Lead Budget Analyst

Job Description

The Lead Budget Analyst serves as a senior financial and research administration professional within the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing, providing strategic leadership in budget planning, fiscal management, and research administration across multiple funding sources, including E&G, Auxiliary, Foundation, Research Foundation, and other restricted funds. The position oversees college-wide financial operations to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance with university and state regulations, while managing faculty startup commitments, performing financial analyses, preparing projections and reports, reconciling accounts, and supporting data-driven decision-making for college leadership. Working collaboratively with the Dean, Associate Dean of Research, Director of Operations, and Assistant Director of Finance, the Lead Budget Analyst advises on budgetary, facilities, and staffing matters and conducts strategic analyses to guide both short- and long-term planning.

The role also provides training and mentorship to fiscal and research administration staff, develops standardized procedures, strengthens internal controls, leads process improvements, and ensures alignment of fiscal operations with the College's mission and institutional goals. This position requires three to five years of progressive higher education experience; demonstrated leadership, project management, and supervisory skills; and proven expertise in managing diverse funding portfolios, including E&G funds, grants and contracts, auxiliaries, core facilities, and foundation budgets. Additional qualifications include advanced proficiency in budget development, financial analysis, forecasting, and strategic fiscal planning; a comprehensive understanding of statutes, regulations, and institutional policies governing research administration; exceptional written and verbal communication abilities; and strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a commitment to precision, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Opened in 2025 and powered by a University of South Florida record $40 million gift from Arnie and Lauren Bellini, USF's Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is the first in Florida, and among the first in the nation, to unify AI, cybersecurity, and computing within a single college. More than 65 faculty members focus on cutting-edge research and educating 3,000; bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students across 15 degree programs in computer science, cybersecurity, AI, information technology, and computer engineering. The college emphasizes industry-relevant education and experiential learning to prepare students for real-world challenges. It also serves as the central hub for AI and cybersecurity research and teaching at USF, collaborating with colleges and units across the university.

Responsibilities

Hiring Range : $80,000-$87,000

Budget and Fiscal Management

• Manage diverse funding sources, including :
• E&G, Carry-Forward, Auxiliary, Core Facility, Centers and Institutes, Faculty Startup, College Research Initiative Accounts (RIA), USF Research Foundation, and USF Foundation funds.
• Oversee faculty startup commitments and maintain a college-wide startup tracking system for the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing.
• Serve as a liaison with VP areas to ensure accuracy of faculty commitment transactions and compliance with university and college policies.
• Post and reconcile transfers in Axiom / BBS and process budget adjustments to support operational and research priorities.
• Prepare financial reports and analyses for the Dean, Associate Dean of Research, Director of Operations, and Assistant Director of Finance, offering data-driven recommendations on spending trends and fund management.
• Oversee operating budgets for the Bellini College and its core facilities, including expenditures, project funding, monthly reconciliations, and budget projections.
• Train and support unit finance staff to promote accountability, transparency, and consistency in fiscal practices.

Collaborate with Bellini College leadership and the Finance and Research Teams to align financial operations with institutional goals and ensure strong fiscal stewardship.

Advisory and Strategic Analysis

Review and approve all Educational Business Activity (EBA) requests to ensure compliance with university policies, fiscal integrity, and operational appropriateness.

Finance and Research Administration Leadership :

Ensures alignment of research administration practices with college goals, university policies, and sponsor regulations, promoting transparency and accountability in all research financial activities.

Financial Operations and Administrative Leadership :

Promotes a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, fostering operational excellence across all administrative functions.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of four (4) years of related experience. Possesses comprehensive knowledge of the field's policies, procedures, and practices.

Preferred Requirements

This position requires three to five years of progressive higher education experience; demonstrated leadership, project management, and supervisory skills; and proven expertise in managing diverse funding portfolios, including E&G funds, grants and contracts, auxiliaries, core facilities, and foundation budgets. Additional qualifications include advanced proficiency in budget development, financial analysis, forecasting, and strategic fiscal planning; a comprehensive understanding of statutes, regulations, and institutional policies governing research administration; exceptional written and verbal communication abilities; and strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a commitment to precision, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Degree Equivalency Clause : Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application / interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.