Budget Analyst

Position Details

Announcement Number: STAFF - VA - 26298

For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Laura Wilson
laura.wilson5

Title:

Budget Analyst III

Working Title:

Budget Analyst

The Budget Analyst position serves as a key member of the College of Agriculture (COA) and Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) fiscal team, reporting directly to the COA/MAES Fiscal Director. This role partners closely with college leadership, Fiscal Shared Services (FSS), and Human Resources to support and execute comprehensive financial operations across the college and MAES.

Using data-driven analysis, the Budget Analyst provides critical financial insights that guide strategic decision-making and ensure the effective stewardship of diverse funding sources. As an integral contributor to the annual and ongoing budget processes, this position ensures units remain aligned with established guidelines, timelines, and institutional priorities.

Position Number: 4M0584
Department:
Dean of Agriculture
Division:
College of Agriculture/MAES
Appointment Type:
Classified
Contract Type:
Classified
Fiscal Year:
Semester (If other, specify)
From date: (If other, specify)
End date: (If other, specify)
FLSA:
Exempt
Union Affiliation:
Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE: 1.0
Benefits:
Eligible
Salary:
Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.