Legislative Analyst

Under direction of the Board Chair, works with the Director of Legislative Affairs to analyze budget-related agenda items and materials that are submitted to the Board of Commissioners, giving special consideration to the potential and probable financial impact to the county and county budget, making recommendations to the Chair or other commissioners as assigned; works with the County Finance Department and other departments/agencies of the county to remain informed of current fiscal status as well as expected changes, keeping the Board of Commissioners informed; performs related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Reviews contracts, proposed amendments and budget-impacting items submitted to the Board of Commissioners from departments and agencies of the county for completeness, accuracy and compliance with county policy, provides analysis regarding potential impact of submissions to the Board Chair and commissioners.

Works with the county Finance Department and various departments to help with budget proposal preparation, including various metrics and comparison sheets as requested by the Board of Commissioners.

Reviews and organizes annual budget submissions in preparation for Board review, may meet with departmental representatives to gain insight into challenges as well as an understanding of the proposal and projected benefits.

Works with the county Finance Department and departments/agencies to develop budget hearing presentations and follows in gathering any additional information requested by commissioners.

Assists the Board Chair and commissioners in analyzing the Proposed Recommended Budget and finds alternatives if proposals do not meet legislative priorities.

Prepares statistical analyses, draws conclusions and prepares concise, accurate summaries of proposed agenda items, annual/quarterly reports and other items for use by commissioners.

Collects, compiles and analyzes outcomes and evaluation data.

Monitors fundamental demographic and economic developments through the analysis of information obtained from established financial and trade sources, government agencies and primary sources.

Researches, evaluates and prepares information related to proposed legislation that may have fiscal ramifications to the County. Reviews and analyzes proposed amendments to existing statutes and recommends appropriate actions to the Board of Commissioners in conjunction with Corporation Counsel and/or Independent Counsel.

May prepare and present a variety of reports and create presentation materials for Commissioners and other target audiences.

Utilizes statistics, financial tracking mechanisms, analytical program software and social media as needed.

Performs other research as assigned.

Operates an automobile while performing assigned duties.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience):

REQUIRED:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Three years of experience in governmental accounting, budgeting or financial/legislative analysis.

PREFERRED:

A Master’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science or a related field from an accredited college or university.

SKILLS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public accounting.

Ability to prepare and present written and verbal reports in a clear and logical manner.

Ability to use Microsoft Office, Google Apps and Adobe Acrobat software.

Effective written and verbal communication skills including the ability to write briefs, analysis articles and give group presentations.

Ability to effectively speak, write and understand the English language.

Ability to speak and understand a language other than English is preferred.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials,

Administrators, Department Heads, staff, union officials and the public.

Ability to conduct oneself with tact and courtesy.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office with frequent contact with customers.

Seeing (vision), sitting, talking/speaking or listening/hearing are regularly required.

Manual dexterity and regular fine-finger and hand-wrist motions are regularly required for operating a keyboard, writing and occasionally filing.

Will, at times, be required to walk, reach, bend, drive or lift up to 24 lbs.

General Requirements and/or Disclaimers

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties of personnel so classified.

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by these statutes.

Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.