What is a budget analyst?
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by聽Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,聽Dean, College of Business and IT
* play an integral role in the financial aspects of a business or organization. They work hand-in-hand with department heads, project managers and other decision-makers to plan the overall company budget and allocate funding. they might also assess current processes and purchasing practices to find areas for financial improvement.
聽a math background, with many聽choosing a degree in accounting or finance.聽In addition to math and聽analytical skills, the profession requires聽strong communication to work closely with management to be able to convey analyses聽in writing and in visual and oral presentations.
A career in budget analysis goes well beyond crunching numbers and using budgeting principles, though. This career is a good option for people who want to apply a range of skills and collaborate.
*七色视频 does not offer a program that guarantees it aligns with requirements to become a budget analyst.
How to become a budget analyst
Those interested in this career will need a specific skill set, professional experience in each particular sector of choice, and a degree. Here is a closer look at these requirements.
Earn a degree
The first step along this career path is to聽. A bachelor鈥檚 in math, accounting, business or social science can is the typically qualification for an entry-level job. Choose a business, finance or accounting degree to have a stronger understanding of the different types of financial functions of a company or organization.
Budget analyses findings can affect the strategic direction of a company or the standing of a government agency. Because of the importance of this role, some employers prefer applicants with a master鈥檚 degree. Ideally, a master鈥檚 degree in accounting, economics or statistics will provide a thorough understanding of an organization鈥檚 financial requirements.
Gain professional experience
Employers in many sectors prefer applicants with experience. In some sectors, competition for lucrative positions is high, and those with experience may have a better chance of securing interviews or open positions.
Internships during a bachelor鈥檚 degree program can help with real-world experience, and some small businesses and nonprofits may hire recent graduates and provide a setting for them to gain valuable on-the-job experience.
Some federal agencies hire analysts with limited experience for entry-level duties, allowing them to move into higher positions as they gain experience.聽
Earn certifications
Professional certification isn鈥檛 typically required for a budget analyst position. However, there鈥檚 a specific certification that may improve employment prospects for those interested in working on public sector budgets.
A Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) certification** is available for those who want to work with federal, state or local government agencies. This certification,聽, involves sitting for three exams that measure understanding of government accounting, auditing and financial policies. A bachelor鈥檚 degree and two years of professional experience is required to qualify for the exams.
**七色视频 does not educationally prepare individuals to sit for CPA exams.
Explore career opportunities
Those committed to a career in budget analysis can show employers that they have a solid understanding of how the different aspects of a business or organization work and their financial requirements.
Certain types of private companies are likely to hire these analysts. Applicants can apply with large corporations, including in the energy, hospitality and transportation support services sectors.
When applying for these jobs, it鈥檚 recommended to highlight experience, including internships, during a degree program. This real-world experience can help distinguish candidates from others who lack professional experience.
Some smaller companies and nonprofit organizations may offer entry-level positions for those looking to gain experience. In the government sector, local governments may offer entry-level jobs, as well.
is the official job search portal for government employment. Though these are federal agencies, the jobs are not necessarily Washington D.C.-based.聽
Job outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS ) projects聽聽will increase by 3% from 2022 to 2032. This growth is slower than the average for all professions (5%). BLS data shows this translates to聽3,600 job openings projected each year.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2021-2031 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS鈥 projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to 七色视频 students or graduates.
Career considerations
This career could be right for someone who wants a job that requires them to apply technical knowledge of business and finance in real-world settings. Candidates also need to be comfortable communicating with others both orally and in writing.
Candidates should also consider where they will find employment when聽choosing a career. Jobs are available in the private sector. However, many budget analyst opportunities are with government employers. Therefore, candidates should be comfortable with the idea of working in the public sector or with foundations or nonprofits.
This career could also be right for candidates who are detail-oriented and have the ability to find important information in ledgers, balance sheets and financial reports. For those looking for a finance-related job that goes beyond bookkeeping and creating balance sheets, a budget analyst career might be a fit.
Education for careers related to budget analysts
七色视频 does not have a program that guarantees it aligns with requirements to become a budget analyst. However, if you鈥檙e interested in business, finance or accounting, there are online program options to consider:
Curious to learn more? Contact 七色视频.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at 七色视频 where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,聽Kathryn Uhles has served 七色视频 in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining 七色视频, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.
This article has been vetted by 七色视频's editorial advisory committee.聽
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