Job Description, Salary, Career Path, and Trends
The budget manager is in charge of ensuring that the funds allocated for different government projects are spent correctly. The role is most often held by someone with a finance background, but it can be helpful to have some experience working on legislation or managing projects, depending on the legislative climate and the size of the office. Budget managers often work long hours keeping track of their own projects, but are also expected to help the office as a whole stay on budget.
Someone in this role will be expected to have strong analytical skills to be able to identify where funds are being misused. Experience working for a government office is not required but can increase opportunity for advancement within the field.
Sample job description
We are seeking a highly motivated budget manager to work with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), Department of Transportation, and other government agencies. The budget manager is responsible for managing departmental funds by tracking expenditures, investigating discrepancies, and participating in investigations. The ideal candidate will have experience working with large-scale budgets or on complex projects. Candidates will need strong analytical skills as well as excellent communication skills. A bachelor’s degree is required. Previous experience in public accounting, finance, or budgeting is helpful but not required.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Manage departmental funds
- Evaluate and develop financial models to measure performance
- Investigate agency’s budget, preparing a report of projected expenditures for decision-makers
- Maintain the departmental budget by compiling data from various sources
- Analyze reports received from managers regarding marketing campaigns and accounting procedures to ensure that the company is operating within its allocated budget
- Keep management informed on the budget status
- Make recommendations on how to reduce departmental overhead
- Keep up to date with legislative changes that will affect the way budgets are allocated
Education and experience
- A bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field is required for this job
- Experience as an auditor, accountant, or business analyst may be helpful
- Familiarity with accounting software such as Microsoft Excel and SAP
- Experience managing budgets for commercial businesses will be useful
- Ability to communicate financial information effectively to clients and management
Required skills and qualifications
- Ability to work independently
- Good research skills
- Financial modeling skills
- Strong understanding of financial concepts and accounting practices
- Solid mathematical, analytical, writing, presentation, organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical staff is required
- Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and follow a schedule
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with accounting and auditing techniques and procedures
- Familiarity with government budgeting methods is a plus
- Certification from the Government Finance Officers Association, Certified Public Accountant, or other related professional associations may be required for certain positions in this field
- Accountant certification desirable
- Ability to read and interpret government regulatory agency reports
- Understanding of government budgeting practices
Average salary and compensation
The median annual salary for budget managers is $94,400. Salary varies according to industry, company size, location, and years of experience. Employers are increasingly offering flexible, remote work arrangements to employees.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $93,900 | $127,000 |
| Los Angeles, California | $105,900 | $143,300 |
| Denver, Colorado | $88,250 | $119,400 |
| Washington, DC | $107,500 | $145,450 |
| Miami, Florida | $87,850 | $118,850 |
| Orlando, Florida | $81,050 | $109,650 |
| Tampa, Florida | $81,850 | $110,750 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $85,850 | $116,150 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $98,700 | $133,550 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $106,700 | $144,400 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $85,050 | $115,050 |
| New York City, New York | $112,350 | $152,000 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $91,450 | $123,750 |
| Dallas, Texas | $89,050 | $120,500 |
| Houston, Texas | $88,250 | $119,400 |
| Seattle, Washington | $102,700 | $138,950 |
| National Average | $80,250 | $108,550 |
Typical work environment
Budget managers typically work in an office setting during regular business hours. Budget managers must be able to handle stress and tight deadlines. The ability to work independently and handle pressure well is important. Budget managers may need to travel to visit other sites or clients. They may occasionally need to work a night or weekend shift.
Work varies depending on the industry and type of budget managed. Budget managers typically spend a lot of time at a computer, usually entering data from reports and making sure financial information is up-to-date. They must carefully analyze all numbers in order to make recommendations that will benefit the company.
Financial managers may have to travel for meetings or inspections. They may be called upon to speak before elected officials about concerns or need a security clearance.
Typical hours
Budget managers typically work full-time from 8 AM to 5 PM. Many companies have a 40-hour workweek, but budget managers may be expected to put in additional hours when needed. Working overtime is common in this field. On a daily basis, budget managers may need to enter data, perform accounting operations, and organize information in order to compile reports.
Available certifications
If you’re looking to become a budget manager in the government, there are many certifications that you can receive to set you apart from the rest of the crowd. Some of them include:
- Management Concepts Federal Financial Management Certificate Programs (FFMCP). This certification provides a comprehensive process for professional development and is designed to enhance and accelerate career growth for Federal Government accountants, auditors, budget analysts, and financial managers.
- TSPPPA Budget and Public Finance Certificate. This online certificate in budget and public finance provides coursework in the theoretical and practical foundations of public budgeting and the formulation and evaluation of public budgets.
- Certified Public Finance Officers (CPFO). Those looking to receive this prestigious certificate can earn the designation through the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
Career path
When starting your career as a budget manager, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree. You can then work into more senior-level roles with experience under your belt.
As you become more experienced, you may choose to go back to school and earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. As budgets become larger, you may choose to work as an industry specialist and focus only on those types of budgets.
Administrative and management professionals who enjoy helping others may want to explore a career as a government budget analyst. This career path often leads to upper-level jobs, such as deputy director or assistant mayor, where you will oversee the entire budgetary process.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 13-2031
| 2020 Employment | 52,500 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 55,000 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 5% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 2,500 increase |
Position trends
The job outlook for government-specific budget managers is anticipated to increase by 5% in the next ten years. The job growth rate for budget and financial managers is slightly lower than the national average. As local governments try to reduce their spending, they will need professionals in this field to help cut costs. In addition, state or federal governments may offer incentives that encourage municipalities to contract out certain budget tasks, such as information systems and fixed asset financial management.
Throughout your career, you may face challenges due to budget cuts. However, being a fiscally-responsible manager is one way of separating yourself from other professionals in your field. If you are able to spot areas where cuts can be made without negatively affecting the company, you should be able to stand out and attain more senior-level positions.
Sample interview questions
- What is your opinion on outsourcing?
- What is your experience with budgeting and accounting software?
- Describe a time when you had to gather information from multiple sources.
- How did you address the findings of your research?
- Would you rather be compensated for how profitable a project is, or the importance of it to the company overall?
- What is your favorite type of budget to work on, and why?
- Which financial statement would you rather have a manager focus on, the income statement or balance sheet? Why?
- What are your thoughts on the benefits of standardizing reporting practices throughout a company?
- If you were given budget responsibility for a project, how would you approach the task?
- How do you handle a situation where an employee questions your authority?
- What is bookkeeping and why does it need to be done so often?
- What are some of the best ways to keep track of accounts receivable information?
- What are some common pitfalls that companies encounter when implementing new software?
