The first step in preparing a department's budget is to understand and align with the organization's overall goals. This ensures that the budget supports the strategic objectives and priorities of the organization.

Controlling expenditures during the budgetary year: This is part of budget execution and management, not the initial step.

Reviewing the organization's goals: The first step is to ensure that the budget aligns with and supports the organization’s strategic goals and objectives. This alignment ensures that resources are allocated appropriately to achieve these goals.

Defining the needed resources: This comes after understanding the organization's goals, as it helps to determine what resources are necessary to meet those goals.

Presenting the budget for review: This is one of the final steps in the budget preparation process.

Therefore, the first step in the budget preparation process is reviewing the organization's goals.

References:

Financial management best practices.

Budget preparation guidelines from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).