Budget Director jobs in Des Moines, IA

1. Assists the Budget Manager in all phases of budget preparation, monitoring, and reporting; leverages analytical skills to prepare comprehensive budget request forms, state reporting documents, and variance reports.
2. Provides guidance to offices and departments through the annual budget process; participates in budget work sessions to develop, review, and summarize budget requests and amendments.
3. Contributes to strategic projects designed to enhance the financial management of the County including monthly fund reconciliations, quarterly financial reports, and year-end compliance monitoring and reporting.
4. Performs a key role in document preparation for bond issuances; develops, implements, and maintains a post-issuance tracking system.
5. Assists in the coordination of the budget process by advising offices and departments on budget request formulation, analyzing requests for Board presentation; maintains detailed historical financial data, creates or disseminates financial reports, and develops spreadsheet and tracking tools to assist expenditure monitoring and analysis. 
6. Performs ad hoc research projects to inform strategic decision making and enhance fiscal governance practices.
7. Collaborates with the Auditor’s office to foster knowledge sharing and actively resolves accounting discrepancies; provides information requested by external auditors.
8. Process payment vouchers, ensuring appropriate calculations for external entities as needed.
9. Performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of public administration, budget analysis, and financial management. 
• Knowledge of fiscal analysis methods and procedures. 
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of intergovernmental relations. 
• Skill in spreadsheet (Excel) and presentation (PowerPoint) software.
• Skill in researching, cost estimation and forecasting, and analyzing budgetary discrepancies.
• Proficiency in critical thinking skills, adept at analyzing complex financial data, identifying patterns, and summarizing information to inform strategic decision making.  
• Ability to learn and utilize the County’s financial database software (JDE).
• Ability to compile financial information, perform analyses and prepare reporting documents with attention to detail and reason.
• Ability to research, organize, and document various compliance issues.
• Ability to work independently and perform self-audits of completed work for errors or discrepancies to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial analysis and reports.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify underlying issues, conceptualize solutions, and implement effective strategies to address complex fiscal challenges.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, other County employees, and representatives of other agencies.

• Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in   finance, public administration, or a related field, and 
• Two or more years of experience performing related planning and fiscal work, or 
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.

Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions.