career planning an exciting career opportunity exists at the department of finance!
TRANSCRIPT
Career Planning
An Exciting Career Opportunity Exists at the Department of Finance!
*Part of the State’s Executive Branch of Government
*One of eight control agencies in the state
*Chief fiscal policy advisor to the Governor
The Department of Finance’s mission is to serve as the Governor’s chief fiscal policy
advisor and to promote long-term economic sustainability and responsible resource
allocation.
Establish state fiscal policy
Develop economic forecasts
Prepare the state’s budget
Analyze legislation for fiscal impacts
Audit state department expenditures
Maintain the state’s accounting system
Project population changes
Influence public policy and assist the Governor in making fiscal decisions that impact the people of California
Work with top state management and elected officials
Excellent opportunities for career advancement
Part of a professional & dynamic team that is highly respected with state government
Prepare and present the Governor’s Budget
Analyze budget proposals, policies, and legislation
Defend the Administration’s proposals in Legislative hearings
Monitor programs
Formulate policy solutions
Possess strong analytical skills
Ability to communicate effectively; verbally and in writing
Maintain flexibility with changing assignments and priorities
Work independently and exercise initiative
Ability to identify problems and recommend solutions
Maintain personal ethics and use core values to guide actions
Desire to be challenged
Budget Analyst Career Ladder
JuniorRange A $44,280* Range B $47,904*
Staff $66,900 – $83,136
PPBA II$89,304 – $101,412
PPBA III$93,648 – $106,356
PPBA I$85,080 – $96,576
Finance Budget AnalystRange A $60,372*Range B $57,972 - $72,612 *Salary represents the max of the salary range
NOTE: These salaries do not include the recruitment and retention pay differential that is also added to the monthly salary (i.e., an additional 10 percent the first year; 15 percent each year thereafter).
Medical, dental, and vision care
Paid annual leave or vacation and sick leave
Paid holidays and overtime
Retirement with CalPERS
Life insurance
Domestic Partner Coverage
BudgeBudget t
UnitsUnits
Education SystemsEducation Systems
Childcare and Preschool
K-12 Schools
Higher Education
Teacher Preparation
Employee CompensationEmployee Compensation
Retirement Benefits
Collective Bargaining
Local GovernmentLocal Government
State & Local Partnership
Property Tax Distribution
Forecasting, Labor, & Forecasting, Labor, & TransportationTransportation
Highways
Motor Vehicles
Highway Patrol
Housing & CommunityDevelopment
Financial Institutions
California Department of California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation and Corrections & Rehabilitation and Judicial BranchJudicial Branch
State Prisons
Division of Juvenile Justice
Board of Parole Hearings
Adult Parole
Corrections Standards Authority
Judicial Branch
General GovernmentGeneral Government
Veterans’ Affairs
Consumer Affairs
Food & Agriculture
Insurance
Various boards & commissions
Health & Human ServicesHealth & Human Services
Mental Health Programs
Social Services
Health Programs
Rehabilitation
Child Welfare
Developmental Disabilities
Employment Development
Resources, Environment, Resources, Environment, & Capital Outlay& Capital Outlay
Energy Water
Parks
State’s Building ProgramConservation
Economic Forecasts
Tax Policy
Revenue Projections
Population Forecasts
Cash Flow Projections
Statewide Fund Reconciliations
Daily Fund Balance
Budget Negotiations
What abilities do you look for in a Finance Budget Analyst?
Finance Budget Analysts should be able to:
Engage with a broad spectrum of people, including representatives of local, state, and federal government and special interest groups, to develop a thorough understanding of a policy or issue.
Put their political biases aside and think objectively about an issue.
Advocate, as a representative of the Administration, for a policy that he or she may not personally endorse.
Are there any other abilities you look for in a Finance Budget Analyst?
Yes. Finance Budget Analysts should also be able to:
Testify before budget subcommittees and be able to respond to questions about their program areas.
Work well in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines.
Have a solid understanding of basic mathematical, statistical, and economic principles.
