Job Abstract

SANTA ANA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CATEGORICAL BUDGET ANALYST BASIC FUNCTION: Under direction, assist division directors in the preparation and administration of budgets for categorical programs; assist in the audit and approval of categorical budget expenditures and categorical personnel staffing transactions. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The duties of the Categorical Budget Analyst involve ongoing contact with District and school administrators and the meeting of crucial deadlines. Thorough knowledge and judgment are applied in the budget process relative to accounting transactions and classifications, categorical staffing and personnel allocations and effecting budget revisions and transfer of funds. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Coordinate the preparation of the Consolidated Application for categorical programs. E Participate in the development of budgetary plans and programs; prepare complex fiscal, statistical and government reports. E Supply District administrators with their estimated allotment for categorical budgets each year under the guidelines established by the Cabinet and the Governing Board. E Provide guidance to schools and departments on staffing units, allocations, transfer of funds and budget adjustments based on enrollment projections and budget parameters. E Meet with site administrators and District staff as needed to provide information, graphs, materials and guidance during the categorical budget preparation process; be available to answer questions and advise school and District administrators on the budget process for their programs. E Make recommendations for budget modifications; prepare the categorical budgets in their final form. E Initiate categorical budget appropriation to cover staffing assignments, employee benefits, supplies and equipment requisitions. E Monitor and audit categorical budgets through review of personnel requisitions and transactions and maintenance of position control file for all categorical District employees; verify numbers and level of personnel to assure funds cover salaries for projected expenses. E Research categorical budget variances and unusual transactions to assure proper account classification; analyze and project costs and report findings and recommendations. E Audit categorical payroll and accounting transactions and prepare reports as necessary regarding categorical budget performance; inform school and department personnel of accounting procedures and proper classification of expenses. E Research categorical program guidelines with governmental agencies to ensure District compliance. E Maintain liaison between divisions, departments, and central budget staff. E Perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: Principles of accounting and proper use of account classifications. Budget techniques and fiscal procedures. Financial record-keeping procedures. Current technology related to categorical budgetary process. School District organization, operations and objectives. Reading and writing communication skills. Oral and written communications skills. City and community cultures. ABILITY TO: Communicate effectively. Maintain financial records. Prepare and type detailed financial and statistical reports. Operate modern office machines with speed and accuracy and type at an acceptable rate. Work cooperatively with others. Meet schedules and time lines. Use discretion with confidential information. Perform the essential functions of the job. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and two years of college-level course work in accounting and/or budgeting and three years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably in a school district. WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: Office environment. PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Hearing and speaking accurately to exchange information. Seeing to read a variety of materials. Sitting for extended periods of time. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard. Lifting or moving objects, normally not exceeding twenty (20) pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Board Approved: 12/02