Budget Technician

SANTA ANA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TECHNICIAN BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Controller and Associate Superintendent Business Services, assist in the preparation and administration of the District budget; audit and approve budget expenditures, and personnel staffing transactions. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The duties of the Budget Technician involve work of a confidential nature, ongoing contact with District and school administrators and pressure of meeting deadlines. Thorough knowledge and judgment are applied in the budget process relative to accounting transactions and classifications, staffing and personnel allocations, and effecting budget revisions and transfer of funds. The work may be reviewed upon completion, but frequently no check is made of the data compiled. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Assist with the preparation of the District's yearly expenditure budget under guidelines established by the Cabinet and the Board of Education. E Provide guidance to schools and departments on staffing units, allocations, transfer of funds, and budget adjustments based on enrollment projections and budget parameters. E Provide schools and departments with information and materials during the budget preparation process; answer a variety of questions and advise school and District administrators on the budget process for their programs; assist with the preparation of the budget in final form for presentation to the Cabinet and the Board of Education. E Initiate budget appropriations to cover staffing assignments, employee benefits and supply/equipment requisitions. E Monitor and audit adopted budget through review of personnel requisitions and transactions and maintenance of the position control file for all regular District employees; verify numbers and level of personnel to assure encumbered funds cover salaries for projected expenses. E Research budget variances and unusual transactions to assure proper account classification. E Audit payroll and accounting transactions and prepare reports as necessary regarding budget performance. Inform school and department personnel of accounting procedures and proper classification of expenses. E Perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: Principles of accounting and office practices. Budget techniques. Chart of accounts and proper use of account classifications. Modern office practices, procedures and equipment. Recordkeeping techniques. Oral and written communications skills. School District organization, operations and objectives. Reading and writing communications skills. English grammar, spelling and punctuation. ABILITY TO: Operate a variety of office machines with speed and accuracy. Keep financial records. Prepare and analyze financial reports and statements. Deal tactfully and effectively with administrative and instructional personnel and the public. Perform work independently with a minimum of supervision. Meet schedules and time lines. Work confidentially with discretion. Perform the essential functions of the job. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school, including or supplemented by college-level courses in accounting and budgeting and five years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably within a school district. WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: Office environment. Constant interruptions. PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Hearing and speaking to accurately exchange information in person or on the telephone. Seeing to read a variety of materials. Sitting for extended periods of time. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard. Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to file materials. Lifting or moving objects, normally not exceeding twenty (20) pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job. Board Approved: (12/82 8/90 9/91) 5/01 Requirements / Qualifications Requirements / Qualifications