BUDGET ANALYSTS 

Nature of the Work

Budget analysts play a primary role in the development, analysis, and execution of budgets. Budgets are financial plans used to estimate future requirements and organize and allocate expenditures and capital resources effectively. The analysis of spending behavior and the planning of future operations are an integral part of the decision-making process in most corporations and government agencies. Budget analysts work in both private industry and the public sector.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Most private firms and government agencies require candidates for budget analyst positions to have at least a bachelor's degree, usually in one of thew following fields: accounting, finance, business or public administration, economics, political science, planning, statistics, or a social science such as sociology. Some employers prefer that candidates possess a master's degree to ensure adequate analytical and communication skills. Financial experience can occasionally be substituted for an advanced degree when applying for a budget analyst position.

Job Outlook

Employment of budget analysts is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. In addition to employment growth, many job openings will result from the need to replace experienced budget analysts who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Job opportunities are usually best for candidates with a college degree, particularly a master's. In some cases,

Earnings

Salaries of budget analysts vary widely by experience, education, and employer. According to a 1993 survey of financial, accounting, banking, and information systems
professions conducted by Robert Half International Incorporated, average annual starting salaries of budget and other financial analysts ranged from $23,500 to $29,000. Senior analysts earned from $34,500 to $44,000 and earnings of managers in this field ranged from $41,000to $62,000.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the following organization:

U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E St. NW., Washington, DC 20415.


