Budget Analysts

Overview Nature of Work Knowledge Areas Skills Utilized Job Activities Abilities Job Conditions Work Satisfaction Education/Training

Educational Attainment Breakdown for Budget Analysts College or Higher 75.0% Some College 20.2% High School or Less 4.8%

Most Significant Source of Postsecondary Education or Training
Bachelor's degree
Source: U.S. Department of Labor

A bachelor's degree usually is the minimum educational requirement for budget analyst jobs, but some organizations prefer or require a master's degree. Entry-level budget analysts usually begin with limited responsibilities but can be promoted to intermediate-level positions within 1 to 2 years, and to senior positions with additional experience.

Education and training. Private firms and government agencies generally require budget analysts to have at least a bachelor's degree, but many prefer or require a master's degree. Within the Federal Government, a bachelor's degree in any field is sufficient for an entry-level budget analyst position, but master's degrees are preferred. State and local governments have varying requirements, but a bachelor's degree in one of many areas, including accounting, finance, business, public administration, economics, statistics, political science, or sociology, is a common requirement. Many States, especially larger, more urban States, require a master's degree. Many government employers prefer candidates with strong analytic and policy analysis backgrounds that may be obtained through such majors as political science, economics, public administration, or public finance.

Some firms prefer candidates with a degree in business because business courses emphasize both quantitative and analytical skills, which are equally important in budget analysis. Sometimes a degree in a field closely related to that of the employing industry or organization, such as engineering, may be preferred. Because developing a budget requires strong numerical and analytical skills, courses in statistics or accounting are helpful, regardless of the prospective budget analyst's major field of study. Occasionally, budget-related or finance-related work experience can be substituted for formal education.

Entry-level budget analysts in the Federal Government receive extensive on-the-job and classroom training. In most other organizations, however, budget analysts usually learn the job by working through one complete budget cycle. During the cycle, which typically lasts 1 year, analysts become familiar with the various steps involved in the budgeting process. Many budget analysts also take professional development classes throughout their careers.

Other qualifications. Budget analysts must abide by strict ethical standards. Integrity, objectivity, and confidentiality are all essential when dealing with financial information, and budget analysts must avoid any personal conflicts of interest. Most budget analysts also need mathematical skills and should be able to use software packages, including spreadsheet, database, data-mining, financial analysis, and graphics programs. Strong oral and written communication skills also are essential, because budget analysts must prepare, present, and defend budget proposals to decision makers. In addition, budget analysts must be able to work under strict time constraints.

Certification and advancement. Entry-level budget analysts usually begin with limited responsibilities, working under close supervision. Capable entry-level analysts can be promoted to intermediate-level positions within 1 to 2 years, and to senior positions with additional experience. Because of the importance and high visibility of their jobs, senior budget analysts are prime candidates for promotion to management positions in various parts of their organizations, or with other organizations with which they have worked.

Some government budget analysts employed at the Federal, State, or local level may earn the Certified Government Financial Manager designation granted by the Association of Government Accountants. Other government financial officers also may earn this designation. To do so, candidates must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, 24 credit hours of study in financial management, and 2 years of government work experience in financial management. They also must pass a series of three exams that cover topics on the government; governmental accounting, financial reporting, and budgeting; and financial management and control. To maintain the designation, individuals must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education every 2 years.

[Back to Top]