Project Budget Specialist
Date Posted: Jun 17, 2026
Requisition ID: 479354
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Transportation:
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state's quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.
Role Overview:
This position serves as the sole Project Budget Specialist for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and is responsible for performing INDOT's $2 billion federal reconciliations for projects. This position is responsible for funding accuracy of the capital program by maintaining compliance within federal, state, and local regulations to ensure proper expenditure reimbursement of projects for Indiana's transportation infrastructure. This individual will analyze data and provide support to the agency on processes necessary to maintain project budgets. The agency oversees $2 billion across 3,500 project budgets. This individual must have a broad knowledge of federal funding to maximize federal reimbursement to prioritize restrictive federal funds, thus protecting INDOT's ability to maintain federal funding flexibility. Incumbent will be responsible for reconciling prior year budgets and performing maintenance on project budgets and funding sources.
Location:
This position is with INDOT's Central Office location.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator (https://in.accessgov.com/spd/Forms/Page/spd/compensation-calculator/0) to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Conduct budget analysis and advise division leaders on the fiscal matters regarding their operating, dedicated, and federal funds.
Prepare and manage annual and biennial budgets.
Prepare and process Request for Federal Funds (draws) for assigned grants according to federal and state guidelines and verify the accuracy of grant financials supporting the draw.
Prepare and research activities as they relate to state and federal funding within assigned divisions, ensuring that all regulations and guidelines pertaining to the expenditure/revenue transactions are applied to and reconciled in the Agency's Accounting system to the State's Official Book of Record maintained by the Auditor of State and the Encompass Financials System.
Prepare and analyze a variety of state and federal financial status reports related to assigned divisions.
Work with Encompass module for assigned divisions by investigating and resolving budget errors related to state and federal funding, e-procurement, project costing, funding sources, and other financial transactions.
Serve as a liaison between division staff and financial representatives regarding state and federal issues.
Meet and confer with division leaders and program managers to resolve problems and coordinate services.
Field questions and respond to information requests from internal customers as well as other state agencies regarding assigned funds and grant projects.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
Broad knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Extensive knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of federal grants, governmental accounting, budgeting, auditing, and problem-solving.
Experience with analyzing fiscal trends, isolating and understanding variances, projecting expenditures and revenues accurately, and adjusting budgets to address shortfalls and optimize fiscal resources.
Extensive knowledge of the agency mission, programs, and administrative policies.
Advanced computer skills in Excel, Access, Encompass, and Hyperion.
Ability to solve complex accounting and auditing problems.
A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) and at least 7+ years of accounting, auditing, financial analysis, or related experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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