Budget Analyst (ACCOUNTANT ADVANCED)

Introduction

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The Maryland State Retirement Agency is the administrator of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (âSystemâ). The System is a defined benefit retirement system covering State and local government employees of Maryland. Itâs composed of twelve (12) separate retirement and pension systems with over 50 different rule sets. The System has over 433,000 participants (customers), including 210,000 members who are actively employed and participating in the System, 179,000 payees who receive a monthly payment from the System, and 44,000 vested members who are no longer actively employed but have earned a benefit that will become payable at a future date. Â

Located in Baltimoreâs Central Business District, SRPS offers a purpose-driven workplace with modern amenities, including panoramic city and harbor views, renovated common areas, upgraded elevators, and an on-site cafÃ.Â

Employees enjoy comprehensive state benefits including medical, dental, prescription coverage, generous paid leave, participation in the state pension system, and supplemental retirement savings options (401(k), 457(b), and more). Additional perks include an on-site fitness center with showers and lockers, 24/7 building security, and easy access to restaurants, shops, public transit, and major highways.Â

If you''re seeking a career with impact, stability, and a supportive environment, explore opportunities with MSRPS.Â

This position is designated as telework eligible for a hybrid schedule under the State of Marylandâs Telework Policy, after successfully completing the defined required training period.

GRADE

STD0017

LOCATION OF POSITION

120 East Baltimore Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The purpose of this position is to provide professional budget analysis and fiscal oversight for the agencyâs operating appropriation funded through special funds. The role is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on expenditures and encumbrances to ensure compliance with approved budgets, applicable laws, and governing policies.

This role contributes to maintaining fiscal integrity and accountability by providing reliable budgetary information to management and supporting informed decision-making regarding the use of special fund resources.

POSITION DUTIES

The position supports the development and execution of the agencyâs annual operating budget, including preparation of budget projections, analysis of spending trends, and coordination with internal program areas to ensure accurate and timely financial planning. It also serves as a key point of review for expenditure activity, ensuring that obligations and disbursements are properly aligned with authorized appropriations and available funding. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Assisting in the preparation, analysis, and monitoring of the agencyâs operating budget, including development of annual budget submissions and related supporting schedules.

• Preparing quarterly financial projections and budget updates, in coordination with the Director of Budget, for presentation to the Administrative Committee, agency leadership, and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
• Performing monthly budget-to-actual analysis using FMIS and ANSWERS systems to monitor expenditures, encumbrances, and available budget balances.Â
• Assisting the Investment Division with tracking and analysis of non-budget funds used for investment administrative expenses, including budget-to-actual reporting and preparation of financial reports for the Investment Committee.
• Providing analytical support to management regarding budget trends, forecasting assumptions, and potential impacts to agency financial position.
• Reviewing expenditure activity and encumbrances to ensure compliance with authorized budget limits and identifies variances requiring correction or explanation.Â
• Assisting with the preparation, entry, and maintenance of the agencyâs budget data in the Budget Analysis and Reporting System (BARS) and the Financial Management Information System (FMIS), ensuring accuracy and alignment with approved appropriations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Bachelor''s degree in Accounting from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by three credit hours in auditing.

Experience: Three years of experience examining, analyzing and interpreting accounting systems, records and reports by applying generally accepted accounting principles.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute a Bachelorâs degree from an accredited college or university with thirty credit hours in Accounting and related courses, including or supplemented by three credit hours in auditing for the required education.

2. Applicants who have met the requirements for admission to the CPA examination prior to July 1, 1974 will be considered to have met the educational requirement referenced above.

3. Possession of a certificate as a Certified Public Accountant or a master''s degree in accounting from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

4. Applicants may substitute one year of professional auditing experience for one year of the required experience.

5. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the Accounting Officer classification or Financial Management specialty codes in the Accounting field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

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SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must possess the following qualification to be considered:

One year of accounting experience specific to preparing, monitoring, and/or overseeing a budget.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Please note that your answers to the supplemental questionnaire must correspond to the information provided on your application to receive credit.

Preferred candidates will possess the following qualifications:Â

• Experience using the State of Maryland Financial Management Information System (FMIS) for budget or financial management activities.
• Experience using the State of Maryland Budget Analysis and Reporting System (BARS).
• Experience analyzing budget-to-actual expenditures and preparing expenditure projections or forecasts.
• Intermediate or above proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including experience using formulas and pivot tables.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the minimum for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date.

Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year. This list will be used by the hiring agency to select employees.Â

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates must undergo and pass a background check.Â

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position. You may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire. The supplemental questionnaire may be used as part of the rating process. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.Â

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.Â

• Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
• Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
• Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year. Â
• Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least thirteen (13) holidays per year.  Â
• Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.
• Positions may be eligible for telework.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to:

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Maryland State Retirement and Pension Systems

Human Resources Section

120 E. Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

ATTN: Ashley Lohr

Must be postmarked by the closing date.

Email: alohr@sra.state.md.us

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT UNSOLICITED DOCUMENTATION

The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the Stateâs diversity.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

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TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay