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Godfrey, Budget Supervisor at L.A. County Child Support Services Dept.: Advize Career Interview

A career journey from internships at ING Financial Group and UC Irvine, through administrative roles within L.A. County government, to a Budget Supervisor position at L.A. County Child Support Services, showcases a proactive approach to professional development.

This individual's path, enhanced by a Master's in Public Administration from USC and even teaching within the program, highlights the value of continuous learning and adaptability in navigating evolving financial landscapes, like California's recent budget shortfalls.

Daily responsibilities encompass high-level coordination with teams, detailed financial reconciliation, process mapping using Excel and VBA, and fostering a positive, efficient workplace culture.

The work's impact on the financial wellbeing of children and families in need, combined with the opportunity to improve processes and contribute to the community, provides deep personal fulfillment.

Success in this field, according to this individual, demands strong analytical and leadership skills, effective communication, political awareness, and a commitment to continuous learning and community engagement.

Entry-level positions such as administrative assistant or clerk within L.A. County offer valuable stepping stones, and proactive networking, including utilizing LinkedIn, is emphasized as crucial for career advancement.

This inspiring career trajectory encourages exploration of diverse paths, even defying traditional expectations, demonstrating the rewards of pursuing a fulfilling public service career.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Godfrey Gozos

Budget Supervisor

L.A. County Child Support Services Dept.

University of California - Irvine

Master's of Public Administration at USC

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Economics

Public Service

Finance

None Applicable

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Career Path of a Budget Supervisor at LA County Child Support Services

Godfrey's career progression, beginning with internships at ING Financial Group and the University of California, Irvine, demonstrates a proactive approach to gaining experience; "slowly" advancing through administrative assistant roles in L.A. County government, while pursuing a master's in public administration at USC and even teaching within the program, ultimately led to their current position as Budget Supervisor at L.A. County Child Support Services.

Main Responsibilities of a Budget Supervisor at L.A. County Child Support Services

Godfrey, a Budget Supervisor at L.A. County Child Support Services, leads a team overseeing "fiscal budget responsibilities and managing daily financial obligations," including a significant current project: "the budget request for fiscal year 2024-25." The work also involves fostering a "harmonious workplace geared towards efficiency and effectiveness" while adhering to organizational core values.

A Day In The Life Of A Budget Supervisor At L.A. County Child Support

A typical day for Godfrey, a Budget Supervisor at L.A. County Child Support Services, involves a blend of high-level tasks like "coordinating with the team on exhibits and projects for the board of supervisors" and detailed work such as "managing and reconciling various reports" and "creating process mapping to create more workflow efficiency," leveraging Microsoft Excel and VBA coding for increased efficiency. This multifaceted role demonstrates the breadth of responsibilities in budgetary oversight within a large public agency.

Most Important Skills for a Budget Supervisor at LA County Child Support

Godfrey, a Budget Supervisor, emphasizes adaptability and an open mind as crucial skills, citing California's recent "$68 billion budget shortfalls" as an example of needing to respond to "evolving financial landscapes." Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and effective internal/external stakeholder engagement are also key to successful budget management and meeting deadlines.

Favorite Parts of Being a Budget Supervisor at LA County Child Support

Godfrey, a Budget Supervisor at L.A. County Child Support Services, finds fulfillment in "improving processes to boost productivity and enhancing positive interactions" within the workplace, ultimately aiming to help staff "go home happy with little to no stress." The work's impact on "the financial wellbeing of children in need" provides significant personal reward, highlighting a commitment to public service and improving the lives of "millions of families."

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Budget Supervisor At L.A. County Child Support Services

Godfrey's biggest challenge as Budget Supervisor at L.A. County Child Support Services is navigating "dynamic changes in the state and county budget," specifically addressing budget shortfalls and spending limits while maintaining financial integrity. A second significant hurdle is fostering buy-in for innovative and efficient changes within the department, particularly among more "seasoned employees" resistant to adapting to new digital workflows and remote work.

Favorite Parts of Working in Government Child Support as a Budget Supervisor

Godfrey, a Budget Supervisor at L.A. County Child Support Services, finds the most rewarding aspect of the public service industry to be "the opportunity to contribute to the community," specifically by assisting families "rebuild themselves after hardship" and achieve financial stability. This work, Godfrey hopes, will eventually lead to impactful, long-lasting community outreach projects.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Government Industry, According To A Budget Supervisor At L.A. County

Godfrey, a Budget Supervisor at L.A. County Child Support Services, highlights that success in this public service field requires "strong analytical and leadership skills," effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning and community engagement. The most successful individuals are also politically aware, adaptable to change, and driven to improve services for L.A. County constituents.

What a Budget Supervisor at L.A. County Child Support Services Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Social Services Industry

Godfrey, a Budget Supervisor at L.A. County Child Support Services, wished they had known the importance of being more "extroverted and talkative" and "adaptable in continuous learning" for career success. These traits fostered stronger workplace relationships and helped navigate the varied responsibilities of the role.

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Administrative Assistants At LA County

Godfrey, a Budget Supervisor at L.A. County Child Support Services, highlights "administrative assistant," "administrative intern," and "clerk" positions as entry-level options within the county, noting that "LA County is one of the biggest organizations to work for in the state," with many entry-level openings found on government jobs websites. These positions offer opportunities for undergraduate students interested in the field.

Significant Career Lesson From a Budget Supervisor at LA County Child Support Services

Godfrey, a Budget Supervisor, emphasizes the significant career lesson of actively networking and "listening to anyone and everyone," considering all colleagues valuable sources of knowledge, regardless of their position; this approach, combined with proactive outreach to professionals on LinkedIn, proved invaluable in building their career.

College Experiences That Helped A Budget Supervisor At LA County Child Support Services Succeed

Godfrey's undergraduate experience at a UC significantly impacted their career success by pushing them "outta [their] comfort zone," exposing them to diverse perspectives and numerous career paths beyond what was familiar. This broadened understanding, gained through interacting with people from "different walks of life," ultimately informed their approach to their current role as a Budget Supervisor at L.A. County Child Support Services.

How Identity Has Influenced a Budget Supervisor at L.A. County Child Support Services Department's Career

Godfrey, a first-generation Filipino American Budget Supervisor, notes that cultural expectations often push individuals towards careers like "lawyer, doctor, [or] nurses," but Godfrey encourages others to "find new horizons or different paths," even if it means defying family expectations. Godfrey's secure government career demonstrates the possibility of a successful and fulfilling career outside traditional Filipino-American career paths, advising that "don't be scared to try, because... you have lots of time."

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