s financial records, and support of Budget Analyst Career Path Guide 2
the organization s financial status and procedures during audits. Federal Legislation, Regulations and Guidance Budget Development and Justification Planning and Performance Evaluation Analyzes and applies legislative actions, regulations, and guidance to formulate, execute, provide accurate advice, and report on budget activities that improve organizational access to and effective, efficient use of resources to fulfill mission, responsibilities, and priorities. Participates in or leads budget development and justification, resulting in approved budgets that support, reflect, and enable achievement of the organization s strategic goals and implementing programs and priorities. Develops budgets that comply with congressional, OMB, and agency guidelines and procedural requirements. Writes justifications and responses to information requests that clearly, persuasively, and accurately demonstrate relationships between budget proposals and achievement of goals. Creates budget proposals and descriptions that reflect appropriate selection and application of budgeting models and strategies. Works cooperatively and effectively with organizational leaders and oversight representatives. Applies an appropriate strategic planning process, including a systematic evaluation component, and anticipates, analyzes, and develops solutions to budgetary and programmatic issues. Provides clear, accurate, and persuasive evidence for effectiveness of proposed strategies and solutions, resulting in implementation of a process for planning, evaluation, and issue analysis and resolution that improves efficiency and effectiveness of use of resources and that has the confidence of organization and oversight leadership. Career Development - ALL GS LEVELS You are encouraged to take control of your career by participating in targeted developmental activities, taking relevant training, and seeking diverse and demanding assignments that will allow you to develop your skills. Continually learning and investing in your education and training will help you better tackle obstacles on your job as well as increase the likelihood of your career advancement as a Budget Analyst. Participate in training and development areas that strengthen your skills in the following areas: Contract and subcontract management Understanding stakeholders managing multiple stakeholders; understanding the strategic roles of stakeholders Project management managing multiple projects; working on and orchestrating cross-functional teams Communicating effectively to technical and business audiences Consensus building Customer service Technical writing Team building 3 Budget Analyst Career Path Guide
Study and continuously revisit the following resources: The United States Budget in Brief The Budget of the United States Government The Appendix to the Budget of the United States Government Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-11-Subject: Preparation and Submission of Budget Estimates Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-34-Subject: Instructions on Budget Execution HUD Handbook 1830.4: Procedures for Processing Funds and Contract Authority The Importance of Mentoring Budget Analysts gain a significant amount of valuable learning on the job. They learn by experience working with client groups and they learn from peers in both formal and informal mentoring relationships. Mentoring is an effective way to gain skills and develop competencies outside of a formal training setting. Mentors provide mentees with developmental feedback, challenging assignments, as well as technical coaching. Mentees have an opportunity to test out new behaviors and tasks and practice skills such as oral communication and negotiation with high-level officials tasks that are often challenging and critical to performance in this field. Mentors also benefit from the mentoring relationship. Serving as a mentor strengthens work-related skills, increases confidence, improves communication skills, and improves leadership skills. In addition, mentors benefit from the satisfaction of knowing they are helping someone else achieve their career goals. Entry-Level Budget Analysts should continually seek mentoring from Senior Budget Analysts, who should themselves look for opportunities to mentor the next generation of talent in this area. Advancement As a Budget Analyst, you have the opportunity to advance within your current role and to take on higher level roles at HUD Field Offices or at Headquarters. However, being eligible for promotion does not guarantee you will be promoted. Typically, you must compete and be selected for a vacancy at a higher grade level unless the promotion is within a "career ladder". Career ladder is the term used to describe a position that is filled at an entry level to allow an employee to develop, through training, to the full performance level. The promotion of an employee within a career ladder is made without competition. When a position has a range of grade levels, for example 5, 7, 9, 11, with a maximum grade of 12, and the vacancy announcement stated that there was promotion potential to the 12, it is a career ladder position. Normally, after completing one year you are eligible for promotion to the next grade. Budget Analyst Career Path Guide 4
