Budget and Finance Specialist I

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The College of Design seeks a qualified Budget and Finance Specialist I to support the financial operations and budget needs of assigned departments and college units. The Budget and Finance Specialist plays an important role within the Administrative Services Office (ASO) of the College of Design. This position provides an opportunity to apply financial, analytical, and organizational skills to support effective budget management and financial decision-making. The ASO values the unique contributions of each team member and encourages an atmosphere that supports collaboration, growth, and professional development. This role reports to the college’s Fiscal Officer and collaborates closely with department chairs and central finance offices. The position supports budgeting, financial reporting, expenditure monitoring, and reconciliation activities. The ideal candidate is adaptable, detail-oriented, collaborative, and communicative, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience with budgeting, financial analysis, and monitoring expenditures.
• Experience preparing financial reports and reconciling accounts.
• Experience identifying and resolving financial discrepancies and budget variances.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and reconcile departmental and college budgets and expenditures.
• Analyze budget-to-actual performance and identify variances.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Review financial transactions for policy and funding compliance.
• Prepare financial reports and support audits and financial reviews.
• Track commitments, encumbrances, and planned expenditures.
• Provide budget support and guidance to faculty, staff, and unit leadership.
• Support special projects, course fees, and fee-for-service accounts.
• Coordinate with central finance and university offices.
• Provide backup support for the annual budget process.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level