Budget Director

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Brief Job Description

The Budget Director performs highly advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning. Work involves establishing the strategic plan and goals and objectives; developing policies, procedures, and guidelines; establishing priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals; coordinating and evaluating program activities and/or business functions; and reviewing and approving budgets within a department or division. Supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Manages and directs the development and implementation of financial strategic plans, budget and federal funds policies, procedures, and best practices for program operations.
• Directs the development and implementation of program policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Directs the planning and coordination of major budgeting activities of the department, including the Legislative Appropriations Request, Governor’s Operating Budget, and Annual Financial Report.

• Oversees the preparation and dissemination of budget reports, studies and information relating to budget operations and programs.
• Reviews and approves all expenditures for the department, ensuring allowability and funding availability.
• Oversees the development, preparation, and dissemination of financial, workforce and productivity reports to communicate information and changes, and develop recommendations for program changes to improve performance.
• Oversees major financial reports such as the Legislative Appropriation Request, Governor’s Operating Budget and monthly financial reports, including the data collection, organization, analysis and preparation of the reports.
• Works with the Chief Financial Officer to oversee the implementation of the agency’s annual budget.
• Develops budgetary processes to address critical agency needs.
• Identifies systemic issues, policy conflicts, knowledge and process gaps and deficiencies, and oversees implementation of program improvements.
• Establishes and implements long-term program performance, policy and program goals and objectives consistent with the agency’s mission and strategic plan.
• Identifies and develops ways for the Budget department to meet these established goals.
• Responsible for the development, guidelines, and implementation of financial policy and procedures for the financial divisions and for DFPS.
• Provides oversight to ensure compliance with agency and fiscal policy meeting state and federal requirements.
• Provides information and represents the Division at hearings and legislative meetings with the Legislative Budget Board, the Governor's Office of Budget and Planning, the Senate Finance Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the agency’s Council.
• Oversees and facilitates intra-agency and external workgroups, meetings, and committees to support agency program initiatives as well as federal and state regulatory directives.
• Reviews results of internal audits, forecasts and other research studies to provide overall direction and guidance on financial operations to foster efficient and effective delivery of financial services to the agency.

• Reviews and approves financial planning documents, as well as monthly and annual financial reports.

• Provides guidance, coordination and support in the development and coordination of the agency’s Legislative Appropriations Requests (LAR) and operating budgets.
• Prepares financial responses to legislative inquiries and other financial information requests.
• Establishes priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals for budget and federal funds initiatives.
• Coordinates and evaluates client services budget operations and evaluations, to include developing and implementing strategic policies.
• Leads, directs, and supervises financial staff, to include following established HR policy and procedures.
• Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others.
• Participates in the employee evaluation process.
• Encourages and recommends appropriate training development and/or initiates disciplinary actions, as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions; and the principles and practices of public administration and management.

Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy.

Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.

Registration, Certification, or Licensure

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, or closely related field of study.  Three years of full time supervisory or managerial experience in budget or related financial discipline.  Additional related work experience may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis with a maximum substitution of four (4) years. 

Additional Information

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.