Remote Budget Analyst Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Introduction
Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your skills to the State Public Defenders' office (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents! SPD is currently recruiting to fill one full-time Budget & Policy Analyst Agency-Advanced position, basedin our Madison office.
SPD's mission is to enhance the quality of justice throughout Wisconsin by providing high-quality, cost-effective representation to indigent clients, protecting the rights of accused individuals, and by serving as advocates for effective defense services and a rational criminal justice system. At SPD, we are committed to diversity in hiring, retention, and career development. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. To learn more, visit our website at http://wispd.gov .
What We're Looking For: SPD is looking for a talented Accountant-Journey professional who is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, has great attention to detail, and can juggle multiple priorities. If you have a passion for accounting and love helping people, then we want you to apply!
What We Offer: This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with SPD. Our employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package , including access to the region's best health plans, and generous paid time off starting with 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave so that you can truly have work/life balance! SPD employees also enjoy participation in one of the nation's top-rated pension plans . Additionally, if you have student loans, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program . To learn more about the value of SPD's total compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator .
Why work with us? At SPD, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive, human-centered and family-friendly culture, where everyone is encouraged to bring their "whole self" to work. Professional development is encouraged and supported, and we offer a wide variety of training opportunities to help you grow in your career. Our leadership's goal is to provide a work environment dedicated to ensuring that each and every staff member is treated with respect and dignity, recognizing each individual's contributions to the team. We encourage all applicants to read about the SPD's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plan here .
Who We Are: SPD provides legal representation for persons who are accused of crimes or are defendants in certain specified civil matters, and who meet statutory financial eligibility criteria. The mission of the Wisconsin State Public Defender is to zealously represent clients, protect constitutional rights, and advocate for an effective and fair criminal justice system. Our commitment is to treat our clients with dignity and compassion, as they are at the center of everything we do. To learn more about the various career paths and opportunities at the SPD, please click here .
Where We're Located: SPD is located just off of the Capitol Square of award-winning Madison, Wisconsin, at 17 South Fairchild Street. We are within easy walking distance of many shopping and dining options, a weekly farmer's market , the State Capitol Building , and two beautiful lakes with walking & biking paths. There are numerous public transit options and multiple parking lots nearby.
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Budget & Policy Director, this position performs professional, confidential work related to the analysis of budgets and policies for the State Public Defender (SPD). The position is involved in analysis and development of budget and policy issues relating to the direction and management of services provided to clients of the SPD.
To view a copy of the position description, please click here .
Salary Information
The starting hourly pay range will be between $28.24 and $46.59 and is in pay schedule-range (81-03). A one-year probationary period may be required. Please note that this is an in-office (i.e., non-remote) position.
Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or reinstatement) for a position assigned to the stated pay range or counter-part pay range, should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.
Final selected candidates may be eligible for moving expense reimbursement to relocate to the place of employment.
Job Details
Background Check: We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. A criminal background check will be done prior to an offer of employment.
Eligibility to work in the US: The SPD does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Veterans: The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for the application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.
Qualifications
LETTER OF QUALIFICATIONS & RESUME: You must submit both documents to be considered. It is important that you clearly explain and elaborate on your experience and/or training in your cover letter and/or resume.
Minimally qualified applicants must have the following experience:

1. Evaluating statutory and regulatory requirements and associated outcomes related to program policies, procedures, or budgets.
2. Performing complex financial calculations, revenue/expenditure forecasting, analyzing data, identifying trends, and data reconciliations using advanced Excel functions or specialized database software.
3. Providing results from analysis or research through verbal and written communications (e.g. presentations, narrative policy summaries, web content, issue papers, or similar) to inform others (e.g. managers, colleagues) about information related to policies, legislation, budgets or similar issues that affect programs and services.
4. Independently managing multiple time-sensitive analytical assignments, handling sensitive, or confidential organizational data.

Well-qualified applicants will have experience in the at least two of following areas:

1. Using State of Wisconsin Enterprise Resource Planning data (i.e. data housed in STAR modules) to inform financial decisions.
2. Developing and monitoring an operating budget or spending plan with multiple cost drivers and state and/or federal revenue sources.
3. Analyzing data to determine the variables and factors that influence changes to costs and revenues and to make projections about future counts, costs, or similar.
4. Knowledge of how to conduct quantitative or qualitative analysis on public policy issues.
5. Performing fiscal, policy, or program analysis within legal services, court administration, public defense, prosecution, or related legal systems or organizations.

How To Apply
To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your skills and experience relate to the qualifications required for this job. You can also reference the How to Apply to State Service document for more information.
If you encounter issues submitting your online application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at (608) 267-1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm). You can also reference the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. If both of these documents are not submitted, you will not be eligible for consideration. Application materials will not be accepted if received in an email, as a hard copy or a fax.
Materials submitted by all applicants will be evaluated by one or more job experts. Candidates who are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please reach out to the HR Specialist listed below.
Deadline to Apply
The deadline to apply online is 11:59pm on Thursday, September 10, 2026. If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact Monica Endres at (608) 261-7442 or via email at endresm@opd.wi.gov .