Budget and Finance Specialist III

Iowa State University’s Budget Office is seeking a Budget and Finance Specialist III to partner with the President’s Division on financial planning and decision support. This hybrid role in Ames, IA (50011) supports budget development, resource management, forecasting, and reporting, with an emphasis on practical financial insights that help university units manage funds responsibly and plan with confidence.

What you’ll do

• Provide strategic financial analysis and recommendations to leadership.
• Lead and guide budget development and financial planning activities.
• Build multi-fund, multi-year forecasting and budget projections.
• Conduct financial analysis using scenario modeling and data analytics to inform planning.
• Identify financial risks, opportunities, and potential efficiencies across divisional operations.
• Ensure resources are used responsibly and in compliance with financial policies.
• Support effective use of Workday Finance and Planning and related processes.
• Provide financial guidance and training to divisional fiscal staff.
• Act as the financial representative for the President’s Division on central finance committees and teams.
• Coordinate and lead divisional fiscal operations to support consistent financial planning and execution.
• Serve as backup for institutional financial planning, analysis, and reporting.

What you bring

• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, time-management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to excel in a complex and dynamic environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated sound professional judgment.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative setting.
• Commitment to service, integrity, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.

Technologies

• Workday Finance and Planning

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 and modeling using data to support business and resource decisions.
• Experience working within enterprise financial planning, budgeting, or reporting systems and processes.
• Experience implementing AI or automation related to financial planning, analysis, reporting, or process improvement (plus).