Budget and Finance Specialist II

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Onsite childcare

Job summary

Iowa State University in Ames, IA is hiring a Budget and Finance Specialist II to support the financial operations and budget needs of assigned departments and college units. The role requires a Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience, with responsibility to produce accurate financial reports, maintain audit readiness and respond to inquiries.

You will monitor budgets, review transactions for policy compliance, coordinate vendor payments, and provide training on finance policies to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience.
• Experience managing departmental budgets and preparing financial reports.
• Knowledge of financial policies, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to interpret and communicate financial information to faculty, staff, and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor departmental budgets and expenditure.
• Review and approve financial transactions for policy compliance.
• Investigate irregular transactions and support year-end financial closing.
• Coordinate financial activities related to vendor payments, contracts, grants, and foundation accounts.
• Process student hiring, separations, and tuition award approvals.
• Maintain accurate financial documentation and records.
• Prepare and present timely, accurate budget and financial reports to department leadership.
• Monitor grant balances and review purchasing card transactions.
• Ensure compliance with university financial policies and procedures.
• Coordinate financial activities across departments.
• Review audit reports and communicate policy updates.
• Improve financial processes and procedures.
• Provide financial training and guidance to faculty, staff, and students.
• Develop and communicate financial policies and instructional materials.

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field

Job description

Budget and Finance Specialist II

Position Title: Budget and Finance Specialist II

Job Group: Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience

Job Description: The Ivy College of Business is hiring a Budget and Finance Specialist II to support the financial operations and budget needs of assigned departments and college units. The successful candidate will provide excellent customer service, stay organized, and manage competing priorities. They will produce accurate, timely financial reports, respond promptly to enquiries, pay close attention to detail, and maintain audit readiness. They will also proactively share updates and follow up on outstanding requests to keep internal partners informed.

Examples of Duties

• Manage and monitor departmental budgets and expenditure.
• Review and approve financial transactions for policy compliance.
• Investigate irregular transactions and support year-end financial closing.
• Coordinate financial activities related to vendor payments, contracts, grants, and foundation accounts.
• Process student hiring, separations, and tuition award approvals.
• Maintain accurate financial documentation and records.
• Prepare and present timely, accurate budget and financial reports to department leadership.
• Monitor grant balances and review purchasing card transactions.
• Ensure compliance with university financial policies and procedures.
• Coordinate financial activities across departments.
• Review audit reports and communicate policy updates.
• Improve financial processes and procedures.
• Provide financial training and guidance to faculty, staff, and students.
• Develop and communicate financial policies and instructional materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.
• Experience managing departmental budgets, monitoring expenditure, and preparing financial reports.
• Knowledge of financial policies, procedures, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to interpret and communicate financial information while providing guidance, training, and support to faculty, staff, and leadership.

This is an onsite position located in Ames, IA.

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.

Benefits

• Ivy State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental.
• 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.

Appointment Type: Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12

Month Work Period Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade: PS808

Original Posting Date: October 29, 2026

Posting Close Date: November 8, 2026

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.

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 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 [e-mail] or call [phone] or Toll-Free: [phone].

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.

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University 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. 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.