Grants Finance Specialist

Iowa State University; United States; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a Grants Finance Specialist to support post-award activities across multiple colleges and university units. This role focuses on monitoring grant expenditures, cost sharing, and reporting in a collaborative, hybrid environment.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience, with preference for higher education experience and familiarity with Workday Financial Management. Hybrid work is available; Iowa resident at start is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience required.
• Experience with post-award financial management of grants.
• Experience in higher education or institutional setting preferred.
• Ability to work remotely and collaboratively in a hybrid environment.

Responsibilities

• Researchs and understands special conditions of awards in a portfolio.
• Monitor financial activity for awards to ensure sponsor and university compliance.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable regulations and policies.
• Recommend and process accounting adjustments for expenditures.
• Document cost-share expenditures.
• Process effort reporting and adjustments for Federal awards.
• Assist in budget revisions and no-cost extensions.
• Provide and review sponsored funding financial reports.
• Collaborate with team and customers to deliver service.
• Resolve complex or unique issues with leadership escalation as needed.

Skills

Post-award financial management

Budget projections

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Workday Financial Management

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Title

Grants Finance Specialist

Job Group

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience

Job Description

Iowa State University's Finance Service Delivery team is accepting applications for a Grants Finance Specialist (Grants Specialist II) to support the College of Business, College of Design, Graduate College, along with University administrative, Student Support, and other operational units in post-award activities related to grants.

For more information about Finance Service Delivery, please visit: Finance - Division of Operations and Finance.

This position offers the opportunity for hybrid work but does require the employee to reside in the state of Iowa on or before the start of employment.

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.

Example of Duties

• Researches and understands any special conditions associated with the awards in a portfolio
• Monitors financial activity for an award portfolio, including overspends, cost sharing, and unallowable expenses, throughout the award lifecycle to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements and university policies
• Maintains working knowledge of applicable regulations, policies, and protocols regarding sponsor and university requirements
• Recommends and processes accounting adjustments to award expenditures to resolve issues of non-compliance or lack of funds
• Documents cost-share expenditures
• Processes effort reporting and adjustments for all Federal/Federal Flow Through awards
• Assists in budget revisions, no-cost extensions, and supplemental award line requests
• Provides and reviews sponsored funding financial reports
• Collaborates with team members and departmental customers to provide exceptional customer service
• Works closely with team members and departmental customers to resolve complex or unique situations, escalating to leadership if necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in a business-related field of study
• Experience with post-award financial management of grants, including the development of budget projections
• Experience in higher education/institutional setting
• Experience working remotely
• Experience with Microsoft Office, specifically Outlook, Excel, and Teams
• Experience with Workday Financial Management

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.

Employment Details

• Appointment Type: Regular
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
• Time Type: Full time
• Pay Grade: PS808
• Original Posting Date: October 19, 2026
• Posting Close Date: October 28, 2026
• Job Requisition Number: R20096

Equal Opportunity Statement

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. [phone], email [e-mail].

Compensation

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.