Duties:
This non-partisan position works directly with legislators and is involved in the legislative process by researching analyzing summarizing and presenting a variety of data and other information. The analyst works for the Legislative Fiscal Division of the Legislative Branch and reports to a manager working for the divisions director the Legislative Fiscal Analyst.
An analyst can expect to:
Provide in-depth and data-driven fiscal analysis to support the legislative process
Work directly with legislators on identifying policy issues and ways to measure fiscal impacts
Perform original research at the behest of legislative committees
Objectively address potential fiscal implications of legislative proposals
Provide verbal and written reports to the legislature
The work cycle in the Legislative Fiscal Division changes throughout the two-year legislative calendar. During the legislative session work is intense with analysts staffing legislative committees and subcommittees responding quickly to legislator requests for detailed analysis and monitoring appropriation the off-season analysts staff interim committees conduct detailed original research report on implementation of legislation from the previous session and contribute in the development of data models used to assess the states long-term fiscal outlook.
Analysts can expect to research and interpret results on a wide variety of topics. Like the legislative body itself legislative priorities continually change. Analysts respond by acquiring new knowledge in various topics to provide the most current and accurate information.
An analyst must have the ability to:
Conduct independent analysis and research
Prioritize and manage multiple projects at any one time
Interpret and analyze legislative proposals and emerging fiscal issues to provide a better understanding of current and future implications to Montanas budget
Analyze revenue and expenditure information state and federal statutes and financial materials to identify issues for legislative consideration including creation of options to resolve those issues
Understand query and analyze data from statewide databases and financial management systems
Develop and maintain data models to analyze historical fiscal trends and project long-term fiscal impacts
Relay complex information verbally and in writing to diverse audiences in a manner that can be clearly understood
Basic level of understanding of governmental accounting helpful but not required
Special Information:
Legislative Fiscal Division analysts are expected to work considerable overtime (comp) hours for the four months before and during the regular legislative session as well as before and during special legislative sessions. Additionally some overtime hours are required to prepare for and participate in interim legislative committee meetings. Analysts establish work plans to use any excess comp time throughout the interim providing considerable work flexibility during summer months and holiday seasons. While not frequent some travel may be required for legislative or training purposes.
Entry salary (base) for this position is $75000. Most individuals applying for this position should expect to start near this salary. Applicants with specialized knowledge or experience with state agency budgeting and budget analysis may qualify for higher entry.
Screening of applications and scheduling of interviews may begin prior to the closing date of this advertisement.
Education/Experience:
Bachelors degree and four years of relevant work experience.
Or
Masters degree and two years of relevant work research or teaching experience.
Preferred backgrounds include:
MBA or MPA accounting statistics economics data analytics or other financial and math related fields with a proven ability to clearly communicate those same concepts
Experience presenting to or teaching others in either formal or informal settings
Starting in January 2026 the Legislative Branch will participate in E-verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I9 your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-verify please visit
Required Experience:
IC
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry wants to help both employees and employers to be happy on the job. We take seriously our mission to promote and protect the well-being of Montana's workers, employers and citizens, and to uphold their rights and responsibilities. Our agenc ... View more