Senior Budget/Research Analyst

The Department of Administration's Executive Budget Office (EBO) is growing and are now seeking an experienced Senior Budget/Research Analyst to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping South Carolina’s fiscal priorities by supporting the Governor’s Office in developing the Executive Budget and overseeing the state’s annual budget. In this role, you will analyze complex agency budgets, evaluate funding needs, and provide strategic recommendations to Executive Budget Office leadership and the Governor’s staff to help align budget decisions with the Governor’s priorities. You will also conduct in-depth research on agency programs, operations, and policies to support informed decision-making and responsible stewardship of state resources.

Responsibilities of the Senior Budget/Research Analyst:

• Analyze and evaluate agency budget requests, providing strategic recommendations to Executive Budget Office leadership and the Governor’s staff to ensure alignment with the Governor’s priorities and statewide fiscal objectives.
• Conduct complex financial and budgetary analyses to support executive decision-making, ensuring recommendations are data-driven, well-supported, and delivered within established deadlines. 
• Assist agencies in the development of performance metrics and analyze the relationship between funding levels and agency activities and performance. Monitor and evaluate agencies' performance of defined metrics throughout the fiscal year.
• Research, identify analysis methodologies, and prepare reports as assigned by executive or gubernatorial staff. You will track the budget and pertinent legislation throughout the legislative cycle.
• Conduct routine analysis, to include deficit monitoring, position management, and grants management, to ensure agency operations follow applicable state and federal laws.
• Partner with agencies throughout the year to address fiscal and operational issues. You will review agency programs and processes to develop a thorough understanding of each agency.
• Process agency budget documents throughout the fiscal year, including special expenditure requests, transfers, FTE Management, etc., to ensure authorized funds are used in the manner prescribed by law.
• Gather information from agencies as requested for statewide projects and surveys.
• Serve as subject matter expert on the Budget Development Team. Provide guidance to budget analysts on complex budget and finance issues and assist with resolving issues on a daily basis.
• Routinely review, recommend, and implement strategic and operational improvement initiatives that are in line with the agency and area's vision and mission. Manage special and strategic initiatives as directed and works with cross-functional groups to ensure completion of initiatives.
• Perform other assigned duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, economics, political science, or a related field with at least three (3) years of relevant experience conducting financial analysis, performing financial projections, or monitoring program performance. 
• A master's degree in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or economics may be substituted for up to two (2) years of relevant experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to interpret and analyze complex financial data and reports. 
• Ability to interpret state and federal laws governing state finances and programs. 
• Proficient in use of word processing and spreadsheet applications. 
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.