Senior Budget Analyst

 The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.   

Senior Budget Analyst -

Description

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, and where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.  

The Board and Department of Higher Education

The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education (the Board) is the Commonwealth's state higher education authority with coordinating and regulatory authority over all public and private higher education institutions operating in the Commonwealth and authorized to grant degrees. The Board is staffed by the Department of Higher Education (the Department), which is run by a Commissioner who serves as the executive and administrative head of the Department, and Secretary to the Board. Together, the Board and Department are the leading voice and advocate for post-secondary education in the Commonwealth, serving critical roles as the state's regulator of state authorization and consumer protection.

The Massachusetts System of Public Higher Education ("System") serves approximately 290,000 students annually. The System consists of 15 community colleges, 9 state universities, and 5 University of Massachusetts ("UMass") campuses. Each community college and state university institution is governed by its own board of trustees, while the 5 UMass campuses are overseen by the UMass board of trustees. The Board has coordination and oversight responsibilities for the entire System, including the responsibility to analyze the present and future goals, needs, and requirements of public higher education and to establish goals to achieve a well-coordinated, quality system of public higher education.  M.G.L. c. 15A, 1 et seq.

In addition, the BHE's authority includes administering state financial aid, managing and responding to consumer complaints, conducting financial assessments of institutions, and approving degree-granting authority for all public and most private higher education institutions operating within the Commonwealth.  Currently, there are 82 private institutions of higher education operating in the Commonwealth and authorized to grant degrees.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Budget Director, the Senior Budget Analyst plays a key role in determining the goals and objectives for the Department for each fiscal year by generating information to inform leadership decision-making and coordinating the development, preparation, and implementation of the annual legislative budget request and spending plan. The ideal candidate would possess a strong background in state budgetary procedures, experience with the Massachusetts Management Accounting and Reporting System (MMARS), knowledge of the Commonwealth Information Warehouse (CIW), and proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. The ability to develop spreadsheets, perform mathematical calculations, analyze data, attention to detail and time management are essential functions of the position. This position operates hybrid and will need to come into the office as assigned for meetings and training.

Tonya.Williams3@mass.gov  Questions related to the hiring process

Duties Include:

Review and monitor the department's funding sources (Federal, State, Trust, Retained Revenue).

Learn and utilize internal resources to review departments' funding sources and spending requests which include MMARS.

Preparing analysis of previous and current year spending in various accounts to provide data for budget spending plan preparation.

Coordinating the development of agency spending and budget documents and providing technical assistance to financial representatives in preparation of their spending plans and other budget documents.

Reviewing and processing budget-related documents submitted by staff for allotments, transfers, and expenditure corrections, as necessary.

Maintaining the department's payroll analysis to ensure appropriate distributions and adequate resources.

Recommending modifications to budgets to keep agency spending within established guidelines.

Regularly monitor agency spending requests for overhead and approve Massachusetts Management Accounting and Reporting System (MMARS) documents for overhead and other administrative accounts. Prepares and tracks all expenditure reports.

Assisting the Budget Director, Deputy CFO, and CFO as a liaison with external entities, including the Executive Office for Administration and Finance and Ways and Means Committees.

Provides technical assistance to Departments regarding the establishment of any Interdepartmental Service Agreement (ISA).  Tracks and coordinates interagency activity with other state agencies and provides expenditure reporting.

Prepares, reviews, and analyzes financial reports and other documents to determine project expenditures and prepares agency budget requests and spending plans.

Assists in the managing, coordination, and completion of the operation spending plan, and completes submission in the MBA (Mass Budget Application) system.

Works with other program and fiscal staff to develop annual budget forecasts, and monitor program expenditures.

Develop and update standard operating procedures, as needed.

Assist Federal Grants management unit with setup of Federal grants in MMARS including modifications and, if needed, preparation of regular Federal Financial Reports.

Prepare Federal grant drawdown reports for submission and reconcile once funds are drawn.

Keep up to date with all required training (State, Budget, and Federal grants-related training) and regulations.

Assists with other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

       Knowledge of the principles and practices of financial management, including financial analysis, process and reporting; governmental and regulatory reporting requirements.

       In-depth knowledge of the state budget process, accounting system, purchasing, revenue management, and expenditures; experience with Massachusetts state finance software (MMARS).

       Innovative and resourceful self-starter, who is capable of juggling multiple tasks and remains flexible to adjust to changing situations to meet changing program requirements.

       Diplomatic, solution-oriented, and able to effectively communicate constructive feedback with various stakeholders including colleagues and staff, state agencies, federal agencies, and other external stakeholders.

       Ability to quickly synthesize financial issues and make solid recommendations.

       Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to all levels of management

       Ability to perform ad hoc analysis as needed.

       Skilled in exercising a high degree of initiative, judgment, discretion, and decision-making to achieve objectives.

       Critical thinking skills, using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

       Record of work in multidisciplinary teams that share and leverage the strengths of its members.

       Demonstrated understanding regarding the service needs of persons with disabilities.

       Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Outlook, and Excel.

 Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) four (4) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in financial management work (i.e. budgeting, accounting, auditing, management analysis, program evaluation, financial reporting of program results) or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below:

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to the assignment.

Substitutions:

I. A  Bachelor's degree with a major in business management, finance, or a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

II. A Master's degree or higher with a major in business management, finance, or a related field substitute for three (3) years of the required experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.