Campanile

Financial Planning and Analysis

515 Morrill Road
1350 Beardshear Hall
Ames, IA 50011

budget@iastate.edu
(515)294-8124

Iowa State University generates revenue and receives funding from various sources. The classification of these revenue and funding sources is illustrated in the University Funding Sources diagram.

The university's financial planning is an ongoing, integrated process that encompasses a multi-year planning horizon and includes budget development, Treasury management, Tax compliance, and Accounts Receivable oversight. This comprehensive approach culminates in an annual operating budget and ensures the university's fiscal health and compliance across all financial operations.

The process for developing the university's General University Fund budget utilizes the principles and mechanisms prescribed by the Resource Management Model, a responsibility-centered and incentive-driven resource allocation model. Similar financial models are used for developing the annual operating budgets of the university's auxiliary units and research programs whose revenues and expenses are managed outside the university's General Fund.

Beyond budget development, the Treasury function manages the university's cash flow, debt, and investments, optimizing liquidity and ensuring funds are available for operations. Tax compliance ensures adherence to all federal, state, and local tax regulations, while Accounts Receivable oversees the collection of funds owed to the university, directly impacting cash flow and revenue realization.

The institution utilizes the WorkDay Adaptive Planning system for budget development and forecasting purposes, supporting this comprehensive financial framework.

  • Tree with orange leaves is shown in front of Beardshear.

    Budget

    The Budget Office is responsible for the overall development, analysis, and management of the university's operating and capital budgets. This includes coordinating the annual budget process, performing financial forecasting and reporting, monitoring unit performance against budget targets, and ensuring responsible resource allocation to support the university's strategic goals and priorities.

    Learn more about Budget
  • Campanile is shown in the fall, with orange blooming trees on either side.

    Treasury

    The ISU Treasurer’s Office primary area of responsibility includes cash management and investments, where daily banking activities, as well as overseeing university lease programs, plus the purchase, sale, and reporting of investments for university operating and endowment accounts. Also, as a representative of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, and the management of ISU registered and bearer bonds is an important responsibility to this office. Other functions of the ISU Treasurer’s Office include cashiering, where various forms of payment are applied to accounts administered through the ISU Receivables and Financial Management systems.

    Learn more about Treasury
  • Beardshear pokes through colorful leaves on a tree about 100 feet away.

    Tax

    Iowa State University of Science and Technology, as an agency of the State of Iowa, is a federally tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 115, which exempts income derived from the exercise of any essential governmental functions. The IRS has recognized that education is an essential governmental function. (Rev. Ruling 75-436).

    Learn more about Tax
  • Students walk past a large tree with orange leaves as the sun sets in the background.

    Accounts Receivable

    The Accounts Receivable Office is your one-stop shop for finding information regarding student U-Bills, making payments, 529 plans, employer reimbursement deferral program, and ensuring timely refunds. As the centralized billing system for Iowa State University, our office also assists University departments with their sales and services.

    Learn more about Accounts Receivable