Budget and Finance Specialist III

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Specialty Business Services & Cultural Arts (SBSCA) at Iowa State University seeks a highly analytical and collaborative professional to serve as a Budget and Finance Specialist III. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for SBSCA and serves as the SBSCA budget officer, providing advanced budget planning, financial management, reporting, analysis, and decision support for a diverse portfolio of business and cultural arts units.

The position plays a key role in supporting sound financial decision-making by preparing financial statements, forecasting budget performance, analyzing budget results, monitoring financial trends, and developing reports for university leadership and external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will work closely with division leadership on strategic budget planning, financial initiatives, and long-range forecasting while ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal requirements. The successful candidate will possess strong and current knowledge of budgeting, financial management, and accrual accounting principles; exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities; and excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. They will also possess sound judgment and the ability to interpret and apply complex financial information, policies, regulations, and contractual requirements. A collaborative approach and the ability to build effective relationships across a diverse organization are essential.

What You'll Do

• Prepare monthly and annual financial statements, budget reports, trend analyses, and other financial reporting tools used to support operational and strategic decisions.
• Research, analyze, and prepare ad hoc reports addressing 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 efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
• Interpret and apply university policies, contract provisions, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Support special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or 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 to support 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, non-profit, corporate, or similarly complex organizations
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial modeling

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.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please Note: To receive full consideration, applications should be received by November 1,

2026.

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• 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

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

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Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.