BUDGET ANALYST

Location : Rapid City, SD

Job Summary: The Budget Analyst provides critical financial expertise to support the City’s operations and long-term fiscal health. This position focuses on evaluating and setting interdepartmental charges, utility rates, developer fees, building fees, and recreational fees. The analyst ensures that all rates and fees are equitable, transparent, and aligned with City policies, state statutes, and community needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct financial analyses to establish and adjust interdepartmental charges across all City departments.
• Develop and recommend utility rate structures that balance affordability, sustainability, and infrastructure investment.
• Review and update building permit fees to reflect service costs and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze recreational program and facility fees to promote accessibility while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
• Evaluate and set developer impact fees to ensure growth contributes fairly to public services and infrastructure.
• Prepare detailed reports, models, and presentations for City leadership and City Council.
• Collaborate with department heads, external stakeholders, and community members to gather input and explain financial decisions.
• Monitor compliance with South Dakota Codified Laws, local ordinances, and best practices in municipal finance.
• Provide forecasting and scenario analysis to support long-term financial planning.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for all rate and fee changes.
• Complete continuing disclosure requirements for all City bonded indebtedness.
Assist in the preparation for the annual municipal audit.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, public administration, accounting, or a related field required.
• Master’s Degree or Certified Public Accountant preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience in financial analysis, municipal finance, or public sector budgeting required.
• Strong knowledge of cost allocation methods, rate-setting principles, and municipal fee structures required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, financial modeling, and data visualization tools required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders.
Must be bondable and able to pass a background check.

Work Environment:

• Most work is performed indoors in an office where interruptions may occur.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands; talk and hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.