Budget analysts help prepare and manage budgets.

Budget analysts figure out how money has been spent in the past and how it should be spent in the future. They prepare budgets, which are financial plans for how money will be spent.

Analysts begin by collecting information. They look at what programs have cost in the past and what services have been provided. They study accounting records and past budgets in order to determine how much money is needed to run a program. They create a budget based on those findings.

Budget analysts combine budgets for many specific programs into a general overall budget. They go over the proposed financial plan with management and help make budget-related choices. They sometimes recommend which programs should be funded and which should not.

Budget analysts may speak to groups to explain or support proposed budgets. They may help coworkers determine costs and budget their program spending. They check reports and accounts to look for trends that might affect future budget needs. They write or direct the writing of budgetary reports.

Some budget analysts are required to draft budget-related legislation. Some conduct training sessions for coworkers on new budget procedures. Others are asked to prepare reports that measure how well an organization is doing its job.