Business Manager I

Job Summary

The Business Manager I provides comprehensive support and oversight of business operations within the Lutgert College of Business. This position is responsible for administering and monitoring activities related to budgeting, procurement, human resources, and grant management.

Responsibilities

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the business functions, including finance, human resources, purchasing, budgets, contracts, and accounts payable.
• Develops and manages budgets to ensure program alignment with fiscal allocation.
• Prepares financial analyses such as income and expense forecasting, as well as a variety of routine and ad-hoc financial reports.
• Oversees human resources functions such as recruitment efforts, rate planning, salary increases, position control, payroll, compensation actions, adjunct/overload contracts, appointments, and other personnel processes.
• Oversees financial transactions by preparing or approving journal vouchers, deposits, accounting adjustments, and payroll expense transfers or corrections, ensuring compliance with institutional policies.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for all SBDC grant financial matters, overseeing grant administration and compliance.
• Oversees procurement activities including requisitions, purchasing card (P-card) transactions, receipts, spend authorizations, and expense reports.
• Conducts monthly account reviews and financial analysis to identify trends, mitigate issues, and improve budget performance and resource allocation.
• Serves as a liaison between departments, faculty, staff, and administration, interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures, addressing inquiries, and resolving complex operational issues.
• Develops, implements, and refines business and fiscal processes to ensure efficiency, compliance, and responsible stewardship of university resources.
• Serves as Property Manager for designated areas with the Lutgert College of Business.

Requirements

• This position requires either seven years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience with Banner enterprise application.
• Experience managing others by providing information, guidance, and motivation.
• Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, finance and management principles, practices and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
• Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and competing demands are involved.
• Ability to use effective decision making and problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures consistently.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times.

Additional Job Description

Other Duties: Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes;
• remain open for feedback and new ideas;
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables;
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.