Budget Analyst 2 (0009)

This first review of applications will be December 17 2025. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

• Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisors name/phone number for each position.

For a complete job description please email

To be considered for this position you must reside in Montana.

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200 unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPIs purpose with applicable knowledge in education health research and analysis nutrition finance administration human resources licensing and regulation information technology and many others. We are proud to serve 149000 students pre-K to grade 12 their parents and guardians 400 school districts 16000 educational professionals and 3000 adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

Work/life balance

Family friendly

Dedicated and caring colleagues

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Paid vacation sick leave and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)

Opportunities and room for professional growth

Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview: The Office of Public Instructions (OPI) Centralized Services Division provides service in the areas of fiscal control payroll accounts receivable/payable budgeting accounting financial reporting purchasing contracts management and allocation/distribution of State and Federal grants to school districts special education cooperatives universities colleges and state institutions. OPI has a biennial budget of over $2 billion which consists of an annual operating budget of over $35 million and over $900 million of flow-through funds.

The budget unit provides financial analysis and budget development allocation monitoring and training to all levels of program administrators. The budget unit also provides the Executive Team Division Administrators and program managers with budget responsibility accurate and timely budget status information.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):
Major Duties or Responsibilities:

A. Prepare and Analyze Agency Budget: 50%

Gather evaluate and analyze data.

Assimilate balance and transmit all budget information.

Respond to all inquiries for Office of Budget and Program Planning (OBPP) and Legislative Financial Division (LFD) regarding the Departments budget and review reports to ensure accuracy and consistent interpretation.

Research information needed for the preparation of fiscal notes.

Provide budget interpretation and analysis of legislative and executive mandates.

Develop fiscal policies and procedures to allocate the budget.

Monitor expenditures for compliance.

Prepare projections for past and current revenues and expenditures.

Reconcile with SABHRS and fiscal year end fund balances.

Update SABHRS translate trees budget translates speed charts accounts and task profile Ids.

Prepare and submit budget change documents (BCD).

Maintain documentation of all processes required for standard budget journals.

Design and implement procedures to perform monthly indirect costs for all eligible budgets.

B. Data Analysis and Reporting 40%

Creation testing and publication of the statewide budget file Trustees Financial Summary Expenditure and reports.

Creation and management of spreadsheets.

Guidance and testing of a data base for entitlements and budget limitations.

Determination of anticipated statewide and district level major maintenance aid per local dollar of effort calculations.

Verification of district enrollment.

Planning for legislative session.

C. Montana Fiscal State Education Agent Support 5%

Prepare review and report Federal fiscal reports and negotiate indirect cost rates.

Act as the Fiscal State Education Agent.

Negotiate the delegation agreement for indirect cost rate approval to public school districts.

D. Other Duties as Assigned 5%

Physical and Environmental Demands: This position works in a typical office environment with extensive keyboarding.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

Required for the first day of work:

Knowledge of concepts and theories of school finance and budgets.

Knowledge of database computer applications data storage and retrieval techniques.

Knowledge of personal computer software such as Microsoft word Excel.

Knowledge of basic accounting and auditing principles.

Knowledge of legislative process.

Ability to interpret fiscal records compile data and prepare fiscal reports.

Ability to conduct in depth analysis of financial systems identify inconsistencies and resolve critical problems.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to research write reports clearly and effectively.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

Bachelors degree in Business Administration Finance Accounting or related field.

Three years of directly related budgeting experience

Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted.

Does this sound like you

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents you must check the relevant document box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process.

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the PERS retirement system.