Fiscal Analyst II, Division of Academics

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely .

Job Posting End Date:

10-20-2026

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

DESCRIPTION

Two Fiscal Analyst II postings are open concurrently in two different departments (Division of Academics and Strategy and Student Success). Since both roles share the same minimum qualifications, candidates are encouraged to review the two unique roles and preferred qualifications and are welcome to apply to one or both positions based on their experience. This posting will be used to fill one vacancy.

Under the direction of the Coordinator, Department of Academics Budgets, the Fiscal Analyst II provides high-level, technical financial expertise to support the financial management of the department. This position plays a key role in shaping resource decisions by analyzing complex financial and operational data, building and maintaining financial models, and presenting findings in clear, actionable ways. The Fiscal Analyst II collaborates with program leaders, central office staff, and external partners to ensure funds are managed responsibly and aligned with district priorities. By contributing accurate analysis and strategic recommendations, this role directly supports the department’s mission to maximize resources for students and schools.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, analytical financial professional with experience managing operating and grant budgets, forecasting expenditures, analyzing budget-to-actual performance, and ensuring financial compliance. They should be highly proficient in financial systems, spreadsheets, and data analysis, with strong skills in identifying trends, risks, and variances, and developing actionable recommendations. The candidate should also excel at communicating complex financial information to Program Managers, senior leadership, and stakeholders; managing reporting deadlines; developing internal controls; and supporting informed, strategic resource allocation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in finance, accounting, economics, public administration, business administration, or a related field.

Experience:

Four years of experience in budget development, budget analysis, forecasting, accounting, auditing, or finance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, finance, or a related field.

Governmental budgeting experience for a school system, federal, state, or local government.

Experience managing state and/or federal grants.

Experience working with cross-functional teams or supporting multiple program managers within PreK-12 financial management including special education finance.

Experience working with enterprise resource platforms (e.g., Workday) as they relate to data processing, database structure and digital reporting.

Highly proficient in using Excel pivot tables and advanced formulas (e.g., VLOOKUP, SUMIF) to integrate, analyze, and interpret large and complex datasets.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

Develops and manages annual operating and grant budgets for assigned budget units in collaboration with Program Managers; reviews budget requests for accuracy, completeness, and justification; analyzes expenditure trends and funding requirements; and recommends appropriate funding levels consistent with organizational priorities and approved budget authority.

Monitors and analyzes budget-to-actual performance, staffing trends and changes, expenditures, and contract activity for assigned programs and grants using enterprise resource planning, procurement, and financial systems. Communicates financial status, emerging trends, variances, and key issues to Program Managers and other stakeholders to support decision-making; supports timely resolution of identified issues.

Performs financial and operational analysis using spreadsheets, databases, and other analytical tools to evaluate fiscal performance, identifies trends and risks, challenge assumptions, and recommend actions to improve resource utilization and financial outcomes.

Prepares expenditure forecasts and coordinates cost-to-complete analyses for assigned programs and grants in collaboration with Program Managers; analyzes projected-to-actual variances, researches discrepancies, initiates corrective actions, and recommends budget reallocations or modifications as needed.

Monitors and manages financial aspects of contracts and grants, including expenditure activity, funding levels, compliance requirements, and reporting obligations; provides financial and analytical support for grant applications, budget development, and required grant reporting.

Coordinates the preparation and review of monthly, semi-annual, and annual financial and grant reports within established timelines to support management decision-making and county, state, and other accountability requirements.

Provides fiscal and analytical support for Board of Education budget work sessions, including developing financial analyses and reports, responding to budget-related questions, and coordinating timely responses with Program Managers and other departments.

Manages budget-related data and reporting processes for the department, including entering, maintaining, reconciling, and reporting budget data within financial and budget systems; ensures data integrity, compliance with established requirements, and timely processing of budget amendments.

Supports the development and review of annual budget book materials for assigned programs, including compiling financial and operational data, preparing performance measures and supporting schedules, and ensuring accuracy and consistency of submitted information.

Develops, implements, and maintains internal controls, financial procedures, and standard operating procedures to strengthen fiscal oversight, improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and prevent and identify errors or discrepancies.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

Knowledge

Maryland legal regulations related to school funding, budgeting, and grants (including Part B & C requirements).

Current issues in public education and their impact on funding and budgeting.

Budgeting processes across multiple programs or business units.

Skills

Profici