Budget Analyst GS-5 Budget Analyst Grade Levels As a GS-5 Budget Analyst, you are a trainee that assists higher level budget analysts in the performance of the assignments in any aspect of the full range of budget analysis work. Depending on your organization, you may be called a Budget Assistant. The purpose of the work is to provide familiarity with and practice in applying the concepts, principles, practices, and procedures of budgeting. Completed work supports the timely achievement of the budgetary and program goals of the immediate office. You perform routine and recurring work in the budget area to increase your knowledge and understanding of the functions of budget administration, and acquire a greater familiarity with the policies, procedures, and practices of budgeting. This work may involve the performance of duties that consist of related steps, methods, and procedures in the areas of budget formulation, justification, and or execution, including reviewing changes in budgets and programs of aligned organization(s), reviewing and analyzing budgetary data, information, and requests, and searching for and obtaining information needed to check accuracy of data. Other duties typically performed include formulating budget estimates, checking and monitoring obligations and expenditures, and consolidating budgetary data. You follow established procedures, laws, regulations, policies, and practices. Procedural instructions for doing the work have been established and are readily available to you. A higher-level employee is readily available to answer questions. Education & Qualifications Basic Education Requirement: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree in an accredited college or university. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The Federal Budget Process. Ability to apply guidance regarding emerging conditions to adapt budget development and management activities, assisting in identification of opportunities to increase efficiency. Ability to complete interpretation, application, and analysis activities in a timely manner with only moderate supervision. Budgetary Accounting and Control. Ability to perform accounting and budgetary control assignments with moderate guidance and supervision. Knowledge of and ability to use the proper methods to control, monitor and advise regarding assigned funds. Federal Legislation, Regulations and Guidance. Knowledge surrounding assigned legislations in order to assist in development of advice for organizational leaders. Ability to correctly apply agency or legislative guidance to budget development, justification and execution. Budget Development and Justification. Knowledge of and adherence to policy and regulations, as well as the ability to implement budget strategies correctly. Ability to follow models for proposal and justification development, producing clear and accurate work. Knowledge of basic theories and principles of management in order to identify and relate information about an organization's programs to its operating budget Planning and Performance Evaluation. Knowledge of and ability to use budget analysis tools to accurately anticipate and forestall short term budget issues, and develop alternative recommendations based on accurate data. Ability to apply assigned procedures to evaluate budget and program performance related to goals, as well as provide clear and accurate reports in assigned areas. Financial Analysis, Forecasting and Modeling. Ability to correctly apply analytical tools to assigned responsibilities to produce accurate interpretations, analysis and recommendations regarding trends, goal achievement and courses of action in the assigned area. The ability to extract, review, and analyze numerical information such as monthly expense statements, budget requests, cost estimates in order to prepare reports and analyses. At GS-5, focus on the following Training Areas and Development Activities: Increasing your familiarity with different financial, budgetary and statistical programs. 5 Budget Analyst Career Path Guide
Becoming more familiar with established laws, regulations, procedures, policies, and practices. Research and analysis techniques. Persuasive writing. Financial and statistical analysis. Time management. Seek out a mentor for technical and/or career guidance. At GS-5, try to gain Work Experiences in these areas: Gathering, reviewing and consolidating narrative information and statistical data. Formulating and presenting budget requests. Preparing preliminary budget requests. Working more independently. Using your own judgment to locate and select the proper procedural and technical instructions for application to specific situations. BUDGET ANALYST (GS-5) CAREER MAP Budget Analyst Career Path Guide 6
Budget Analyst GS-7 As a GS-7 Budget Analyst, you are an advanced trainee, assisting higher-level budget analysts in the performance of their assignments in any aspect of the full range of budget analysis work. Depending on your organization, you may be called a Budget Assistant. You perform routine and recurring budget administration duties that facilitate the conducting of more complex and detailed review and analysis functions conducted by your supervisor and higher-level co-workers. This work may include any segment of the full range of budget administration work done in the organization. Duties typically performed include gathering, reviewing, and consolidating narrative information and statistical data to formulate and present budget requests; checking accuracy of budget and program data; preparing preliminary budget estimates; and reviewing and recommending approval, disapproval or modification of budget execution documents. Your work is assigned by the supervisor or a higher-level analyst who gives instructions and explanations with each assignment and provides guidance on work in progress, and you are responsible for independently carrying out recurring work assignments. You follow established laws, regulations, procedures, policies, and practices, and use your judgment in locating and selecting the proper procedural and technical instructions for application to specific situations. Your completed work is reviewed for accuracy, adequacy, and compliance with instructions and procedures. Education & Qualifications Basic Education Requirement: Successful completion of at least one year of graduate level education, or Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.). S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. At the GS-7 level, you should have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level. This includes performing budget administration duties, preparing budget estimates, or preparing/analyzing budget plans and programs. