Management & Budget Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking a Management and Budget Specialist to join our team! The position will provide financial support for the Office of the Director, Transportation Resources for Arlington County (TRAC), and the Automotive Equipment Fund (the Equipment Bureau). The Office of the Director provides administration; finance, budget, and contracts oversight; communications and engagement; and safety for DES. TRAC’s mission is to educate and empower everyone who travels to, through and within Arlington; with timely and useful information about transit, walking, cycling/scootering, and carpooling/vanpooling. The Automotive Equipment Fund is an internal services fund responsible for procurement of vehicles, repair and maintenance, fuel and alternative fuels, repair parts inventory and disposal.

The Specialist will provide a full range of budget and financial management activities to one of the largest and most diverse County departments in terms of its lines of business and expenditures. The department's Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 operating General Fund budget is over $129 Million and the Automotive Equipment Fund is over $28 Million.

Major Job Duties:

• Managing federal and state grants to include accurate accounting, expenditure tracking, submitting requests for reimbursements, and maintaining complete grant files;

• Ensuring that the use of the various special funds adheres to the requirements for each funding source, especially within TRAC;

• Performing budgeting, expenditure tracking, and closeout for the Office of the Director, TRAC, and the Automotive Equipment Fund;

• Assisting with developing annual operating budgets and requests;

• Performing analyses to understand budget variances and drivers to inform future budgeting and make projections;

• Ensuring accurate accounting for expenditures and revenues, preparing/entering journal entries and accruals as necessary, and developing fund statements;

• Working with the Automotive Equipment Fund to review, analyze, and complete annual analysis that calculates the replacement and maintenance charges for each County vehicle, known as the Rental Book;

• Entering and approving purchase requisitions and processing invoices for payment; and

• Performing other job-related duties as assigned in alignment with departmental priorities.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, analytical and innovative team player with the ability to accurately track, analyze, and provide detailed budget information and recommendations. They demonstrate strong discipline and diligence, quickly adapt to new financial systems and tools, and possess a passion for public service and local government.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, Public Administration, or a related field; and
• Considerable experience in grant reporting and accounting, finance, planning and administration of publicly funded programs, or related work.

Substitution(s): Additional education may be substituted for experience. Additional experience may be substituted for education.

Desirable Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with a Master’s degree in a related field and experience/certification in one or more of the following: 

• Budget preparation, expenditure analysis, and accounting; 
• Grants’ management; 
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA); and/or
• Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) certified.

Special Requirements

• Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

• Resume Requirement: A complete application includes a resume. Please attach your resume to the application and verify that the details of your application provide further evidence of your experience and qualifications as displayed on your resume.

• Cover letter: Please attach a cover letter (or use the space in the supplemental question section) describing how your background and experience align with the minimum and desirable qualifications for this position.

• An assessment of MS Excel skills may be administered.

Additional Information

Work hours: Flexible schedule - Core work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some telework opportunities available (pending supervisor approval). 

Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

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