Budget Manager

PURPOSE:

The City of Kingsport (population ~56,000) is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking Budget Manager to lead the City’s budgeting and financial planning functions.   This is a key strategic role responsible for developing, managing, and overseeing the City’s annual operating and capital budgets, long-range financial planning, and performance-based budgeting initiatives.  The Budget Manager reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and works closely with City departments, executive leadership, and elected officials.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead an inclusive, organization-wide process for preparing the City’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Oversee development of budget documents for public transparency, State of Tennessee submission, and GFOA award submission.
• Oversee multi-year financial forecasting and long-range planning to support sustainable service delivery and policy development.
• Provide financial analysis, forecasting, and multi-year planning to support strategic decision-making.
• Analyze operational and performance data to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Develop clear and understandable budget documents for elected officials, staff, and the public.
• Collaborate with departments to evaluate service levels, performance measures, and resource needs.
• Provide professional guidance on fiscal policy, financial condition, and emerging trends.
• Monitor budget performance throughout the year and recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve budgeting processes, integrate performance management, and strengthen internal controls.
• Coordinate with department heads to ensure accurate, transparent, and timely budget submissions.
• Maintain strong communication and relationships with departments to promote transparency, accountability, and adherence to best practices.
• Support the CFO in special projects, policy analysis, and organizational financial strategy

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree or professional certification (CPFO, CGFO, CPA, CFA, or similar) preferred.
• Certified Municipal Finance Officer (CMFO) Certification required within two years of employment.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in governmental budgeting or financial management.
• Strong knowledge of GFOA best practices in budgeting, financial forecasting, fund structure, and public-sector financial reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, comprehensive, and award-ready budget documents.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and lead organizational budget initiatives.

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES:

• Commitment to integrity, transparency, public service, and financial stewardship.
• Ability to balance technical financial expertise with effective communication to non-financial audiences.
• Innovative to improve processes and strengthen financial planning.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to link financial resources to organizational goals and community outcomes.