Budget Analyst 2

Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at: https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobdetail.ftl?job=26141050&tz=GMT-06:00&tzname=America/Denver

Are you ready to put your financial expertise to work making a real difference for Montanans? As a Budget Analyst 2, you’ll join a dedicated team that thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment—delivering accurate, strategic, and meaningful fiscal solutions that directly support communities across our state.

If you’re driven by purpose, teamwork, and the opportunity to see your work make a statewide difference, this is your chance to grow your career while strengthening the financial foundation that helps Montanans thrive.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here.

Position Overview:

In this role, you won’t just crunch numbers—you’ll help shape how the Central Services Division plans, invests, and delivers essential services for Montana. You’ll develop, monitor, and refine operating budgets, craft strategic financial recommendations, and translate complex data into clear insights that guide leadership decisions. Your collaboration with program leaders and the Governor’s Office of Budget and Program Planning will ensure public dollars are used responsibly, transparently, and with lasting impact.

What's In It For You:

• Grow your expertise in public sector budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis while contributing to high impact projects that support Montanans statewide.
• Build strong professional relationships with division leadership, program managers, and statewide budget partners, giving you visibility and opportunities to influence key decisions.
• See your work directly support the delivery of critical services to communities across Montana by ensuring funds are allocated, tracked, and used responsibly.
• Enjoy the stability of public service along with opportunities for professional development, leadership growth, and advancement within state government finance.

Essential Functions:

What you will do everyday:

• Shape the budget story: Build, manage, and refine operating budgets throughout the fiscal year, ensuring every dollar supports Montana’s priorities.
• Be the fiscal connector: Serve as the division’s go-to liaison with the Governor’s Office of Budget and Program Planning, providing expert insight and clear guidance on budget matters.
• Turn data into direction: Analyze financial trends, project expenditures, and create cost estimates that inform smart, strategic decisions.
• Guide strategy with numbers: Advise leadership on financial solutions that advance program goals and strengthen long-term plans.
• Champion grant stewardship: Monitor grant funding and fiscal activity to maintain compliance and ensure funds are used effectively.
• Promote accountability and transparency: Review financial procedures, identify efficiencies, and maintain clear, accurate reporting that builds public trust.

Required Skills and Competencies:

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

• Financial analysis and forecasting: Assess financial information, prepare projections, and support leadership with accurate, data driven insights.
• Budget development and management: Create, monitor, and adjust operating budgets to reflect changes in priorities or funding.
• System proficiency: Use budgeting and accounting systems such as SABHRS and IBARS to prepare reports and maintain financial integrity.
• Strategic partnership: Collaborate effectively with program managers, division leaders, and state budget staff to align fiscal plans with organizational goals.
• Organizational and planning skills: Prioritize and manage multiple assignments with attention to accuracy, timeliness, and accountability.
• Communication and relationship building: Convey complex financial information clearly and maintain respectful, productive working relationships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience)

• Demonstrated experience in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, mathematics, or a related field.
• Experience developing, analyzing, and managing budgets that inform executive decisions.
• Familiarity with state or public sector budgeting processes, financial reporting, or legislative budgeting preferred.
• Proficiency using Excel for data analysis, cost modeling, and reporting.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem solving abilities with attention to detail.
• A degree in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or a related field may supplement relevant professional experience but is not a substitute for demonstrated skills and competencies. Equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience will be considered.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY:

A complete state application is not required; however, you will need to initiate the application and attach the resume, cover letter or other required documents at time of application to be considered for this position. Resume will auto fill the application, but the application will not be scored or reviewed.

Failure to attach the cover letter and resume will result in your application being considered incomplete and will not be considered further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

Tip: When attaching your resume, cover letter or other required documents you must mark the attachments as “RELEVANT” or we will be unable to view your documents.

Required application materials:

• Cover Letter - Your Cover Letter should explain how your experience and education meet the identified Required Skills and Competencies, with examples that demonstrate your qualifications.
• Resume - include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position, including duties, dates of employment.

Only online applications will be accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents.

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

BENEFITS:

Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Our mountains, waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling. Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs, rodeos, and theaters. Read more about our great state here.

See our other incredible benefits here. These are some of our benefits just to name a few:

• Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
• 38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
• Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click here to learn more.
• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to learn more.
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. – Click here to learn more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click here to learn more!
• Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
• State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.

• This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)

E-Verify: This agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/