Budget and Finance Specialist III

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

The Iowa State University Budget Office seeks a Budget and Finance Specialist III to support the President’s Division. The Budget Office provides financial planning, analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting services that support sound financial stewardship and informed decision-making across the university. This position serves as a strategic financial partner to divisional and senior leadership, providing leadership and direction for budget development, financial planning, forecasting, and resource management. The role works across multiple university units and funds to develop financial insights, identify risks and opportunities, and support decisions that advance Iowa State University’s mission and strategic priorities. The successful candidate will bring strong analytical, critical-thinking, time-management, and organizational skills and be able to excel in a complex, dynamic environment. Effective verbal and written communication, sound professional judgment, and strong problem-solving skills are essential. The candidate will translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights, thrive in a collaborative setting, and demonstrate commitment to service, integrity, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Five years of related experience.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, time-management, and organizational skills.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Sound professional judgment and strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights.
Ability to work collaboratively in a complex and dynamic environment.
Commitment to service, integrity, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.
Legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing financial analysis, planning, recommendations, and business-partner support to senior or executive leadership.
Experience executing financial forecasting, budget development, and multi-year financial planning.
Experience developing and executing financial analytics and modeling, and using data to inform business and resource decisions.
Experience operating within enterprise financial planning, budgeting, or reporting systems and processes.
Experience implementing AI or automation related to financial planning, analysis, reporting, or process improvement.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic financial analysis and recommendations to leadership.
Provide leadership and direction for budget development and financial planning.
Develop multi-fund, multi-year forecasts and budget projections.
Conduct financial analysis, scenario modeling, and data analytics.
Identify financial risks, opportunities, and potential efficiencies.
Ensure responsible use of resources and compliance with financial policies.
Support effective use of Workday Finance and Planning systems and related processes.
Provide financial guidance and training to divisional fiscal staff.
Represent the President’s Division on central finance committees and teams.
Provide leadership and coordination across divisional fiscal operations.
Serve as backup for institutional financial planning, analysis, and reporting.