Budget & Finance Analyst I - Budgeting & Forecasting

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University in Ames seeks a Budget and Finance Specialist I to support the financial operations and budget needs of assigned departments and college units. The role reports to the college’s Fiscal Officer and collaborates with department chairs and central finance offices to monitor budgets, prepare reports, and ensure policy compliance.

Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree and show strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Expenditure monitoring

Financial reporting

Variance analysis

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related

Job description

Iowa State University in Ames seeks a Budget and Finance Specialist I to support the financial operations and budget needs of assigned departments and college units. The role reports to the college’s Fiscal Officer and collaborates with department chairs and central finance offices to monitor budgets, prepare reports, and ensure policy compliance.

Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree and show strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.