Budget Analyst

Reports to: Director, Budget Planning and Forecasting; in the interim, this position will report to Vice President, Finance
Staff reporting to this position: None
Department: Administration
Position classification: Exempt, full time; Nonunion - Level 4
Minimum compensation: $56,000

Summary

American Progress is seeking a Budget Analyst to help manage the financial planning and operations of the organization’s portfolio of programs and projects. The Budget Analyst will join a hardworking team of professionals on the Budget Planning and Forecasting team who strive to provide timely, reliable, and valuable business operations support and expertise to the organization. As a member of the team, the Budget Analyst will collaborate with internal and external customers to play an active role in the overall financial success and operational efficiency of American Progress.

The Budget Analyst will be driven by American Progress’ mission “to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country.” They will join a dynamic team of colleagues to assist in strengthening the team’s work and supporting American Progress’ five cross-cutting priorities:

Strengthening public health and ending the pandemic Building an economy for all Securing a sustainable climate Advancing racial equity and justice Restoring social trust and strengthening democracy Responsibilities:

Program financial management

Provide budgetary and planning support to program and project managers. Use American Progress’ internal business applications in conjunction with Microsoft Excel to proactively provide in-depth analyses to forecast project and program costs, develop staffing plans, and provide various financial reports, including actual and projected costs. Proactively monitor and prepare routine financial analyses of projects to compare plans with actuals to ensure the data are in alignment with program projections; identify any potential risks, such as to funding or period of performance; and propose reallocation of funds and reclass expenses when necessary. Review, analyze, and assist in the development of staffing projections and work in conjunction with program managers, project managers, and group leadership to identify gaps required to meet program or project needs. Actively engage with American Progress’ leadership, keeping them abreast of potential concerns, risks, and competing priorities. Assist the Budget Planning and Forecast team in preparing organizationwide deliverables such as quarterly forecasts, midyear budgets, and annual budgets for review by senior finance and executive leadership for presentation to the board of directors for approval. Respond to financial data calls, both recurring and ad hoc. Proposal budgeting and preparation

Lead financial proposal development in response to requests for proposals and letters of intent. Work with program managers, project managers, and development leads to assess solicitation requirements; assist in the development and review narratives of scopes of work; identify resource requirements such as labor, supplies, travel, and contracts; and develop cost proposals. Prepare financial narratives and use information from the internal accounting ERP system to report financials in support of contractual requirements and per the request of customers and program managers. Partner with program managers and the Development team on project planning in order to forecast spending that will support the execution of agreed upon milestones and deliverables. Follow the grant cycle from proposal to closeout, ensuring compliance and financial strategies are executed throughout, including by keeping grant files up to date with all pertaining support documentation. Quality assurance and business-related functions

Perform quality reviews of business support requirements, including proposals, cost impacts, deficit spending, pre-contract authorization requests, hiring, and other financial and program-related documents. Enter, manage, and maintain internal information systems, ensuring all department, program, project, and grant data are complete and updated as needed—including in ERP, Concur, Salesforce, and other systems. Prepare routine and complex journal entries and make time adjustments as needed to assist the monthly close process. Engage and collaborate with all levels and groups of staff and field requests, responding to queries related to the assigned portfolio. Seek new innovations to enhance quality, customer service, business processes, quality review meetings, and responses to data calls. Requirements and qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a business area such as accounting, business administration, finance, economics, or other relevant field. At least two years of relevant experience in the areas of financial and cost analysis, management control, and/or proposal preparation. Comfortable working with a team in a fast-paced environment and meeting multiple tight deadlines. Highly skilled in Microsoft Excel. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proven ability as a self-starter with a high level of initiative, critical thinking, and ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers. Active listener with a strong work ethic and positive, can-do attitude. The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

Previous experience working with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) accounting system such as Sage, Oracle, or SAP, with a preference for Unanet. Working knowledge of data visualization software such as Power BI, Tableau, or another analytics software. Ability to develop briefing materials and graphical presentations, as well as the ability to give formal oral presentations of these materials to all levels of staff. Experience working with senior staff and providing guidance and training. Knowledge of the project management process. American Progress offers full and competitive benefit packages. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union and has a starting salary of $56,000.

When American Progress’ offices reopen, employees will be expected to work in the office three days per week. We will continue to monitor the current health emergency and adjust plans as needed in the future. Any changes to our current policy will be communicated at the time of hire. Updates will be posted on American Progress’ Jobs page.