Financial analysts guide governments and security entities in decisions about the budgeting process. Imagine being a financial analyst for your home state or local (municipal or county) budget office. Do not use the federal government—it must be a state or local public sector agency only - do not use any private sector organizations.

STEP 1: Write a 175- to 350-word MEMORANDM to a new incoming group of legislators to describe the budget process. If you are unfamiliar with the MEMORANDUM template- please review this site: Sample Memorandum.

STEP 2: Include the following in your memo:

An opening statement indicating your position and the purpose of this memorandum

A description of the steps of the budget process, including when the fiscal year begins and ends

The timeline and key milestones of the budget process, from budget submission by agencies/departments to the final budget

A closing statement with any follow-up or contact information for the new legislators.

For those unfamiliar with the styling of business memorandums, you may visit this resource for a sample Memorandum.

***Please remember that this is not a formal paper but a Memorandum and must be drafted as such to comply with assignment instructions.