BUSINESS SUPPORT SPECIALIST SR

About the role

Are you a detail-oriented financial and administrative professional who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and helping others succeed? The University of Missouri's College of Arts & Science is seeking a Senior Business Support Specialist to support the Division of Biological Sciences. This position is an opportunity to become a trusted operational partner within a dynamic academic and research environment. You will work closely with faculty, staff, and college partners to support financial operations, payroll activities, purchasing, reporting, and administrative projects. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical skills, sound judgment, a commitment to excellent service, and the initiative to identify solutions before challenges disrupt the work.

Located on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus, this is an in-person role. Candidates must be residents of the State of Missouri or willing to relocate prior to the hire date. Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Responsibilities

• Monitor a diverse portfolio of department funds, including operating, research, instructional, gift, start-up, grant, and internal award accounts
• Prepare, analyze, and interpret financial reports, reconciliations, and account activity to support sound fiscal management and informed decision-making
• Ensure compliance with university, college, and departmental policies while identifying and resolving financial discrepancies, complex transactions, and accounting issues
• Coordinate payroll transactions, including appointments, position changes, payroll processing, timekeeping, reconciliations, and related documentation
• Serve as a resource to faculty, staff, and leadership on financial, payroll, and administrative processes, providing responsive and solution-oriented support
• Manage procurement and purchasing activities, including requisitions, contracts, agreements, suppliers/vendor registration, purchasing card reconciliations, and employee reimbursements
• Maintain accurate financial and administrative records while monitoring transactions through completion and ensuring timely follow-through
• Coordinate projects, conduct research and analysis, and provide recommendations that support departmental, division, and college priorities
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, enhance service, strengthen compliance, and contribute to the effective operation of a large and complex academic division

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with financial reporting, account reconciliation, payroll, purchasing or related business operations
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and follow-through
• Collaborative, service-focused approach to working with faculty, staff, and partners

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

Pay

Anticipated Hiring Range Salary Range: $24 - $26 per hour

Schedule

Shift: Generally, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.