Budget Analyst

Job Description and Duties

Budget Analysts perform analytical and consultative duties necessary to carry out the budget development an d management functions of the Department of Finance, which is the Governor’s chief fiscal policy advisor. Budget Analysts are responsible for:

• Developing the annual Governor’s Budget, including analyzing departmental budget requests and testifying during legislative hearings.
• Developing written analyses of the fiscal and programmatic impacts of proposed legislation.
• Analyzing unmet public needs and developing alternatives and recommendations for meeting those needs.
• Providing information and instruction to other state agencies concerning budget and financial procedures.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Salary Note: This position is eligible for an additional recruitment and retention pay differential (10% in the first year, and 15% in the second year).

These positions are located in Sacramento.

Finance currently has a hybrid telework model, which requires employees to work in the office a minimum of two days during the workweek with additional in office days required as needed and sometimes on short notice, for reasons such as hearings, site visits, or required in-person meetings or trainings. Implementation of Executive Order N-22-25 requiring four in-office work days has been postponed until July 1, 2026, but may be subject to change.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts.

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a complete application package. Incomplete application packages may result in disqualification and not being considered for the position.

If you are using an international degree to meet the minimum qualifications, you must also submit a US Equivalency Report.

Finance Headquarters is located at 915 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Excellent analytical, writing, and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of basic statistical concepts and good working math skills
• Experience in making oral presentations and using Excel
• Good judgment
• Ability to easily adapt to change and to act effectively under pressure
• Ability to gain and maintain cooperative working relationships
• Patience, poise, flexibility, tact, reliability, and dependability

Benefits

For general information related to benefits with the State of California, please click here:

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Finance employees are excluded from collective bargaining and are eligible to receive the following enhance d benefits:

• Enhanced medical, dental, and disability benefits

• Employer paid Life Insurance

• Additional hour of Vacation/Annual Leave

• Excluded employees are not subject to State Disability Insurance Payroll Withholding

For more details about employee benefits, visit the Department of Finance’s website here .

HIRING PROCESS

The Budget Analyst hiring process includes three phases to provide interested candidates an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and abilities needed to perform Budget Analyst duties.

Phase I – Math/Writing Exercise (Virtual)

Candidates who submitted complete application packages will be invited (sent via email) to participate in a math/writing exercise that assesses the candidate’s math and writing competencies. The math and writing exercises are tentatively scheduled for 02/17/2026. Candidates who pass both the math/writing exercises will move forward to Phase II – Application Screening.

Phase II – Application Screening

Applications for those who passed the math/writing exercises will be screened to ensure candidates have critical skills, knowledge, competencies, and minimum qualifications that demonstrate potential success as a Budget Analyst. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to Phase III – Interviews.

Phase III – Interviews (In-Person)

Candidates who make it through Phase I and Phase II will be invited to participate in hiring interviews. There may be one or more interviews, and the interviews will be conducted in-person.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - A one-page Statement of Qualifications indicating why you are interested in a Budget Analyst position with the Department of Finance, using a font no smaller than 12 point.