What are the responsibilities and job description for the Budget Analyst position at Central Ohio Transit Authority?
SALARY: $77,875.20 - $91,603.20
LOCATION: 33 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215
BENEFITS:
- Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Discounts
- COTA Bus Pass
- Wellness Initiatives
- On-Site Chair Massage
- On-Site Health Coach
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Student Loan Repayment Program
- Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation
POSITION SUMMARY:
COTA's Budget Analyst is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of the organization's annual operating and capital budgets. The Analyst serves as a primary Finance business partner, working directly with department and division heads to analyze operational performance, forecast trends, and ensure spending aligns with the organization's mission and strategic plan, while ensuring a facilitate a balanced, equitable, and fiscally responsible budget.
Perform other duties in alignment with the COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision to Move Every Life Forward.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Coordinate the annual operating and capital budget process, including preparation of budget instructions, templates, timelines, and compilation of departmental submissions.
- Support the development of a balanced operating and capital budget aligned with organizational priorities and fiscal guidelines.
- Review departmental budget requests and supporting documentation to identify variances, trends, efficiencies, and potential cost savings.
- Monitor monthly budget performance and conduct variance analysis; work with departments to research issues and update forecasts as needed.
- Prepare routine and ad hoc financial analyses, forecasts, and multi‑year projections to support planning and decision‑making.
- Serve as a finance point of contact for assigned divisions, assisting managers with budget questions, financial data interpretation, and basic fiscal guidance.
- Prepare clear and accurate financial reports, summaries, and presentation materials for internal stakeholders, leadership, and Board review.
- Analyze key financial and operational metrics (e.g., cost‑per‑hour, cost‑per‑mile) and assist with benchmarking against industry data.
- Maintain accurate budget and actual data within ERP and budgeting systems; process budget adjustments and related entries in accordance with policy.
- Assist with personnel budgeting activities, including position control, vacancy tracking, and coordination with Human Resources.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Requires a bachelor's degree in public administration, finance, accounting, economics, data Science or related field and a minimum of three (3) years' experience in budget development, public finance, or financial analysis. An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or relevant experience will also be considered.
COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status
Salary : $77,875 - $91,603