Fiscal Manager I - County Council, Office of the County Council

Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.  
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!  
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. 
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

No calls please.  For an update, please check your GovernmentJobs.com account to check your application status.

POSITION SUMMARY:
This is advanced fiscal and budget analysis work at the administrative level which includes a variety of special administrative and functional responsibilities. This is professional and technical work supporting the budgetary and policy roles of the County Council.

Performs varied professional governmental fiscal and budgetary analysis work. Work involves responsibility for performing fiscal analyses and analyzing budget proposals and the operational and financial results of County programs. Work is expected to be performed to professional and technical standards. Work results are evaluated through observation.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$41.25 - $49.36
$85,796 - $102,658

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs mid-management and advanced level financial, auditing, or budgeting work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work may include planning, organizing, and supervising the activities of a unit; coordinating budget activities; auditing electronic data processing systems; resolving major program problems; and developing, evaluating, and implementing financial budgeting or auditing programs and procedures.Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Fiscal & Budget Analysis:

• Analyzes complex capital and operating budget requests and related program and operational proposals of agencies subject to the County Council’s appropriation authority.
• Evaluates effectiveness, costs, and fiscal impacts of County operations; develops recommendations and alternatives for Council consideration.
• Documents fiscal impact analyses according to procedural guidelines and presents findings directly to the County Council and Administrator.
• Forecasts revenue and expenditure trends, analyzes programmatic cost-benefit, and advises on long-term financial implications.
• Works independently on complex budget, fiscal, and operational analysis assignments with minimal supervision.

Policy Analysis:

• Researches and interprets County, State, and Federal laws, regulations, and policy impacting fiscal operations; prepares memoranda and reports summarizing findings.
• Reviews and analyzes proposed legislation and amendments; provides recommendations on fiscal and policy implications.
• Tracks fiscal developments and prepares supporting testimony, presentations, and briefings for the County Council.
• Identifies trends, model programs, and policy issues relevant to Council priorities; develops policy options and supports Council studies and initiatives.

Communication & Presentation:

• Presents complex fiscal and policy findings clearly and concisely to the County Council, Administrator, and external stakeholders.
• Translates complex financial and programmatic information into actionable recommendations.
• Prepares executive-level summaries, charts, and reports to support strategic decision-making.
• Provides technical and analytical support to Council members in responding to constituent inquiries.

Cross-Branch & Intergovernmental Coordination:

• Acts as liaison with County agencies and external governmental organizations to coordinate fiscal initiatives.
• Monitors State and Federal policy changes and assesses their impact on County operations, budgets, and fiscal priorities.
• Facilitates communication and understanding between the County Council and County agencies regarding fiscal and budgetary matters.

Administrative & Process Improvement:

• Supports and assists Administrator in all functions, as directed.
• Maintains comprehensive records of fiscal and budgetary analyses; recommends improvements to research, analytical, and reporting processes.
• Recommends resources and best practices to enhance the Council’s fiscal and budgetary analysis capabilities.

Other Duties:
Other duties may be assigned to assist the Council Office in accomplishing its role and responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.Bachelor's Degree and four (4) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Juris Doctor or a Master's Degree in a related field.
• Knowledge of governmental budgeting, fiscal management, legislative processes, and policy analysis.
• Proficiency in Excel, financial modeling, and data visualization.
• Strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills; ability to synthesize complex financial and policy information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present findings clearly to decision-makers.
• Understanding of County government operations, intergovernmental relationships, and regulatory frameworks.
• Capable of working both independently and collaboratively on politically sensitive, high-stakes fiscal, policy, and legislative initiatives.
• May require certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and use hands to touch, handle, or feel. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to make effective presentations on controversial or complex topics.

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Ability to apply principles of logical or legal thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.

Salary : $85,796 - $165,206