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The Federal Budget Process. Knowledge of and ability to correctly apply Federal and Department budgetary methods, practices, procedures, regulations, and other guides in order to perform routine continuing assignments in the areas of budget formulation, presentation, and execution. Ability to apply guidance regarding emerging conditions to adapt budget development and management activities, assisting in identification of opportunities to increase efficiency. Budgetary Accounting and Control. Ability to perform accounting and budgetary control assignments with moderate guidance and supervision. Knowledge of and ability to use the proper methods to control, monitor and advise regarding assigned funds. Ability to properly record and interpret linkages in the US Standard General Ledger. Federal Legislation, Regulations and Guidance. Knowledge surrounding assigned legislations in order to assist in development of advice for organizational leaders. Ability to correctly apply agency or legislative guidance to budget development, justification and execution. Staying abreast of your area of assignment, tracking development and assisting in the formulating of the organization s budget response. Budget Development and Justification. Knowledge of and adherence to policy and regulations, as well as the ability to implement budget strategies correctly. Ability to follow models for proposal and justification development, producing clear and accurate work. Ability to work cooperatively on a team while providing accurate information and advice regarding assign portions of a proposal or justification. Knowledge of assigned organization's structure, programs, and the budgetary and financial relationships of the organization to determine whether estimates of funding needs are appropriate or if funds are being expended according to the program's goals and objectives. 7 Budget Analyst Career Path Guide
Planning and Performance Evaluation. Knowledge of and ability to use budget analysis tools to accurately anticipate and forestall short term budget issues, and develop alternative recommendations based on accurate data. Ability to apply assigned procedures to evaluate budget and program performance related to goals, as well as provide clear and accurate reports in assigned areas. Knowledge of up-to-date developments in assigned area, including knowledge of developments in guidance, such that there is the ability to participate substantively in the development of suitable strategic and budget planning approaches. Financial Analysis, Forecasting and Modeling. Ability to correctly apply analytical tools to assigned responsibilities to produce accurate interpretations, analysis and recommendations regarding trends, goal achievement and courses of action in the assigned area. Ability to develop clear and accurate reports and recommendations for short-term, tactical budget management measures. Ability to extract, review, and analyze numerical information such as monthly expense statements, budget requests, and cost estimates in order to prepare reports and analyses. Skill in categorizing and analyzing quantitative data in order to analyze budgetary and accounting activities. At GS-7, focus on the following Training Areas and Development Activities: Increasing your familiarity with different financial, budgetary and statistical programs. Becoming more familiar with established laws, regulations, procedures, policies, and practices, including the OMB directives and circulars. Research and analysis techniques. Persuasive writing. Communicating technical information orally. Financial and statistical analysis, including various analytical methods and techniques. Time management. At GS-7, try to gain Work Experiences in these areas: Seek out a mentor for technical and/or career guidance. Assisting in the preparation of budget estimates and justifications. Interpreting the directives and circulars from the Office of Management and Budget. Reviewing program office and budget office submissions. Completing your work more independently. Providing information and advice to program managers. Budget Analyst Career Path Guide 8
BUDGET ANALYST (GS-7) CAREER MAP 9 Budget Analyst Career Path Guide
Budget Analyst GS-9 As a GS-9 Budget Analyst, you perform a specified portion or portions of the full range of budget analysis assignments. This position involves performing routine budget analysis functions in assigned areas. Your work may be performed in any segment of the normal range of budget administration work performed by the organization including budget formulation, budget presentation-enactment, or budget execution. The primary purpose of the work is to review, analyze, and monitor all program and budgetary aspects of assigned programs to assure compliance with applicable guidelines and priorities. You exercise financial control over the rate of expenditures and aids management in the planning, scheduling, and timing of program and or administrative operations within funding limitations. Your duties typically performed include assisting in the preparation of budget estimates and justifications, interpreting OMB directives and circulars, and providing information and advice to program managers. You likely will also be involved with reviewing program office and office budget submissions for reasonableness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and guidelines, monitoring budget(s), and recommending reprogramming of funds as needed. Assignments are of moderate difficulty and require the use of a number of different and unrelated analytical methods and techniques. The techniques used in following procedures are normally routine, but may involve some adaptation of established procedures. Your work is typically performed independently with assistance available on unusual problems, and your completed work is spot checked for technical soundness and conformity with agency policy and established objectives. Education & Qualifications Basic Education Requirement: Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher level graduate education or possession of a master`s or equivalent degree. As a GS-9 you should possess at least one year of experience at the GS-7 level. This includes assisting with: routine and recurring budget administration duties which facilitate more complex and detailed review and analysis functions; comparing figures in current estimates of funding needs by line item or object class with prior year s expenditures; or preparing preliminary budget estimates and reviewing justifications for program support activities. A combination of appropriate specialized experience and graduate education that is beyond the first year of progressive graduate study. