What are the responsibilities and job description for the Budget Analyst position at Montana State University?
MSU was founded in 1893 as the Agricultural College of the State of Montana. Today, the College of Agriculture is an integral part of fulfilling MSU’s land grant mission serving the sons and daughters of our state. The Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) creates opportunities for students and faculty to excel through hands-on learning; to serve through campus and community engagement; to explore unique solutions to distinct and interesting questions; and to connect Montanans with the global community.
Duties and Responsibilities
Budget Development & Financial Planning
- Works collaboratively with the Budget & Fiscal Director to develop and manage college and MAES budgets.
- Assist the Budget and Fiscal Director and Department Heads with planning and projecting revenues and expenses, producing budget reports, and analyzing budgets to support informed financial decision making. ‑making.
- Work with Fiscal Operations Managers to monitor adherence to the approved budget plan, identify variances, and communicate needed adjustments in a timely manner.
- Works with Department Heads and their assigned financial management team members to implement the department’s budget, monitor commitments, and approve expenditures.
- Monitor all base budget commitments made by the Dean, provide critical support to the Budget and Fiscal Director, and assist with daily operations by addressing special projects and emerging issues.
- Provide back-up support to the Budget and Fiscal Director as needed.
Financial Analysis & Reporting
- Provide strategic financial support for the college, managing and advising millions in resources from multiple funding sources.
- Analyze financial trends and service usage—particularly in fee based units—to evaluate fiscal impacts and support data-informed decision making.
- Deliver timely financial reporting and insights to department leaders to support operational activities, strategic planning, and accountability.
- Track budget and expenditures and enter budget adjustment entries to reflect changes in payroll and budget allocations throughout the year.
- Provide annual expenditure report to Budget & Fiscal Director and Vice President and Dean.
Payroll, Staffing & Position Management
- Coordinate with MSU Fiscal Shared Services, the College HR Business Partner, and departmental financial operations managers to troubleshoot appointment and payroll issues.
- Collaborate with Fiscal Operations Managers, department directors, FSS, and HR partners to ensure alignment between staffing needs and financial resources, including position budgeting.
- Assist in processing personnel forms, maintain salary savings, and work with academic and administrative staff and auditors to ensure adherence to accounting principles, standards, and procedures.
Training, Onboarding & Departmental Support
- Assist with onboarding and orientation of new employees and serve as the main point of contact to department heads and FSS staff related to budget management.
- Serve as Dean’s Office point of contact for the Fiscal Operations Managers.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience.
- Demonstrated experience in interpreting, explaining, and presenting detailed budget and fiscal data, both verbally and in writing, to a broad group of constituents.
- Proficiency with computerized financial systems, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing software to manage, analyze, and report financial data effectively.
- Ability to interpret and apply financial policies and procedures.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Experience in a higher education institution, nonprofit organization, or government agency.
- Demonstrated competence and experience in development, analysis, and execution of complex budgets and long-range business/fiscal management plans.
- Ability to initiate, coordinate, oversee and complete various projects on own initiative.
- Strong organizational techniques with the ability to manage multiple tasks and remain flexible.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Exercise sound judgement and initiative in decision-making, while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
- Lead and collaborate effectively with different teams and stakeholders, demonstrating strong interpersonal and conflict solution skills.
- Present complex financial and administrative information in ways that build clarity, transparency, and informed decision-making across varying levels of financial expertise.
- Communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats, including presentations.
- Manage multiple priorities with attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to deadlines in a dynamic environment.
- Utilize financial systems and tools proficiently, including spreadsheets, databases, and various reporting systems. Experience using Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook are preferred.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on March 17, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.