Budget and Finance Specialist III
Professional & Scientific
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University is seeking a detail-oriented, collaborative, and strategic 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 across a broad portfolio of teaching, research, and extension activities. From supporting groundbreaking crop genetics research to advancing precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices, your work will directly enable programs that help feed a growing world while addressing today's most pressing agricultural challenges. If you enjoy solving complex financial challenges, improving processes, and partnering with leaders to make informed decisions, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a nationally recognized department.
Key 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.
Success in this role requires the ability to manage multiple complex funding sources, interpret financial policies, build strong partnerships across the university, exercise independent judgment in resolving complex financial issues, and communicate financial information to both financial and non-financial audiences.
Why Join Us?
The Department of Agronomy is one 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.
As the department continues to expand initiatives in precision agriculture, digital agriculture, and climate-smart cropping systems, this position offers the opportunity to support complex financial operations that enable cutting-edge research and education. If you're motivated by solving complex financial challenges, building systems, and leading continuous improvement, you'll contribute directly to Iowa State's land-grant mission while helping advance programs that make a lasting impact on agriculture and communities around the world.
Preferred Qualifications
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
Experience with fund accounting in a higher education, governmental, or non-profit organizational setting including various funding sources and restrictions
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
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
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.
Regular
12 Month Work Period
Full time
PS810
July 21, 2026
July 29, 2026
R19627
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.
