Budget and Finance Specialist III
- Location
- Ames, IA · On-site
- Job type
- Full-time
- Level
- Senior
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Listed
- 19 days ago
Skills & highlights for this role
- Budgeting and financial management
- Accrual accounting principles
- Financial analysis and problem-solving
- Financial reporting and statement preparation
- Written and verbal communication
- Interpretation of financial policies and regulations
Also useful
- Workday Adaptive Planning or similar ERP platforms
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial modeling
- Experience with multiple funding sources including grants
- Higher education or government budgeting experience
- Forecasting complex budgets
About the role
Position Title: Budget and Finance Specialist III Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience
About the role
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.
Pay and benefits
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, or call or Toll Free:.
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.
Equal opportunity and legal notices
Appointment Type: Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: PS810 Original Posting Date: October 21, 2026 Posting Close Date: Job Requisition Number: R20115 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., email.
From Isu's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 22, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
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Common questions
Where is the Budget and Finance Specialist III job at Isu located?
This Budget and Finance Specialist III position at Isu is located in Ames, IA (On-site). Always check Isu's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
What qualifications are required for Budget and Finance Specialist III at Isu?
For the Budget and Finance Specialist III role, Isu highlights 5+ years of relevant experience; a bachelor's degree; experience with Budgeting and financial management, Accrual accounting principles, Financial analysis and problem-solving, Financial reporting and statement preparation, Written and verbal communication, Interpretation of financial policies and regulations. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.
How do I apply for the Budget and Finance Specialist III position at Isu?
This listing links directly to Isu's Workday application page. You can apply directly on Isu's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Workday application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.