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The Federal Budget Process. Knowledge of Federal and Department budgetary methods, practices, procedures, regulations, and other guides in order to perform routine continuing assignments in the areas of budget formulation, presentation, and execution. The ability to anticipate and adapt to changing conditions while completing assignments largely independently. Knowledge of and the ability to independently, consistently and correctly apply budget policies and procedures, identifying and utilizing standard strategies to maintain or improve efficiency. Budgetary Accounting and Control. Ability to perform accounting and budgetary control assignments with limited supervision. Knowledge of and the ability to select appropriate methods to ensure accurate and consistent recording and interpretation of the US Standard General Ledger, as well as spotting and responding to any anomalous situations. Knowledge of and ability to use proper methods to control, monitor, and advise on use of funds, including consideration of alternative control systems or methods and when appropriate, selecting or recommending a more effective approach. Federal Legislation, Regulations and Guidance. Ability to complete complex analysis, reporting, and development of advice with minimal supervision and in time to be considered and used effectively by organizational leaders. Knowledge of how to and ability to conduct accurate analysis of legislation and develops accurate, helpful reports and advice to organizational leaders, including options for budget development, justification, and administration. Tracks a broad variety of developments that affect budget Budget Analyst Career Path Guide 10
functions and, in one s area of expertise, applies theoretical as well as practical knowledge to formulate effective budget responses. Budget Development and Justification. Ability to adapt to changing conditions with minimal guidance. Ability to select and accurately implement appropriate, compliant budget strategies and procedures for routine and some unusual budget settings. Can select and appropriately applies models for proposal and justification development, producing accurate, clear, sometimes original work. Knowledge of assigned organization's structure, programs, and the budgetary and financial relationships of the organization to determine whether estimates of funding needs are appropriate or if funds are being expended according to the program's goals and objectives. Planning and Performance Evaluation. Ability to complete a broad array of strategic planning, evaluation, and advisory assignments on time, using approaches that result in clear, usable products, with infrequent, limited supervision. Remains current in a range of strategic planning and evaluation areas, adapts to changes in legislation, regulations, and guidance, and selects approaches to planning and evaluation tasks that are appropriate to and effective for the organization. Uses operational knowledge of a variety of tools for analysis and selects and applies tools that allow for accurate anticipation of short-term budget issues. Develops effective, sometimes creative, solutions or recommendations for resolving financial, budget, and program management issues. Financial Analysis, Forecasting and Modeling. Is able to choose from among a range of tools in which expertise is maintained, applies those appropriate to the task to produce accurate, timely analyses, forecasts, and measurements, with infrequent, limited supervision. Applies tools to organize and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data, providing clear and accurate analysis, identification of trends, and measures of results against budget goals in a broad area of responsibility. Using historical data and key financial indicators, provides interpretations, forecasts trends, identifies and projects financial needs and risks, and develops financial recommendations. Has the ability to extract, review, and analyze numerical information such as monthly expense statements, budget requests, cost estimates in order to prepare reports and analyses. Skill in categorizing and analyzing quantitative data in order to analyze budgetary and accounting activities. At GS-9, focus on the following Training Areas and Development Activities: Increasing your familiarity with different financial, budgetary and statistical programs. Becoming more familiar with established laws, regulations, procedures, policies, and practices, including the OMB directives and circulars. Increasing your familiarity with the nuances of each phase in the budget process. Research and analysis techniques. Technical writing, particularly in terms of developing reports, studies and charts. Negotiation and influencing skills. Financial and statistical analysis. Team building. At GS-9, try to gain Work Experiences in these areas: Seek out a mentor for technical and/or career guidance. Preparing financial analyses to support the budget estimation process. Completing budget schedules and work sheets. Inputting and maintaining funding control data in the financial system. Compiling and communicating financial information, both orally and written. Consulting program officials in order to complete work assignments. 11 Budget Analyst Career Path Guide
Working with the financial system in order to understand its relationship to the budget process for reporting, analysis and review of programs. BUDGET ANALYST (GS-9) CAREER MAP Budget Analyst Career Path Guide 12
