Budget Specialist

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President of Financial Operations/CFO. The Budget Specialist will provide financial

planning, forecasting, and budget oversight to strengthen Shaw University's fiscal management capacity. Working

closely with the Accounting Specialist, this role will ensure effective resource allocation, improve institutional

budgeting processes, and provide departments and project directors with the tools and training needed to

manage budgets efficiently. The Budget Specialist will directly support institutional sustainability by aligning

financial planning with Shaw University's strategic priorities and compliance requirements.

Essential Job Functions:

Budget Development & Monitoring

• Collaborate with project directors and administrators to develop and maintain accurate budgets for grants

and related institutional accounts.

• Assist with monitoring budget-to-actual expenditures and providing monthly variance reports.
• Identify and recommend corrective actions for budget deviations.

Financial Forecasting & Planning

• Prepare financial forecasts to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
• Conduct scenario analyses to anticipate financial impacts of enrollment trends, procurement changes, or

grant funding adjustments.

Grant Accounting Support

• Assist with the tracking of restricted and unrestricted grant budgets to ensure proper allocation and timely

expenditure of funds.

• Provide financial data for federal and institutional reporting.

Student Accounts, Accounts Payable, & Payroll Support

• Partner with Student Accounts to forecast tuition and fee revenue for budget planning.
• Coordinate with Accounts Payable and Payroll to ensure expenditure is budgeted and coded to

appropriate funding sources.

Procurement Integration

• Work with Procurement staff to anticipate purchasing needs, ensuring that resources are included in

budget forecasts.

• Support cost-saving strategies through budget analysis tied to vendor contracts and procurement

practices.

Capacity Building & Compliance

• Assist with training program directors and staff in budget monitoring, forecasting, and allowable costs.
• Assist in drafting financial procedures manuals that institutionalize improved budgeting practices.

Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Minimum Job Qualifications

• At least 1-3 years of professional experience in budgeting, financial analysis, or accounting.
• Experience working in higher education, government, or grant-funded programs preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, monitor, and reconcile budgets across multiple funding sources.
• Familiarity with federal compliance requirements
• Proficiency in financial management systems, spreadsheets, and forecasting tools.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 2-3 years of professional experience in budgeting, financial analysis, or higher education finance.
• Knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit and fund accounting principles
• Experience with financial forecasting, variance analysis, and multi-year budget development.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with financial management software, spreadsheets, and ERP systems Jenzabar preferred.

Certificates, Licenses or Registrations

None required

Other Competencies (skills, abilities, behavior)

Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the organization. Vision,

commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical. Strong oral and written

presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in organization,

decision-making, problem-solving and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage multiple projects

simultaneously. Must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English.

Physical Demands

Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours/day. Some lifting (up to 25 pounds occasionally), bending, and carrying.

The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and to use hands and fingers to handle or feel.