Launch Your Federal Career as a Budget Analyst at CMS
Are you looking to pivot your financial expertise into a role that serves the American public? The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is currently seeking a talented Budget Analyst to join their Office of Financial Management in Woodlawn, Maryland. This position offers the rare opportunity to balance high-level financial analysis with a mission that impacts the health care landscape of the entire nation.
Job Responsibilities
As a Budget Analyst (GS-11/12), you will be a vital contributor to the financial health of the agency. Key responsibilities include:
- Budget Formulation & Execution: Developing annual work plans and monitoring expenditures, obligations, and commitments.
- Analytical Reporting: Compiling quantitative data into ad-hoc and recurring reports for executive leadership.
- Strategic Advising: Collaborating with program managers to recommend funding adjustments based on changing priorities.
- Database Management: Maintaining budget tracking systems and ensuring fiscal integrity of financial documentation.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must demonstrate:
- One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
- The ability to present financial data clearly and accurately.
- A firm grasp of federal budget cycles and policies.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Feature | GS-11 Level | GS-12 Level |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Requirement | 1 year at GS-09 equivalent | 1 year at GS-11 equivalent |
| Scope of Responsibility | Routine formulation/monitoring | Program-level justification/execution |
| Analytical Depth | Foundational trend analysis | Advanced cost and policy evaluation |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $85,447 to $133,142 per year. Beyond the salary, the federal package includes health insurance, a robust retirement plan with matching, and generous paid time off. CMS further supports its staff through flexible scheduling options, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Application Tips
- Be Precise: Your resume must be two pages or less. Focus on the most relevant experiences that match the job duties.
- Use the Builder: The USAJOBS resume builder is highly recommended to ensure you do not miss critical data fields like supervisor information and hours worked.
- Prepare for Assessments: The online assessment is a crucial hurdle. Use the provided practice materials to get comfortable with the format.
The role of a Budget Analyst at CMS is more than just crunching numbers—it is about ensuring that the nation's health care investments are utilized effectively. If you have the drive, the analytical rigor, and the desire to serve, we encourage you to apply before the November 9, 2026 deadline.
Why This Budget Analyst Job Matters
Shape the future of public health through precise financial stewardship at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Budget Analyst Job Overview
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is hiring a dedicated Budget Analyst to join the Office of Financial Management in Woodlawn, Maryland. This role is central to the agency's mission, managing administrative cost budgets and ensuring fiscal integrity for critical national health programs. You will be a key advisor to program managers, overseeing budget formulation, execution, and analytical reporting that directly impacts the efficiency of the U.S. health care system.
Requirements for Budget Analyst
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Resume limited to a maximum of two pages.
- Minimum of one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level (for GS-11 applicants) or GS-11 level (for GS-12 applicants).
- Completion of online assessments within the designated timeframe.
- Submission of all required supporting documentation, including SF-50 for current federal employees.
- Transcripts required if substituting education for experience.
Preferred Qualifications for Budget Analyst
- Advanced proficiency in budget database maintenance and financial tracking systems.
- Strong background in performing cost-benefit and trend analyses.
- Experience in advising program leadership on budget compliance and policy adherence.
- Advanced graduate degree or Ph.D. in a relevant field of study.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health Insurance programs.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements and alternative work schedules.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Budget Analyst Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Budget Analyst Job
- Complete the online application via the USAJOBS portal.
- Submit a concise, two-page resume that details specific duties, dates, and salary history.
- Answer all required questionnaires and complete the mandatory online assessment.
- Upload necessary supporting documents, such as transcripts or SF-50 forms.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Utilize the official resume builder on USAJOBS to ensure all required data points are included.
- Be specific about your accomplishments; quantify your impact whenever possible.
- Double-check that your resume is strictly limited to two pages to remain eligible.
- Practice the assessments using the resources provided in the applicant guide.
- Ensure your contact information is current and check your email regularly for assessment links.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum resume length allowed for this position?
Per current policy, resumes must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit may be disqualified.
Can I work remotely?
This position requires a regular and recurring presence at the Woodlawn, Maryland office. However, telework may be available at the manager's discretion.
Is a college degree mandatory for this position?
While a degree is not strictly required if you possess the necessary specialized experience, it may be used to substitute for experience in certain cases. Transcripts must be provided if using education to qualify.
Is a degree required?
Education can be substituted for experience in some instances. Review the qualification requirements carefully to see if your educational background applies.
What is the selection process?
After the closing date, applications are screened for minimum qualifications, followed by assessment scoring. Highly qualified candidates move to the interview phase.
Job from Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its component, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is at the forefront of the American health care system. CMS partners with the health care community to improve quality, efficiency, and access to services. Working at CMS means being part of a dynamic, visible, and high-stakes organization where your analytical skills contribute to protecting public health.