Budget Analyst GS-11 As a GS-11 Budget Analyst, you may perform a specified portion or portions of the full range of budget analysis assignments, or you may begin specialize in a specific area of budget analysis. You work under the Budget Officer, who assigns your work, including the financial and budgetary objectives to be met. You indecently plan and carry out your assigned budgetary activities. Within budget formulation, your tasks likely include assembling and consolidating final funding estimates from program managers, reviewing and editing estimates for clarity, consistency and adherence to policy guidance within established timeframes, ensuring submissions are completed, reviewing and verifying financial reports of obligations and outlays staffing, travel and other object classes for program offices, assembling information for use in budget formulations, and assembling data on funding levels for new and expanding programs, in consultation with senior budget analysts and division director. For budget presentation, your are typically responsibly for participating in the preparation and assembly of annual program budget submissions for the Assistant Secretary to the Office of Management and Budget, as well as preparing forms and documents required to transmit the budget request to OMB and Congress. You also prepare budget program exhibits and financial schedules, including narrative justifications and associated tables required by OMB and Congress, and support the program's budget requests, prepare and assemble materials for data books and briefings for program senior management and other Department officials, in conjunction with appearances at press briefings and before committees of Congress. It is also your responsibility to prepare draft responses to budget related inquiries submitted by Congressional staff, public interest groups, the press, private individuals and Headquarters officials. Within budget execution, you maintain appropriation documents, and adjust figures in budget accounts to reflect changes in authorized appropriations. It is within your duties to assemble data to use in preparing Headquarters and Field staffing allocations, as well as provide statistical support, including tabulating data, preparing tables, charts, and graphs, performing calculations necessary for statistical analyses, percentages, using Excel and other approved software. You may also conduct special analyses, including the assembly of the necessary statistical, accounting, program and financial data, and the preparation of narrative materials, studies and reports. You will likely have to recommend transfer of funds between line item accounts within the same appropriation or allotment when funds needed to cover increases in obligations or expenditures. You also monitor and track reservations, obligations and expenditures throughout the execution phase of the annual operating budget. It is your responsibility to verify that obligations and expenditures occur on a timely basis in accordance with the annual work plan and regulatory controls, and are within amounts programmed, and report variations in excess of accepted funding limitations to program managers. Assignments involve making independent decisions on what needs to be done and how it should be done based on the programs, goals, priorities and commitments of the Budget Officer/Division Director. Difficulty is encountered in interpreting and reconciling conflicting program and budget data, and in identifying alternative ways in which to accomplish desired management objectives within the limitations of funding constraints, and in locating, interpreting, and applying the intent of provisions in the guides to budgetary situations which are not specifically covered by regulations and guides. The budget estimates you provide are relied upon to Agency requests for apportionments and allotments, and you must continually update forecasts in response to changes to program and funding levels. Education & Qualifications Basic Education Requirement: PhD or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. At the GS-11 level, you should possess at least one year of experience at the GS-9 level, which could include: compiling and presenting financial data, into work sheets, budget schedules, and other supplemental reports needed for budget and funding reviews; Preparing analyses of financial data in support of requests for apportionments or revisions of apportionments; Preparing analyses of proposed 13 Budget Analyst Career Path Guide
allotments to determine consistency with program and financial policies and plans; or Preparing special reports on budgetary issues or budgetary planning. A combination of appropriate specialized experience and graduate education that is beyond the second year of progressive graduate study. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The Federal Budget Process. Ability to understand the Departmental and Federal budget process, including the Congressional budget process. The ability to anticipate and adapt to changing conditions while completing assignments largely independently. Knowledge of and the ability to independently, consistently and correctly apply budget policies and procedures, identifying and utilizing standard strategies to maintain or improve efficiency. Ability to adapt quickly to changing legislative or administrative changes, and adapt budget activities to the organization s advantage. Budgetary Accounting and Control. Knowledge of and the ability to select appropriate methods to ensure accurate and consistent recording and interpretation of the US Standard General Ledger, as well as spotting and responding to any anomalous situations. Knowledge of and ability to use proper methods to control, monitor, and advise on use of funds, including consideration of alternative control systems or methods and when appropriate, selecting or recommending a more effective approach. Ability to select and consistently apply