A class incumbent performs full performance level fiscal and policy analysis performing comprehensive fiscal and policy studies to provide a continuous review of departmental operations. A significant aspect of the duties involves working closely with other employees throughout the State to provide technical assistance and visiting state agencies to develop information concerning management of programs.
Nature and Scope
This is full performance level fiscal and policy analysis work in which the incumbent works for and under supervision of the Controller General, deputy or designee. Work is performed in a legislative environment and assignments require evaluative thinking and are carried out in accordance with the Controller General's directives, precedents and well defined policies. An employee in this class provides facilitating services to departmental management and legislators in the analysis of fiscal policies, budgets, and management programs. An employee of this class develops major component revisions of the state operating budget or bond legislation as directed by the Controller General. A class incumbent performs management and program studies to establish valid quantitive and qualitive standards of measurement. The incumbent may serve as a staff assistant for legislative committees, and may recommend to the Controller General the development of operational methods and procedures for implementation of legislation. An important aspect of this work is the establishment and maintaining of effective and positive working relationships with legislative committees and key personnel of State agencies. Additional responsibilities shall include the formulation of fiscal notes on bills or resolutions. Assignments are often sensitive and confidential in nature.
Essential Functions
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
Works with State agencies to develop major components of operating budgets to insure funds requested and allocated are justifiable and expended according to the Budget Act.
Performs a variety of studies to assist in determining determine costs and provide justifications for budget requests and/or supplemental appropriations.
Participates with a variety of committees, serving as a resource person to insure proper information and input is given committee members in their deliberations regarding budgetary/legislative matters.
Provides revenue/expenditure forecasting to enable appropriate decision makers the opportunity to make future budgetary/legislative decisions based on future expectations of the State's financial conditions.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.
Knowledge of economic principles and theory and their application in the legislative environment.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of governmental budgetary control and public administrative accounting.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and theory of management, and the methods and techniques used in the analysis of related problems.
Knowledge of statistics and evaluation design.
Skill in the analysis of budgetary and management operations in the public sector.
Skill in the use of interviewing, observing and reporting techniques as analytical tools.
Ability to learn the agency orientation, function, relationships and objectives needed to perceive its management and fiscal needs.
Ability to prepare and analyze complex reports, financial statements pertinent to the determination of budget and account matters.
Ability to learn and understand the policies, laws and regulations governing a division or department.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, agency heads and to handle tactfully auditing situations.
Ability to lead in the analysis of fiscal and management problems and to develop alternative solutions.
Job Requirements
JOB REQUIREMENTS for Legislative Analyst Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Public Administration, Business, Accounting, Economics or related field.
Knowledge of financial administration such as comprehensive analysis of programs, budgets, projects, services, alternatives, and costs; financial planning, revenue generation, revenue forecasting, expenditure forecasting, cash flow management and establishing internal control.
Knowledge of developing and analyzing public policies and monitoring fiscal impact.
Knowledge of analyzing legislation.
Knowledge of making recommendations for continuation or changes to operations, programs, services, policies or procedures based on findings.
Knowledge of using standard computer software programs for word processing, spreadsheets or databases.