Ames, IA
Full time
R20223
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 employment@iastate.edu, 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 eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub (https://www.myworkday.com/isu/d/task/2998$46522.htmld?reloadToken=892f884ef9c2fa7e5e6257ecf4e9e942f7aa1a12df75918c6ce41bc78e123167) .
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
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 eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
