Strategic Budget & Financial Planning Lead

* This position is not eligible for sponsorship.*

Position Information

Announcement Number

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27090

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

The University Budget Office at Montana State University ( MSU ) is seeking a Budget & Fiscal Manager to provide strategic leadership in financial planning and budget management for multiple units. They will serve as the financial expert, advising unit leads on the availability of funding for personnel and operational changes.

Position Number

Position Number 4M0452

Department

Department Budget Office

Division

Division University Business Services - Financial Services

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Classified

Contract Term

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible

Salary $35.00 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

The Budget & Fiscal Manager is a member of the University Budget Office, reporting to the University Budget Director. In collaboration with leaders, it sets the strategic financial direction of units within the division, through long-range budget planning and business strategy development. This role partners closely with department decision makers, Fiscal Shared Service ( FSS ) partners, and Human Resources business partners to manage and execute financial operations across the division.

Using data-driven analysis, this individual will provide financial insights that inform strategic decision-making and optimize the use of multiple finding sources. As a key advisor in the budgetary process, the Budget & Fiscal Manager will play a critical role in shaping decisions that directly influence the unit’s financial health and long-term goals. In addition, this role will provide onboarding and ongoing financial training to Business Operation Managers ( BOM ) roles within the unit.

This position requires strong organizational, analytical, and technical skills, along with a collaborative and solution-oriented approach.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership for the unit, managing and advising millions in resources from multiple funding sources.
• Forecast, plan, and oversee the development of annual and long-range budgets, including internal budget models, revenue projections, and expenditure plans.
• Work with unit heads to ensure compliance with the budget plan set forth at the start of the fiscal year and communicate variances for timely action.
• Analyze financial trends and service usage – particularly in fee-based units – to evaluate fiscal impacts and support data-informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with department directors, FSS , and HR partners to ensure alignment between staffing needs and financial resources, including oversight of position budgeting.
• Deliver timely financial reporting and insights to department leaders to support operational activities, strategic planning and accountability.
• Serve as a key liaison for the unit in central budget activities.
• Ensure compliance with MSU and Board of Regents ( BOR ) financial policies and procedures while continually improving financial processes

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience.
• Demonstrated competence and experience in development, analysis, and execution of complex budgets and long-range business/fiscal management plans.
• Succe…