Learn about the important requirements, skills, and keywords that should be included in a budget analyst resume.
Budget analysts help organizations ensure that their money is well spent. So, it’s important that a budget analyst resume demonstrates that the candidate has achieved results for their employer. To make the best possible impression on the hiring manager, be prepared to show that you helped your employers earn or save money, allocate their resources responsibly, and continue to grow.
You will likely need to get your resume past an applicant tracking system (ATS) before it reaches a hiring team or recruiter. With this in mind, it’s important to use resume keywords that reflect the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job advertisement. Keep reading to learn more.
Need help finetuning your budget analyst resume? Check out the best resume-writing services. Once your resume is in tip-top shape, you can start applying for jobs on ZipRecruiter.
Budget Analyst Resume Example
George Smith
Budget Analyst
Contact
Email: George.Smith@email.com
Phone: (206)555-1298
City: Seattle, WA
Summary
Efficient and adaptable budget analyst with extensive experience preparing budget plans, conducting financial analysis, and recommending solutions to cross-functional stakeholders in the community college sector.
Work Experience
Budget Analyst
September 2015-Present
Local College, Seattle, WA
Implemented 7 new initiatives to effect cost savings across multiple programs, including utility expenditures, payroll systems, and position control. Developed forecasting and cost-benefit models to support departmental operations.
Budget Assistant
July 2010-September 2012
Local College, Seattle, WA
Analyzed existing budget for grants, contracts, and funds. Identified revenue patterns and opportunities, leading to $50,000 reduced annual expenditures. Ensured compliance with department policies and government regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Business (2010)
State University, Seattle, WA
Skills
- Budget formulation
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Financial data analysis
- Policy analysis
- Problem solving
- Accounting and financial analysis software (Microsoft FRx, Oracle E-Business Suite Financials)
Join The Break Community
- Database software (Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database)
- Written and verbal communication skills
What Is Unique About A Budget Analyst Resume?
Budget analysts work for a variety of different types of organizations from private companies to government agencies to universities. So, you will need to adapt your resume to the culture of the employer.
For example, the financial sector is very traditional. Plan to create a chronological resume or use a format that incorporates a linear presentation of your work history. Federal agencies, on the other hand, often require a prescribed resume format that includes citizenship and work authorization, references, and other sections that you won’t find on a standard CV template.
Regardless of which format you choose, be sure to use a standard resume font such as Arial and Calibri and avoid excessive bolding, italics, graphics, and other distracting choices.
What Should Be Included On A Budget Analyst Resume?
A budget analyst resume should include the following:
Related Work Experience
If you’ve worked as a budget analyst before, include your previous positions. List these jobs in reverse chronological order, starting from your most recent role. Include your achievements, duties, and skills used in each position.
Quantifiable Results
Budget analysts are charged with earning or saving money for their organization. So, it’s essential to show that you were able to use your talents to achieve these goals in your previous roles. Include percentages, dollars, and other measures to show the size of the budgets managed, the amount of money saved or earned, or the efficiencies realized.
Education
Most employers prefer to hire budget analysts with a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, mathematics, psychology, or social science. Some will give preference to candidates with a master’s degree. Include all relevant degrees, the school you attended, and your undergraduate GPA (if impressive).
Certifications
Some budget analysts also have certifications like Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Budget Specialist (CBS), Certified Budget Analyst (CBA), or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) from the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). Include any relevant certifications in a separate section or as part of an Education & Certifications section.
Skills
List your skills in a separate section, as well as throughout your Professional Experience/Work Experience section. Match the skills listed to the ones the employer includes in the job description in the ad.
What Should Be Left Off A Budget Analyst Resume?
Most career experts agree that you no longer need to limit your resume to one page. However, real estate is still at a premium. You won’t want to waste space on unrelated work experience, imprecise job descriptions, or unquantified results.
Consider cutting the following from your budget analyst resume:
Jargon
This includes everything from employer-specific acronyms to unnecessarily complex industry terms. Use active, simple language and spell out everything that might confuse a reader (or trip up an applicant tracking system). For example, if you include a certification, write the full name as well as the initialism, e.g., Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).
Vague assertions
“Delivered savings” is good. “Delivered $1 million in savings” is better. The more specific you are, the more persuasive your resume will be. Include the number of initiatives completed, departments served, tools created, etc.
Unrelated jobs
A budget analyst resume should contain only jobs related to finance, budgeting, and data analysis. Leave off unrelated work experience.
Related: Best Paying Finance Jobs
Important Job Skills For Budget Analysts
Budget analysts need a solid foundation in accounting principles, financial analysis techniques, communication skills, and proficiency with accounting and financial analysis software. To make the best possible impression on the hiring manager, be sure that your financial analyst resume highlights the following job skills:
- Analytical skills
- Administrative skills
- Compliance
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Creativity
- Critical thinking
- Detail oriented
- Financial data analysis
- Financial reporting
- Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
- Knowledge of Generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS)
- Listening skills
- Math skills
- Presentation and public speaking skills
- Problem solving
- Proficiency with accounting, ERP, and financial analysis software, e.g., Deltek Costpoint, Hyperion Enterprise, Microsoft FRx, Oracle E-Business Suite Financials, Satori Group proCube
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
- Written and verbal communication skills
The Bottom Line
An effective resume catches the recruiter’s attention as quickly as possible and then demonstrates that the candidate has the skills required to help the organization succeed. Before you submit your resume for a budget analyst position, review it against the job listing to make sure that you’ve included your most relevant qualifications and achievements.
Want a second set of eyes on your budget analyst resume? Try one of the best resume-writing services and get a free resume review. Ready to start looking for your dream job? ZipRecruiter has new opportunities near you.
