Budget and Finance Specialist III

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

Specialty Business Services & Cultural Arts (SBSCA) at Iowa State University seeks a highly analytical and collaborative professional to serve as its Budget and Finance Specialist III and budget officer. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for SBSCA, the position provides advanced budget planning, financial management, reporting, analysis, and decision support for a diverse portfolio of business and cultural arts units. It supports sound financial decision-making by preparing financial statements, forecasting budget performance, analyzing results, monitoring trends, and developing reports for university leadership and external stakeholders. The role works closely with division leadership on strategic budget planning, financial initiatives, and long-range forecasting, while ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal requirements. It calls for current knowledge of budgeting, financial management, and accrual accounting; strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills; attention to detail; sound judgment; and the ability to interpret complex financial information, policies, regulations, and contractual requirements. Collaboration and effective relationship-building across a diverse organization are essential. This is a regular, full-time position with a 12-month work period. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is unavailable. Applications are accepted until the position is filled, with November 1, 2026 listed as the date for full consideration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience.
Strong and current knowledge of budgeting, financial management, and accrual accounting principles.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Sound judgment and the ability to interpret and apply complex financial information, policies, regulations, and contractual requirements.
Collaborative approach and ability to build effective relationships across a diverse organization.
Legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or a master’s degree in a finance- or accounting-related field.
Experience developing, monitoring, and forecasting complex budgets.
Experience analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and providing recommendations to leadership for strategic and operational decision-making.
Experience using financial planning and reporting systems such as Workday, Adaptive Planning, or similar ERP platforms.
Experience working with multiple funding sources, including general funds, revenue funds, designated accounts, and grants.
Budgeting experience in higher education, government, nonprofit, corporate, or similarly complex organizations.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial modeling.

Responsibilities

Prepare monthly and annual financial statements, budget reports, trend analyses, and other financial reporting tools to support operational and strategic decisions.
Research, analyze, and prepare ad hoc reports on financial position, budget variances, efficiencies, and other issues for university leadership, the Iowa Board of Regents, legislative requests, and other stakeholders.
Coordinate development and entry of the division’s approximately $50 million budget within Workday Adaptive Planning.
Serve as the SBSCA budget officer, assisting with budget development, monitoring, forecasting, and long-range financial planning.
Provide consultation and financial guidance to division leadership regarding budget, financial, and contractual matters.
Assist in evaluating financial performance and identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Interpret and apply university policies, contract provisions, and applicable federal and state regulations.
Support special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.