Accounting, Analysis Skills, Budget Management, Budgeting, Capital Budgeting, Career Development, Communication Skills, Consulting, Cost Control, Cost Estimates, Data Collection, Data Modeling, Data Visualization, Decision Support, Finance, Financial Modeling, Financial Operations, Financial Planning, Financial Policies, Financial Strategy, Financial Systems, Forecasting, Funding, Leadership, Mentoring, Office Management, Operational Strategy, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Policy Implementation, Project/Program Management, Public Administration, Public Finance, Reporting Dashboards, Reporting Skills, Resource Management, Revenue Analysis, Revenue Forecasting, Strategic Planning, Systems Administration/Management, Testing, Training Program, Trend Analysis
Are you skilled in public budgeting and financial planning? Do you thrive in roles where your analysis shapes multimillion-dollar decisions? The County Executive’s Office is seeking a Management Analyst to join the Office of Budget, Policy & Performance — a team at the core of the County’s budgetary operations and strategic planning.
This is more than a budget job — it's an opportunity to build technical expertise, lead high-impact projects, and work closely with County leadership. The position is open to both external candidates as a Limited Term position and current County employees through a Work-Out-of-Class assignment (up to 18 months).
This is a Limited-Term position. Limited-term positions are full-time, fully benefited, temporary positions. The current position is funded for up to 18 months and could extend longer depending on the department’s needs. Limited Term employees receive medical and dental benefits, like regular employees, and a defined contribution retirement plan (401-A).
Information for current County employees: Current and regular County of San Mateo employees who are interested in this assignment must submit application materials and compete in the selection process. If you are successful in the selection process and are being considered for the assignment, HR will work directly with you and/or your department for options. Please note there is no guarantee that you will be allowed by your department to rotate into this assignment nor is your department obligated to allow you to take on this assignment. The salary range for this position is "as is" and non-negotiable.
Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment will be used to fill this vacancy and may be used to fill future extra-help, limited term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.
ABOUT THE UNIT
The Budget, Policy & Performance (BPP) unit manages the County’s $5 billion budget, oversees performance reporting, coordinates fiscal policy, and leads strategic initiatives across departments. Analysts are deeply involved in building the County’s operating and capital budgets from the ground up — gathering data, consulting with departments, evaluating requests, and helping shape budget strategy.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
This position provides substantial exposure to the highest levels of County decision-making. Analysts who succeed in this role often advance to leadership roles in budget offices, department finance teams, and policy units. Additional opportunities include:
- Leadership training and mentorship programs.
- Rotations through special project areas.
- Involvement in high-profile fiscal strategy and transformation efforts.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Budget Development and Creation
- Collaborate with assigned departments to build detailed annual and mid-cycle operating and capital budgets.
- Provide departments with guidance on budget assumptions, salary and benefits projections, and cost containment strategies.
- Analyze revenue forecasts, expenditure plans, and fund balances to ensure accurate, balanced budgets.
- Draft budget documents, schedules, narrative justifications, and presentations for leadership and the Board of Supervisors.
- Monitor departmental compliance with budget policy, timelines, and reporting standards.
- Support the County’s transition to enhanced or new budget platforms and tools.
Fiscal Policy and System Support
- Lead or contribute to major budget system administration efforts, including testing, implementation, training, and troubleshooting.
- Maintain accuracy and consistency of budget data across departments using a variety of systems and Excel-based tools.
- Use financial models and data visualization to highlight trends, risks, and opportunities.
Strategic and Analytical Work
- Evaluate fiscal implications of department proposals and develop funding recommendations.
- Produce reports, dashboards, and decision packages that support executive decision-making.
- Support capital planning, resource allocation, and long-term financial forecasting.
- Conceive of and execute analytical projects for County Executives and the Board of Supervisors.
Performance and Project Management
- Track program and policy performance across departments to ensure alignment with fiscal priorities.
- Coordinate and manage special projects, including the Children, Youth & Family Budget, Youth Commission, Lean improvement initiatives, and Measure K funding allocations.
- Engage with stakeholders at all levels to implement policy and funding strategies.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
We are looking for a candidate who:
- Has direct experience in public budget development and preparation, including salary projections, multi-year forecasting, and funding analysis, finance, and/or accounting or an interest in and aptitude for these types of work.
- Understands financial systems and tools and can apply them to drive clarity and efficiency.
- Is a strong communicator who can translate technical findings into actionable recommendations.
- Seeks to grow into leadership roles in finance, operations, or public administration.