FISCAL ANALYST

Monday – Friday; 35.0 hours per week

The position requires availability to work extended and non-standard hours during peak periods of the legislative session (typically January through June).

The position is based on-site at the Rhode Island State House.

The Rhode Island Senate Fiscal Office is seeking a highly motivated, dedicated Fiscal Analyst willing to be part of a challenging, fast paced, and rewarding team that serves as an important resource to the General Assembly in preparation of the State budget.

General Statement of Duties

As a member of the Senate Fiscal Office, independently analyzes budget and program data to develop options and provides decision support for members of the Rhode Island Senate and the Senate Finance Committee.  Work with an assigned portfolio of State agencies to serve as the Senate’s fiscal subject matter expert through preparing timely and accurate reports, monitoring budgets, identifying program trends, forecasting future expenditures, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

Illustrative Examples of Work Performed

• To review agency operating and capital budget requests and the Governor's annual budget proposal to prepare written budget analyses that summarize each assigned agency's history, primary responsibilities, enabling statutes, significant budgetary trends, and selected budget issues.
• To assist and advise members of the Rhode Island Senate, the Senate Finance Committee Chairman, and members of the Committee in formulating the budget recommendations and assist in preparation of the various documents published by the Senate Fiscal Office.
• To participate in the semi-annual Caseload Estimating Conference.
• To assist in the preparation of fiscal notes on pending legislation.
• To prepare issue papers or miscellaneous special reports and assist in the analysis of a wide scope of public finance issues as they arise, such as cash flow analysis, debt management, and revenue estimation.
• To study changes in agency operations that would enhance efficiency and effectiveness in achieving agency objectives.
• To do related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy or related field that involves extensive writing and some data analysis required, Master’s degree preferred
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public budgeting and administration.
• The ability to independently design and conduct analyses of problems, develop actionable alternatives, and communicate findings with clarity and brevity to senior stakeholders.
• Excellent report-writing and verbal communication skills, including the ability to organize and communicate complex fiscal topics in a way that shows how budgetary choices impact state and federal programs.
• Experience and capacity creating data visualizations and infographics.
• The ability to work within tight deadlines and frequently changing priorities.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Word and Excel.

For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
 

Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.