Business Manager

The University of Georgia, chartered in 1785, is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university. Ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report, UGA’s main campus is located in Athens, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. The university employs approximately 3,100 faculty and over 7,700 full-time staff, serving more than 41,000 students across 19 schools and colleges.

About the role

The Business Manager supports the daily financial and administrative operations of the College of Environment and Design Business Office. This position processes and monitors financial transactions, maintains accurate financial records, assists faculty and staff with business-related procedures, and ensures compliance with University policies. The role involves grant pre- and post-award administration, payment processing, account reconciliation, procurement support, payroll reconciliation assistance, and financial record maintenance. The Business Manager serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and students on routine financial and administrative matters and collaborates with the Assistant Financial Director to support efficient business office operations.

Responsibilities

• Grant Pre- and Post-Award Administration (40%)
  • Provide administrative and financial support for pre-award and post-award grant activities for faculty and staff.
  • Coordinate and assist faculty with proposal preparation, budget development, budget justification, and routing documentation in accordance with University and sponsor guidelines.
  • Ensure submission materials and required approvals are completed accurately and timely.
  • Monitor assigned grant accounts to ensure expenditures comply with sponsor regulations, University policies, and approved budgets.
  • Review grant expenditures and reconcile sponsored project accounts for accuracy and compliance.
  • Coordinate effort reporting, payroll distributions, cost transfers, and grant-related financial adjustments.
  • Prepare and maintain grant-related financial records, documentation, and reporting support materials.
  • Serve as a resource to faculty and staff regarding routine sponsored project procedures and post-award administration requirements.
  • Coordinate with Sponsored Projects Administration, Contracts & Grants, and other University offices regarding grant administration matters.
  • Assist and coordinate sponsored project closeout procedures and associated documentation requirements.
• Financial Transaction Processing & Account Support (35%)
  • Process payment requests, reimbursements, and departmental financial transactions.
  • Review financial documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with University procedures.
  • Reconcile assigned accounts and resolve routine discrepancies.
  • Process UGAmart requisitions and apply appropriate accounting entries.
  • Maintain departmental financial records and shadow systems.
  • Prepare monthly sales tax reporting for assigned department IDs.
  • Initiate routine journal entries and intra-university financial transactions.
  • Monitor daily and monthly account activity and generate standard reports.
  • Provide guidance and backup coordination for faculty and staff travel authorizations and reimbursements.
• Business Office Operations & Administrative Support (15%)
  • Manage day-to-day operations of the Business Office.
  • Maintain and recommend improvements to business office procedures and operational workflows.
  • Provide administrative support for business office projects and initiatives.
  • Create and distribute the Business Office monthly newsletter to communicate updates, deadlines, procedures, and resources.
  • Maintain organized financial and administrative records.
  • Coordinate information gathering and documentation requests for audits or reporting needs.
  • Communicate with faculty, staff, students, and vendors regarding routine business matters.
• Financial Systems & Compliance Support (10%)
  • Perform payroll reconciliation and monitor expense tracking for assigned accounts.
  • Process Touchnet Marketplace transactions and related deposits.
  • Serve as backup support for position funding requests and related OneUSG transactions.
  • Ensure financial transactions comply with University and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Maintain confidentiality of financial and personnel-related information.
  • Participate in professional development and training activities related to business operations and sponsored project administration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of University of Georgia financial systems and sponsored project administration procedures.
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures related to financial operations and grants administration.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and prioritize competing deadlines.
• Ability to analyze financial information and resolve routine discrepancies.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive information.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Additional Information

• Typical office environment with extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• This is a position of trust with operation, access, or control of financial resources.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation, including a criminal background check and confirmation of credentials.
• A credit check will be required for this position due to financial responsibilities.