Budget Director

The Budget Director serves as the chief administrator for the City’s budgeting process, ensuring compliance with Florida Statutes, particularly those governing budget adoption and fiscal management. This position is responsible for the preparation, execution, and oversight of the annual budget, five-year capital budget, long-term financial planning, and fiscal policy recommendations. The Budget Director works collaboratively with department heads, the City Commission, and other stakeholders to align financial resources with strategic goals and ensure fiscal responsibility. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Manager and/or Assistant City Managers.

Budget Development, Management, and Monitoring

• Leads the development of the City’s annual operating and capital improvement budgets in compliance with Florida Statutes, including Chapters 129 and 200, GFOA (Government Finance Officers Association) best practices, the City Charter, the City’s Code of Ordinances, and the City’s Strategic Plan.
• Integrates five-year capital planning and operational budgets to align with the City’s strategic priorities, community needs, and funding availability.
• Facilitates performance-based budgeting to ensure funds are directed towards programs with measurable and impactful results.
• Prepares a budget document that meets the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award criteria, focusing on transparency, effectiveness, and clarity.
• Coordinates with department heads and stakeholders to ensure budget proposals reflect the community needs and the organizational goals and values.
• Prepares and manages budget amendments and transfers in compliance with City policy and other related laws.
• Monitors budget performance throughout the fiscal year, identifying and addressing variances to ensure adherence to approved budgets.

Fiscal Policy Compliance

• Ensures all budget preparation, adoption, and amendment processes adhere to Florida Statutes governing municipal budgeting.
• Monitors and maintains compliance with Truth in Millage (TRIM) requirements under Chapter 200, Florida Statutes.
• Prepares and submits required financial reports and TRIM forms to state and county agencies.
• Periodically reviews and updates policies to ensure they remain relevant and practical.

Financial Analysis and Reporting

• Implements and maintains practices for long-term financial planning, including forecasting revenues and expenditures to assess the City’s sustainability.
• Explores potential grant funding and alternative revenue opportunities that can relieve financial pressure, support economic growth, and enhance the quality of services.
• Periodically analyzes and collaborates with the department heads to update rates and fees, ensuring they accurately reflect the cost of delivering services, keeping pace with market trends, avoiding revenue shortfalls, and promoting equitable cost-sharing.
• Analyzes expenditures and ensures resources are directed to the areas of highest need, funds are used efficiently, and service delays are avoided. • Facilitates budget workshops and public hearings required for budget adoption, ensuring community involvement and compliance with TRIM requirements.
• Serves as the primary liaison for budget-related matters with the City Commission, the public, state and local governmental agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Presents budget recommendations to the City Manager, City Commission, and Advisory Boards, incorporating public feedback and policy directives.
• Prepares and submits the Office of Economic and Demographic Research’s (EDR) Local Government Financial Reporting as required by Sections 129.03(3)(d) and 166.241(6), F.S.
• Prepares and submits budget-related reports to state, county, and the City’s administration.

Qualifications (Education, work experience, special requirements)

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Finance, or Accounting, with major course work in public administration, finance, social sciences, education, or related field; experience in local government budget preparation, management analysis, and/or social and human services, including research, grant writing, and project management experience. A Master’s degree is desirable, emphasizing public finance or related fields. At least five Years of experience in local government budget preparation, management analysis, and/ or grant writing and project management. Possession of a valid, appropriate driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Comprehensive knowledge of budgetary techniques, GFOA best practices, Florida Statutes Chapters 129 and 200, and federal, state, and local regulations. Well-versed in municipal management, governmental budgeting, statistical methods, research techniques, internal controls, governmental accounting practices, purchasing policies, and grant-writing principles. Understand the structure and functions of local government departments and modern office practices, including data collection and statistical analysis. Demonstrates strong skills in computer operations, data analysis, financial reporting, and effective oral and written communication. Have the ability to analyze budgets, prepare projections, conduct studies, improve productivity, resolve fiscal and policy issues, and perform administrative functions independently. A strong understanding of ethical behavior is required. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, city officials, and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, religion, age, sex, disability, or political affiliation. A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.