Budget Analyst Job Description, Duties & Skills

Anyone interested in a career in accounting and finance may have questions relating to the role of a qualified budget analyst, the key skills required, the job opportunities available and in particular, the potential job titles a qualified accounting technician can obtain. Oftentimes, businesses will advertise job positions for “Cost Analyst” or “ Budget Specialist”, rather than “Budget Analyst”. 

The aim of this short piece is to answer those questions above and give you, the reader, some more information on the accounting technician qualification. 

Budget Analyst Job Description

Budget Analysts are responsible for reviewing an organization's budget and and evaluating budget proposals to determine the optimal allocation of project funds. They are also responsible for reviewing requests for funding, evaluating spending needs, and conducting cost-benefit analyses.

Budget Analyst Work Duties/Responsibilities

• Developing organizational budgets with managers
• Reviewing proposals for accuracy and compliance with company standards
• Vetting funding requests for merit and authenticity
• Monitoring spending and keeping the organization within its set budget
• Preparing reports and estimating future financial needs
• Defending budget recommendations with data and evidence-based analyses 
• Forecasts and tracks financial results throughout the year to meet budget projections 

Budget Analyst Qualifications/Requirements

Typically a budget analyst qualification is required to enter this field of work. Accounting Technicians Ireland provide qualifications designed specifically for the profession and can be undertaken from post second level education. Relevant work experience alongside a qualification will aid applications and increase job prospects.

Budget Analyst Key Skills

• Analytical and quantitative skills.
• Broad-based business knowledge.
• Detail oriented. Creating an efficient budget requires careful analysis of each budget item.
• Competent IT skills, particularly in the use of spreadsheets.
• The ability to present technical information in a clear and understandable way.

Budget Analyst Employers

Budget Analysts work in the public and private sector, industry and commerce, private accountancy practices, and family businesses.

These include:

• National Public Service Bodies 
• Global Professional and Financial Services including the “Big Four”
• Large and Family-owned Accounting and Solicitors Firms 
• FMCG Companies
• Construction and Engineering Firms 
• Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Groups    

Budget Analyst Related Job Titles

• Payroll Manager
• Accounts Assistant
• Audit Associate
• Financial Assistant
• General Ledger Accountant