Budget and Grants Analyst (Limited-Term)

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated limited term Budget and Grants Analyst to join the Finance division. Working under the supervision of the Budget and Grants Manager, the Budget and Grants Analyst will primarily support the Senior Budget and Grants Analyst by performing budget development and agencywide labor budget monitoring, coordinate new staff onboarding, support comprehensive budget table preparations as well as budget reconciliation, and work on various process improvement projects. The duties performed by this position are critical to maintain the sound budget practice at SCAG and to ensure accurate budget reporting.  

This is a limited-term position and the term length may be adjusted based on available funding.  

The Budget business unit develops and manages SCAG’s annual Comprehensive Budget, in coordination with the Grants Administration business unit in the Budget & Grants Department. The team also supports the agency’s financial transparency by developing the Indirect Cost Budget/Rate, Fringe Benefits Budget/Rate, and other Budget programs outside of the Overall Work Program (OWP).  The team is responsible for reconciliation of the Comprehensive Budget and Comprehensive Budget amendments and provides financial status updates and forecasts. The team provides overall budgetary guidance to the Agency and provides support to the divisions within SCAG.  

WHO WE ARE 

As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.  

SCAG operates as a hybrid organization because we recognize that work can be successfully performed in various locations. Designing a work environment and culture where SCAG’s mission, effectiveness, and collaboration can be more flexibly served demonstrates our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) by supporting work-life balance for our employees, retaining our existing dedicated staff, and increasing access to new talent pools. 

As part of our Work@SCAG policy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office 2 days per week. 

WHAT WE BELIEVE 

MISSION 

To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices. 

VISION 

Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future. 

SCAG CORE VALUES 

• Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do. 
• Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region. 
• Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive. 
• Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits. 
• Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all. 

• Collaborate with the Senior Budget and Grants Analyst to develop and monitor Indirect Cost Budget, Fringe Benefits, TDA (outside of OWP) and General Fund Budget Programs.  
• Track and update expenditure information monthly. 
• Prepare budget amendments and administrative budget amendment memos as needed. 
• Monitor the Indirect Cost and Fringe Benefits Cost recovery and actuals to minimize the carryforward variances. 
• Support the Budget and Grants Department Manager and Senior Budget and Grants Analyst in drafting and proofing the Comprehensive Budget file. 
• Closely monitor the agencywide labor budget.  
• Prepare recommendations for budget reallocation during the budget amendment process. 
• Collaborate with the Senior Budget and Grants Analyst to update the staffing chart and resource table. 
• Provide the FTE allocation information for new hires through NEOGOV, the agency’s applicant tracking system.  
• Coordinate with the Senior Budget and Grants Analyst on various process improvement projects such as brainstorming to streamline the budget process and Budget and Grants internal process for proofing and validating. 
• Support OWP and Special Grants Administration as needed.  
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 3 years of experience with budget and grants and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. 

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered. 

We’ll be a great match if you also have:  

• Experience with tracking and updating expenditures. 
• Experience with budget administration and/or accounting in the public sector. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to develop and/or review clear, concise communications and reports.   
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to conduct research and make recommendations on streamlining the budget process.  
• The ability to effectively collaborate with staff.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations applicable to budget administration for public agencies.   
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel. 
• The ability to contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 

Please note, this posting will remain open until December 9, 2024, with the first application review taking place on November 25, 2024. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.