Budget and Finance Specialist III

Position Title:

Budget and Finance Specialist III

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Job Description:

The Iowa State University Budget Office seeks qualified candidates for a Budget and Finance Specialist III position supporting 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 activities. The position works across multiple university units and funds to develop meaningful financial insights, identify risks and opportunities, and support decisions that advance Iowa State University’s mission and strategic priorities.

Some key responsibilities for this role include the following:

• Providing strategic financial analysis and recommendations to leadership.
• Providing leadership and direction for budget development and financial planning.
• Developing multi-fund, multi-year forecasting and budget projections.
• Conducting financial analysis, scenario modeling, and data analytics.
• Identifying financial risks, opportunities, and potential efficiencies.
• Ensuring responsible use of resources and compliance with financial policies.
• Supporting effective use of Workday Finance and Planning systems and related processes.
• Providing financial guidance and training to divisional fiscal staff.
• Serving as the financial representative for the President’s Division on central finance committees and teams.
• Providing leadership and coordination across divisional fiscal operations.
• Serving as backup for institutional financial planning, analysis, and reporting.

The ideal candidate should possess strong analytical, critical-thinking, time-management, and organizational skills, along with the ability to excel in a complex and dynamic environment. Effective verbal and written communication skills are essential. Additionally, the successful candidate will demonstrate sound professional judgment, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights. The candidate should thrive in a collaborative setting and demonstrate a commitment to service, integrity, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

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, 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 is a plus.

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 22, 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.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS810

Original Posting Date:

November 9, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:

R20223

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.