Job Description

Position Title

Budget and Finance Specialist I

Job Group

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree

Job Description

The College of Design seeks a qualified Budget and Finance Specialist I to support the financial operations and budget needs of assigned departments and college units.

The Budget and Finance Specialist plays an important role within the Administrative Services Office (ASO) of the College of Design. This position provides an opportunity to apply financial, analytical, and organizational skills to support effective budget management and financial decision-making. The ASO values the unique contributions of each team member and encourages an atmosphere that supports collaboration, growth, and professional development.

This role reports to the college’s Fiscal Officer and collaborates closely with department chairs and central finance offices. The position supports budgeting, financial reporting, expenditure monitoring, and reconciliation activities. The ideal candidate is adaptable, detail-oriented, collaborative, and communicative, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Examples of Duties

• Monitor and reconcile departmental and college budgets and expenditures.
• Analyze budget-to-actual performance and identify variances.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Review financial transactions for policy and funding compliance.
• Prepare financial reports and support audits and financial reviews.
• Track commitments, encumbrances, and planned expenditures.
• Provide budget support and guidance to faculty, staff, and unit leadership.
• Support special projects, course fees, and fee-for-service accounts.
• Coordinate with central finance and university offices.
• Provide backup support for the annual budget process.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience with budgeting, financial analysis, and monitoring expenditures.
• Experience preparing financial reports and reconciling accounts.
• Experience identifying and resolving financial discrepancies and budget variances.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

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

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

PS807

Original Posting Date

September 28, 2026

Posting Close Date

October 11, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R19996

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 website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.