Distinguishing Features of the ClassPerforms professional research and development activities in the preparation and administration of the assigned operating Budgets, Capital Improvement Program, and/or other assigned programs, funds and projects; performs related work as required.
The principal function of an employee in this class is to develop and prepare budget components of assigned municipal department(s) and to perform research and analysis affecting a department, a division, the entire organization and/or the City by using methods associated with higher-level research. The duties performed in this class may have a high degree of complexity and require a high level of proficiency with financial software. The work is performed under direct supervision as designated by the Director; however, considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with the City Manager, assigned department director(s), other City employees, outside auditors, business organizations, state and federal officials and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.
Acceptable Experience and Training- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration; or a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or related fields, or CPA certification, and
- Considerable directly related experience in public sector research and budgetary development; or
- Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.
Required Special Qualifications- Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer, physical examination and drug screen
Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)- Utilizes research methodologies, statistical techniques and the compilation of empirical data to perform budget and proforma analysis for the purpose of designing, planning and developing the projections of multiple accounts, projects and/or the operating budget of assigned municipal department(s);
- Develops capital budgets for assigned department(s);
- Coordinates the work of and provides technical assistance to professional staff in the monitoring and managing of budgeted resources and accounts;
- Analyzes financial data on projects under negotiation including project proformas, sources and uses of funds, cash flow analysis, security provisions, business profitability, underwriting, and related data;
- Conducts tax and public benefit analyses for economic development projects;
- Administers long-term economic development agreements, reviewing a variety of dynamic elements for compliance when assigned to that area;
- Develops long-range budget plans in coordination with departmental staff;
- Analyzes and processes departmental budget requests and makes recommendations based on the results;
- Assists departments in the development and preparation of policy options for consideration by the City Manager or City Council;
- Performs fiscal, statistical and personnel staffing studies;
- Conducts internal audits on budget implementation and related financial activities;
- Prepares annual reporting on fund activities as required by state law;
- Monitors revenues and expenditures for assigned funds/department(s) to ensure compliance with City policies and procedures, state and federal requirements and related guidelines;
- Conducts research and analysis on subjects and issues that impact the organization or the citizens of Des Moines;
- Coordinates and administers grants within municipal department(s) as required;
- Assists department(s) in research projects, grant writing, development of requests for proposals, or other activities;
- Serves as staff to Council-appointed advisory Boards;
- Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions;
- Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
- Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas;
- Responds to citizens’ and other organizations’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
- Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities;
- Discusses and recommends fiscal policies with the appropriate staff;
- Performs other duties consistent with the classification function and the needs of the City.
Click here for Benefit SummaryClosing Date/Time: 12/3/2025 4:00 PM Central