the most effective financial management and budget control systems for the organization and situation. Federal Legislation, Regulations and Guidance. Ability to conduct accurate analysis of legislation and develops accurate, helpful reports and advice to organizational leaders, including options for budget development, justification, and administration. Tracks a broad variety of developments that affect budget functions and, in one s area of expertise, applies theoretical as well as practical knowledge to formulate effective budget responses. Ability to assist in development of effective and efficient budget policy for the organization, helping ensure compliance with legislative guidance and applying agency policy consistently and correctly. Budget Development and Justification. Ability to select and accurately implement appropriate, compliant budget strategies and procedures for routine and some unusual budget settings. Can select and appropriately applies models for proposal and justification development, producing accurate, clear, sometimes original work. Can work effectively through networking, on teams, and independently, to develop materials and make presentations that clearly demonstrate the connection between budget and strategic goals. Ability to readily acquire operating budgetary knowledge and to easily familiarize himself herself with the programs in the organization. Planning and Performance Evaluation. Ability to select and apply appropriate evaluation procedures to conduct clear analysis and develops clear, usable recommendations regarding broad planning and performance questions. Remains current in a range of strategic planning and evaluation areas, adapts to changes in legislation, regulations, and guidance, and selects approaches to planning and evaluation tasks that are appropriate to and effective for the organization. Uses operational knowledge of a variety of tools for analysis and selects and applies tools that allow for accurate anticipation of short-term budget issues. Develops effective, sometimes creative, solutions or recommendations for resolving financial, budget, and program management issues. Financial Analysis, Forecasting and Modeling. Applies tools to organize and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data, providing clear and accurate analysis, identification of trends, and measures of results against budget goals in a broad area of responsibility. Using historical data and key financial indicators, provides interpretations, forecasts trends, identifies and projects financial needs and risks, and develops financial recommendations. In a broad area of responsibility, uses results of analysis, Budget Analyst Career Path Guide 14
forecasting and modeling to provide clear, accurate reports and advice on short and mid-term budget management. Has the ability to perform tasks which require analytical reasoning with numbers, including knowledge of basic mathematical principles, the development of rations and projection techniques. At GS-11, focus on the following Training Areas and Development Activities: Becoming highly proficient with different financial, budgetary and statistical programs. Becoming intimately familiar with established laws, regulations, procedures, policies, and practices, including the OMB directives and circulars. High level research and analysis techniques. Technical writing, particularly in terms of developing reports, studies and charts. Research and analysis techniques. Negotiation and influencing skills. Advanced financial and statistical analysis. Organizational dynamics. Team building. Project management. At GS-11, try to gain Work Experiences in these areas: Seek out a mentor for technical and/or career guidance. Reviewing the President's budget and HUD appropriations. Analyzing trends in the receipt, obligation, or expenditure of funds to ensure that objectives of the annual financial plan are being met. Reviewing program needs for the upcoming fiscal year. Writing justifications and prepare operating plans. Monitoring the execution of a budget with many different sources and types of funding. Working with program and accounting staff to estimate funding. Managing projects involving the collection and presentation of information from multiple sources. Implementation of budget formulation and execution activities. 15 Budget Analyst Career Path Guide
BUDGET ANALYST (GS-11) CAREER MAP Budget Analyst Career Path Guide 16
Budget Analyst GS-12 As a GS-12 Budget Analyst, you advise the officials of the Department on budget matters, including the budgetary implications of policy, program staffing, management, and legislative proposals relating to various programs. You are primarily responsible for assisting in the formulation and execution of the production and financing for the area in which you are working. Work assignments are provided in the form of an outline of the overall purpose and objectives of the analysis needed, without specifics as the techniques to be used. You work independently and refer only problems of unusual difficulty to a senior budget analyst or the supervisor for discussion and advice. You participate in all phases of the budget process. Under the guidance of the Division Director, you perform technical work to facilitate in the analysis and development of policy, procedures, instructions, legislation and research budget process. You compile budgetary and financial data, performing analyses of such data to be used for further analyses or as management reports; you review and edit, as appropriate, budgetary and financial data received from program offices or divisions. Your responsibilities also include designing and preparing budget tables and management reports using Lotus and other software, and developing management and or program evaluation plans, procedures, and methodology. You will enter data, as appropriate, into the Departmental accounting system (HUD CAPS FFS). You interacts with other branches of HUD as necessary to ensure the validity and accuracy of the data prior to entry, and seek technical