Entry Level Budget Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description The final filing date is Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. or after receiving 100 qualified applicants, whichever is first. The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a highly skilled Budget Analyst I to join the Department of Finance

This is a regular full-time employment opportunity. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development and oversight of Sunnyvale's performance-based budget within a collaborative and dynamic environment. The selected candidate will serve as the primary fiscal liaison for City departments, providing in-depth analytical support and informing strategic recommendations to the Office of the City Manager.

Success in this role requires a detail-oriented, forward-thinking professional with strong analytical expertise, exceptional customer service, and outstanding presentation abilities. Additionally, the ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced proficiency in Excel, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance process efficiencies, ensure data integrity, and deliver comprehensive analysis. Under general supervision (Budget Analyst I) to direction (Budget Analyst II), performs complex and technical work related to preparation, review, analysis, planning, coordination, and evaluation of the City's annual operating budget; conducts budget and financial studies; prepares various statements and reports; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision (Budget Analyst I) to direction (Budget Analyst II) from the Budget Manager. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Budget Analyst I: This is the entry-level classification in the Budget Analyst series.

Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine professional duties supporting the City's budget and finance systems, programs, and activities, while learning Agency policies and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.

Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Click here to view the full Budget Analyst I/II job description.

Essential Job Functions (May include, but are not limited to, the following): Positions at the I-level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity. Reviews departmental budget submissions for completeness and accuracy; analyzes revenue and expenditure budget forecasts, full-time equivalent allocations, performance indicators, and makes recommendations and/or provides feedback to align with the City's financial goals; collaborates with departments to finalize budget requests and prepares budget summaries. Monitors budget expenditures; ensures compliance with allocated funding and regulatory and policy requirements; provides technical guidance to departmental staff to address compliance issues and recommend corrective actions where necessary.

Performs a variety of complex and technical budget analysis involved in reviewing, analyzing, auditing, reconciling, and maintaining assigned funds, budgets, and accounts; forecasts revenue trends and identifies budget variances. Conducts analytical studies of complex and sensitive financial and/or organizational issues; analyzes proposals for immediate and long-term policy and fiscal impacts on specific departmental operations and City-wide impact; makes recommendations based on findings. Provides technical assistance in the preparation and analysis of budget, accounting, and other fiscally related issues for other departments in the City; serves as a resource for fiscal inquiries; supplies reports and information from the financial system; participates in the development of budget policies and procedures.

Compiles data and prepares reports, documentation, and correspondence; coordinates and assembles a variety of financial and statistical information for inclusion in reports and presentations; prepares presentations for City Council, directors, senior managers, and public workshops. Makes presentations to City Council, directors, senior managers, and at public workshops. Participates in the development of the annual City budget by reviewing and analyzing budget submittals; makes recommendations related to revenue sources and funding levels; and prepares long-range financial plans.

Conducts fiscal investigations and prepares written and oral reports with recommendations for financial resolution. Represents the Finance Department in interdepartmental, interagency and public meetings; serves on committees and task forces as assigned. Assists in the coordination of interdepartmental teams and complex projects and studies; manages programs and projects of a complex and varied nature.

Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Performs other duties as assigned. WORKING CONDITIONS Physical Demands: This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.

Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation. Environmental Conditions: Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way: Budget Analyst I: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in economics, accounting, finance, business administration or related field; AND Budget Analyst I: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in management and/or administrative analytical work experience, including two (2) years of experience related to budget management or financial analysis. Knowledge of: Positions at the I-level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity. Data management practices to ensure accuracy and reliability in financial reporting.

Financial systems software and the general application of information technology systems to forecasting and analysis. Generally accepted accounting principles. Methods and techniques of auditing, verifying, balancing, and reconciling accounting records.

Principles of financial management, budget preparation, analysis, and monitoring. Principles, programs and practices of budget preparation, fiscal and statistical analysis, and research methodology. Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.

Technical report preparation, research, and writing of correspondence. Theory, principles, and practices of budgeting and finance. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.

City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff. The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed. Ability to: Perform a variety of professional financial duties involved in reviewing, analyzing, auditing, reconciling, and maintaining assigned accounts. Prepare and analyze comprehensive financial statements and accounting reports.

Calculate, post, audit, and adjust journal entries including income and expenditures. Reconcile various fiscal statements to ensure accurate fund accounting, as assigned. Analyze financial data and draw sound conclusions.

Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods. Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner. Train and provide guidance to City staff on budget matters.

Conduct research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports. Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations. Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.

Use tact, initiative, prudence, and judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Licenses/Certificates: Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

Application and Selection Process APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & PROCESS The application submitted must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description in order to move forward in the recruitment process with the City of Sunnyvale. The information provided in the Work Experience, Education, and Certificates/Licenses sections of the application will be used to determine if the application meets the minimum qualifications. A resume, employment history provided elsewhere in the application, or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Note: The minimum qualifications for experience are based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Experience included in the Work Experience section of the application is calculated to the full-time equivalent (hours are pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Volunteer experience is not considered qualifying experience.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as the posting will close after receiving 100 qualified and complete applications or by Tuesday, September 1, 2026 by 5:00pm, whichever is first. Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position.

Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. EXAM PROCESS Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position

Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2026. (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.) SELECTION PROCESS Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in an in-person selection interview with the hiring department scheduled for the week of September 28, 2026

Selection interviews will take place in-person, please plan accordingly. Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history.

A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing. INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e

original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). A candidate with education obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense to determine its equivalency in the United States. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation.

If you search 'education equivalency verification' or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Summary of Management - SMA Benefits For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video: How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job - YouTube (5:13) The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job appli...