Budget analyst
Also known as: budget and policy analyst, cost and planning analyst, budget officer, budget accountant
About this occupation
Budget analysts monitor the spending activities of public and private institutions and companies. They prepare budget reports, review the budget model used in the company and ensure compliance with the budgeting policies and other legal regulations.
A specialisation of accountant.
Essential skills and knowledge
- support development of annual budget
- use office systems
- assess financial viability
- evaluate budgets
- analyse financial performance of a company
- financial department processes
- develop financial statistics reports
- exert expenditure control
- budgetary principles
- company policies
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Budget Analysts (O*NET 13-2031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Analyze monthly department budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls.
- Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation.
- Review operating budgets to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
- Compile and analyze accounting records and other data to determine the financial resources required to implement a program.
- Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations.
- Summarize budgets and submit recommendations for the approval or disapproval of funds requests.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Enterprising, Investigative
Top skills: Mathematics, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$91,640 a year (2025), 47,160 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingVery important (4.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Accountants and Auditors
- Treasurers and Controllers
- Financial Managers
- Credit Analysts
- Personal Financial Advisors
- Financial Examiners
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Compensation and Benefits Managers
- Fundraising Managers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.