assistance from the Office of Budget or the Office of the Chief Financial Officer to resolve problems encountered with the system. It is your responsibility to analyze and evaluate (on a quantitative or qualitative basis) the effectiveness of program operations in meeting established goals and objectives, and develop procedures and systems for establishing, operating and assessing the effectiveness of control systems such as those designed to prevent waste, loss unauthorized use, misappropriate of assets. It is your duty to identify the data required to use in the management and direction of programs. In conjunction with a senior analyst, you take a role in collecting, assembling, reviewing, editing, and finalizing data for management decisions. It is also within your scope of responsibility to develop life cycle cost, analyses of projects or perform cost benefits or economics evaluations of current or projected programs. Tracking the allocation, commitment, obligation and expenditure of your program's S&E funds. You perform various special assignments, including requests for status reports on the use of funds, or inquiries from the Departmental Budget Office. You review new or proposed legislation or regulations to determine impact on program operations and management. Monitoring, analyzing and assembling presentation of comments on legislative and policy proposals by Congress, HUD, and other agencies to ensure consistency with program and Departmental policies and priorities also falls within your job duties. You maintain relationships with national nonprofit organizations, field offices, and grantees for the purpose of sharing information, policy decisions, regulations, legislation, and other relevant program related issues. You may also act as the Government Technical Monitor (GTM) on contacts maintained by the staff, or assist GTMs in their work. You receive and process budgetary transactions from a variety of sub-object codes and two or more fund allotment. Maintains and records expenditures for various Headquarters offices as well as field offices. It is your responsibility to adjusts budgetary accounts to reflect obligations and expenditures, and notify budget analysts or management officials of conditions which would result in over obligation of funds. Education & Qualifications At the GS-12 level, you should possess at least one year of experience at the GS-11 level. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The Federal Budget Process. Ability to complete unique and challenging assignments in a timely manner and assists others to complete difficult activities. Correctly applies budget guidance, innovatively and expertly interpreting and utilizing flexibilities to improve budget effectiveness. Knowledge of HUD's budgetary processes and procedures, including the Federal Financial System (HUD CAP FFS). 17 Budget Analyst Career Path Guide
Budgetary Accounting and Control. Leads development of methods and procedures to perform budgetary accounting and control functions, including advising leadership on alternative methods and presenting recommendations for improvement as appropriate. Assists others in performing timely and accurate accounting and budget control responsibilities. Performs analyses of methods to improve linkage interpretation, looks for new methods that might be applied, and advises on improvement methods. Knowledge of and skill in the analysis and comparison of object class and line item obligations and expenditure in the approval operating budget (e.g. salaries and expenses and travel). Federal Legislation, Regulations and Guidance. Sets or advises on timelines for development of legislative analyses, responses, and policy, assisting others to stay up to date on developments and complete timely responses. Effectively analyzes emerging and final legislation, leading development of possible agency response to and application of legislation to help meet organizational goals Budget Development and Justification. Improves or adopts new budget strategies that comply with requirements and are appropriate to new or unique budget situations. Develops, applies, and helps others to create models for budget proposals or justifications that improve quality or that are suited to new goals or situations. Planning and Performance Evaluation. Is able to anticipate the effects of guidance changes and applies new timelines or approaches to strategic planning and evaluation. Helps others apply appropriate strategies and complete budget and program management assignments. Uses up-to-date expertise in a range of planning and evaluation methodologies to lead selection of methods, consistent with guidance and most likely to suit the organization, resulting in effective budget and program management to achieve goals. Has the ability to apply basic analytical principles and techniques to assignments of a procedural or factual nature. Financial Analysis, Forecasting and Modeling. Completes broad, complex assignments on time, despite unforeseen circumstances, and assists other budget professionals with conducting analysis, forecasting, and measurement functions. Provides expert assessment on the selection of tools for the organization to use for budget analysis, forecasting, and measurement. Leads in applying tools to organize data, identify trends, and measure budget and program performance against goals. Has the ability to obtain and analyze facts and draw conclusions. At GS-12, focus on the following Training Areas and Development Activities: Becoming highly proficient with different financial, budgetary and statistical programs. Becoming an expert with established laws, regulations, procedures, policies, and practices, including the OMB directives and circulars. High level research and analysis techniques. Technical writing, particularly in terms of developing reports, studies and charts. Negotiation and influencing skills. Advanced financial and statistical analysis. Organizational dynamics. Team building. Leadership and management. Project management. Budget Analyst Career Path Guide 18