Budget and Research Manager (AM)

Description

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitudes, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community.
Under the direction of the Executive Director and Assistant Director of Finance and Management Services Agency, this position has the primary responsibility in developing, preparing, and monitoring the City's Trial, Proposed, and Adopted budget(s).

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

Responsible for the development and management of the City budget. Analyzes proposed department budgets for accuracy, impact on City resources, and adherence to established budget and financial policy. Conducts budget team conferences. Provides direction and makes recommendations to the City Manager Budget Team (City Manager, Executive Director and Assistant Director of Finance and Management Services Agency) regarding budget requests. Coordinates the preparation of proposed budget documents for presentation to the City Council. Conducts complex research and prepares reports on financial matters, including the City’s forecasts and projections. Recommends and implements procedures related to monitoring and budgeting for Citywide projects. Tracks and researches current and future legislation that may affect the City’s budget and finances, management methods, and administrative and operating systems and procedures. Oversees department budget request preparation and approval process. Analyzes and provides fiscal control of budgetary expenditures. Analyzes organizational issues, structure, staffing, operations, procedures, and policies to establish best practices. Manages the Budget and Research Office. Attends and makes presentations at City Council, Council Committee, and community budget outreach meetings, as needed. May serve as part of a labor relations team. Performs other related functions as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Four years of increasingly responsible professional and administrative experience in governmental budgetary and financial activities including administrative, productivity, and organizational analysis, including two years of supervisory experience. Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in public or business administration, finance, economics, accounting, or a related field. Possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: principles and practices of public administration, municipal finance, budgeting and budget procedures, research techniques, forecasting, cost recovery methods, and procedures and organizational structure; principles and practices of effective supervision.
Ability to: gather, organize, analyze, and interpret data; draw sound conclusions from assembled information; develop alternative solutions to problems; present research findings and ideas concisely and effectively orally and in writing; utilize Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access) and related software; understand systems analysis related to the automation process of budget administration; exercise resourcefulness in addressing and resolving problems; establish and maintain effective working relationships with municipal officials, managers, employees, and the general public.

Selection Process

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday February 3, 2026) : (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.

Based on the number of applications received, the Human Resources Department may waive the oral interview examination and evaluate those applicants who meet the requirements described above through an examination of record. The examination will be based on a review of the application materials submitted and will include an assessment of training, experience and performance with the City of Santa Ana. Applicants must pass this review in order to be placed on the eligible list.

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.

Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

Summary of Benefits

(under SAMA)

NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.

Closing Date/Time: 1/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Santa Ana

• 714-647-5340

Show more