Budget and Finance Specialist III

About the role

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University is seeking a Budget and Finance Specialist III to manage complex financial operations that support one of the nation's premier agronomy programs. This position serves as a trusted financial advisor to department leadership, providing expertise in budget planning, financial analysis, compliance, and resource management.

Responsibilities

• Advise department and center leadership on budget planning, financial forecasting, resource allocation, and long-term fiscal strategy to support teaching, research, and extension programs.
• Prepare, analyze, and communicate financial reports, monitor expenditures, identify trends, and provide recommendations that support strategic decision-making.
• Manage complex financial operations for assigned units, including faculty salary and startup commitments, graduate assistantships, course and technology fees, and multiple funding sources.
• Oversee fee-for-service operations and Iowa State University Foundation gift accounts, ensuring accurate billing, compliance, and stewardship of funds.
• Collaborate on post-award grant administration, including rebudgeting, cost share tracking, effort reporting, and financial compliance.
• Serve as the Workday Cost Center Manager by approving financial transactions, managing costing allocations, interpreting financial policies, and maintaining effective internal controls.
• Identify opportunities to improve business processes, standardize financial procedures, and implement solutions that enhance operational efficiency and fiscal accountability.

Requirements

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience. The successful candidate must enjoy solving complex financial challenges, improving processes, and partnering with leaders to make informed decisions.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include a degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field, experience providing financial guidance to leadership or executive-level stakeholders, experience in budgeting, forecasting and financial accountability, experience in developing complex spreadsheets and using databases, experience with financial management systems such as Workday, and experience with fund accounting in a higher education, governmental, or non-profit organizational setting including various funding sources and restrictions.

Benefits

The Department of Agronomy is part of Iowa State University's largest and most impactful academic departments, with a mission centered on improving crop production, protecting natural resources, and advancing agricultural sustainability. Faculty, staff, and students conduct internationally recognized research in crop genetics, plant breeding, soil science, precision agriculture, and climate resilience while delivering innovative teaching, research, and Extension programs with local and global impact.

Pay

Commensurate with qualifications.

Schedule

12 month appointment.