Budget Administrator
The Budget Administrator is responsible for the development, monitoring, analysis, and execution of NOVA Parks’ operating and special fund budgets. The budget is multi-faceted and this position is responsible for administering all areas related to the budget including performance management, links to strategic planning, monthly budgetary reporting, forecasting, and complex analysis and evaluation. The Budget Administrator supervises the Budget Analyst position. Work is performed under the general direction of the Executive Director with considerable latitude for independent judgment and action. Annual performance goals will be set for the Budget Administrator.
The organizational culture of NOVA Parks is quite unique. NOVA Parks is a special purpose local government, working in partnership with three counties and three cities in Northern Virginia to offer special destination parks. Unlike most governments, NOVA Parks generates almost 90% of its operating revenues through a variety of enterprises. This entrepreneurial spirit permeates the culture at NOVA Parks and the budget is a key component that serves as a guide for future operations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (with illustrative examples of work)
Oversight and Preparation of Budgets:
- Provide management and oversight for NOVA Parks in the development, analysis, and monitoring of the operating budget process and documents.
- Coordinate and oversee NOVA Parks management and park budget work-sessions to discuss and develop budget projections and strategies, including goals, objectives, and measurable results.
- Provide training and consultation related to the budget process and formulation.
- Develop, coordinate, and analyze budget performance measures for each park and perform a semi-annual review of the measures.
- Coordinate the linkage of the strategic plan and annual budget objectives.
- Coordinate with Human Resources on all personnel budget impacts including salary changes and benefits and communicate these changes in the budget document and in the Budget Resource Guide distributed to staff.
- Act as principal liaison with budget officers of member jurisdictions or with NOVA Parks auditors regarding budget issues.
- Coordinate and report on the status of NOVA Parks appropriations from jurisdictions.
- Develop financial summaries and a budget-in-brief to enhance communication of budget information in an easy-to-understand format.
- Make effective presentations and participate in NOVA Parks Board meetings on budgetary issues.
- Analyze monthly financial performance and prepare a monthly Budget & Financial Update for management and board distribution.
- Prepare and distribute monthly budget dashboards and part-time personnel reports for each park to provide ease in analysis and following budget trends throughout the fiscal year.
- Monitor budget execution by reviewing financial statements and analyzing budget variances, make recommendations on potential sources and uses of funds to bring the budget into balance at the end of each fiscal year.
- Manage all budget software systems including implementation, training, and exploration of emerging technologies to further innovate the budget process.
- Maintain the budget in the integrated financial accounting system.
- Prepare charts, graphs, and statistical tables to aid in the presentation and consideration of the budget.
- Provide budgetary guidance, reports, schedules or associated information to NOVA Parks staff, board members, or jurisdictional contacts upon request.
- Work closely with senior management staff to establish revenue and expense projections and monitor budget targets.
- Coordinate and assist all NOVA Parks departments as needed on special projects throughout the year.
- Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and capital budget preparation.
- Oversee and coordinate the annual capital equipment budget development.
- Interpret budget directives and develop financial policies for carrying out directives.
- Ensure the budget is developed to meet the standards of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Award for Distinguished Budget Presentation and make annual application to this award program.
- Seek new ways to improve efficiency and foster entrepreneurial spirit to aid in the goal to generate revenue, operate efficiently, and maximize the use of resources.
- Develop and analyze long-term financial planning and forecasting techniques using trend analysis or other appropriate econometric models/software.
- Monitor market trends and the Consumer Price Index and other financial indices.
- Supervise the Budget Analyst.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS:
- Prepare special reports and analyses as directed by the Executive Director.
- Perform other duties or projects as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: (minimum)
Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, economics, public policy, or a directly related field of study. A master’s degree in a related field is desirable and may be substituted for experience.
Physical: Non-manual work with strength and dexterity necessary to perform all required tasks, including lifting, stooping, bending, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions in an office setting.
Experience: Minimum eight years of progressively responsible budget management and technical budget preparation or closely related analysis work or equivalent combination of related education, training, or experience which provides:
- Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, with particular reference to governmental budget and finance administration.
- Extensive knowledge of the policies, procedures, and practices to develop and monitor budgets, with an emphasis on meeting the GFOA criteria for Distinguished Budget Presentation.
- Ability to conduct complex budget and fiscal studies and data analysis.
- Ability to plan and carry out an effective plan of budgetary preparation, analysis, and management.
- Ability to guide and direct staff in accomplishing detailed technical analyses.
- Ability to plan, develop, and execute creative approaches to complex financial issues.
- Ability to creatively communicate complex financial information to the board and nonfinancial audiences verbally and in writing, using graphics and simple but practical terms.
- Advanced abilities in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Ability to adapt to budget development software, including OpenGov, Workiva, and Municast and quickly develop advanced skill level with ability to manage and oversee all uses.
- Knowledge of the mission, goals, objectives, and organizational structure of NOVA Parks or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge.
- Knowledge of the six participating jurisdictional budget cycles and requirements as it relates to preparing the NOVA Parks annual budget or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge.
- Extensive knowledge of organizational performance measurement analysis and strategic planning.
- Ability to evaluate the benefits, costs, and overall impact to the budget of various proposals and solutions.
- Ability to analyze and evaluate financial statements and make meaningful conclusions from conflicting data.
- Ability to make informed recommendations when evaluating proposals and alternatives.
- Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with staff, board members, jurisdictional contacts, and the public.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and shifting requirements.
- Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative and judgment in analyzing organizational and procedural problems of a complex nature and making recommendations.
- Ability to supervise, train, and develop Budget Analyst.
- Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain driver’s license with a safe driving record.
- Ability to meet strict deadlines.
- Availability to work evenings and weekends to attend special meetings, board meetings, workshops, and hearings.
- Ability to work additional hours during peak budget preparation season.
- Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.
Duties and responsibilities are designed to be the essential elements of the job. They do not preclude the performance of related, or even unrelated, jobs which may be necessary to properly and efficiently complete all work assignments. NOVA Parks reserves the right to amend job specifications to meet current needs.
Benefits: This position is a benefit eligible position. Benefits include medical and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement plan, and more.
It is the policy of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-352-5900 and ask for Human Resources for assistance.