What characteristics do you look for in a Finance Budget Analyst?
Finance Budget Analysts should be:
Inquisitive
Skeptical
Informed about current news impacting public policy at the local, state, and federal level
Someone who enjoys a challenge
Problem-solvers
I have a degree, but very little work experience. Is there an entry-level classification for me?
Yes, Finance offers two entry-level classifications:1. Junior Staff Analyst, which requires a Bachelor’s degree.
2.Finance Budget Analyst, Range A, which requires a Master’s degree.
For additional information on these classifications, please visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website for job descriptions and minimum qualifications. http://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/Pages/job-descriptions.aspx
Visit Finance’s website for information on upcoming open examinations and current job opportunities. http://www.dof.ca.gov/career_opportunities/current/
How much overtime can I expect to work?
Overtime can vary greatly from assignment to assignment and can often be dependent on the current policy and political issues facing a particular assignment area.
Most overtime will be worked in the months of October and November as the Governor’s Budget is under development and in May when the Governor’s May Revision to the budget is released. Analysts may need to work overtime during other times of the year, but generally less than the amount worked in the three months noted above.
Will I be able to choose which policy area I work in (e.g., education, health and human services, environmental resources, etc.)?
The policy preferences of potential hires are given great weight during the selection process, but there may not always be sufficient vacancies available to match analysts with their desired policy area. However, analysts are encouraged to rotate budget assignments (typically after two or more years of experience), so it is likely that you would eventually be able to work in your preferred policy area.
What type of training is provided?
The department has over 30 formal budget-related courses , most of which are for new finance budget analysts. In addition, the department provides on-the-job training, continuing education training, and individual career counseling.
Finance has a intranet site that serves as a great resource for new analysts. One resource in particular is the Finance Analyst Handbook, known as FAITH, which provides detailed instructions on dozens of budget-related tasks performed by Finance Budget Analysts.
Is travel required?
Not typically, however analysts are encouraged to go on site visits in their program areas. For example:
Corrections/Public Safety analysts have visited a number of prisons, jails, and courthouses.
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection analysts have visited the central command sites for active fires and have gone out to watch fire crews at work.
Transportation analysts were able to tour the Bay Bridge and climb suspension cables.
What our analysts What our analysts are saying about are saying about
working at Financeworking at Finance
“I don’t think I realized how good this job would be. I didn’t know the level of experience I would get. I didn’t have a firm grasp of how analytical it is, how deep into policy I would get, and how influential the work that we do is. I don’t think I knew what I was choosing at the time, but it was the right choice.”
Alessandra
“The knowledge and experience that you gain at Finance is unparalleled. It wouldn’t be possible to have the exposure and
the breadth of knowledge of public policy anywhere else.” Josh
“We work in an environment where everyone is professional and everyone is super intelligent. It’s a very challenging environment, but you’re always learning and you’re provided mentorship and guidance by your principal. And this is a great place to grow professionally because you don’t find upward mobility opportunities like this elsewhere.” Guadalupe
“You get to work with a lot of great people at Finance and there’s a sense of camaraderie that is really valuable to me.
There are seasons of high pressure and quick turnaround deadlines, but everyone is in it together and we help each other
out. We’re not done until everybody’s done.” Jillian
“As I continue with my career, I want to be able to influence public policy and I think Finance is the best place to learn how to do it. I think the skills I learn from this job will be very helpful because the
biggest public policy decisions that are made are made in the budget. By working on the budget, you learn how everything else
in public policy in California is put together.” Ben
“What I like best about working at Finance is being part of something that’s very meaningful and impactful. Everything that we do plays a role in a bigger picture and ultimately government has a huge impact on every person’s life. Making government more efficient and more effective with practical solutions is meaningful for me and that’s why I like working at Finance.” Chi
Are you interested in joining the Finance team? Do you want to learn more about careers at Finance? If so, please contact:
Jeanna WimberlyBudget Recruitment
Officer(916) 445-8918, Ext.
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