Finance Manager

Department: Knauss School of Business at the University of San Diego, an AACSB-accredited school embracing a stewardship approach to business education.

About the role

This is a part-time, temporary, non-benefit position with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2027. The appointment is renewable at the discretion of the University and dependent upon performance and continued funding. The Finance Manager oversees the fiscal operations of the Knauss School of Business to support student learning and faculty achievement, providing fiscal guidance to unit leaders and managing a portfolio of discretionary, restricted, endowed, gift, and grant-funded accounts with primary responsibility for grants and/or gift funds. The role involves independent judgment in interpreting university policies, approving financial transactions, ensuring compliance, and supporting contract review processes.

Responsibilities

• Expenditure Oversight:
  • Budget authority to independently approve Knauss School of Business expenditures, including reimbursements, OneCard expenses, and payment requests.
  • Use independent judgment and knowledge of unit operations when reviewing and approving expenditures.
  • Monitor university, state, and federal expense policies to ensure compliance and safeguard fiscal resources.
  • Ensure fund restrictions on grants and gift accounts are adhered to when resources are utilized.
  • Review all University expenditure requests (OneCard, reimbursements, payment requests) for proper documentation, alignment with mission, and budgetary approval.
  • Manage submission of requests to Accounts Payable and/or Procurement.
  • Provide lead oversight of the Concur Travel and Expense platform, proactively identifying issues and suggesting improvements.
  • Design and implement systems for proper coding and tracking of discretionary expenses.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to train, inform, and streamline expenditure procedures.
  • Implement and uphold budgetary organizational strategies and policies.
  • Manage fiscal aspects of internal initiatives (e.g., faculty research funding, strategic grants, student opportunities, professorships).
  • Answer general fiscal inquiries regarding funding status, payment requests, policies, and procedures.
  • Troubleshoot problems, make recommendations, and handle confidential matters with discretion in a time-sensitive environment.
• Financial Recordkeeping:
  • Ensure timely and accurate financial information to monitor accounts, resolve problems, and safeguard resources.
  • Conduct monthly discretionary audits of all Knauss School of Business accounts (operating, restricted, endowed, grant, and club) and correct errors.
  • Assist in year-end fiscal reporting by auditing revenue and expenses, tracking deadlines, and completing journal entries as needed.
• External Contract Administration:
  • Centralize and streamline the independent contractor review process with Compliance.
  • Work directly with the Office of General Counsel to review, draft, implement, and cancel contractual agreements.
  • Ensure adherence to signature authority policies.
  • Provide training on contract administration topics (e.g., signature authority, General Counsel review, DocuSign).
  • Handle contract details with confidentiality and diplomacy.
• Travel and Purchasing:
  • Educate colleagues on purchasing best practices (e.g., purchase order thresholds, competitive quotes, vendor assessment).
  • Initiate, streamline, and manage Knauss School of Business requisitions and purchase orders.
  • Oversee and manage all school-wide blanket purchase orders.
  • Main delegate for Concur Expense and Travel; oversee personnel training, unit implementation, and analyze usage reports for cost-saving opportunities.
• Additional Duties:
  • Review information with discretion and diplomacy, maintaining strict confidentiality.
  • Communicate extensively with Assistant Dean, faculty, staff, and campus colleagues.
  • Collaborate with other Finance and Administration department employees.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (preference for Business or related field).
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in budgeting, finance, accounting, or a related field.

Qualifications

• Preferred:
  • Master’s degree in Business or related field.
  • 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in higher education budgeting, finance, or accounting.
  • Proven ability to collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Skills and Abilities:
  • Demonstrated experience in finance and budget management.
  • Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft applications (intermediate to advanced Excel skills).
  • Experience with Concur Expense, Concur Travel, Oracle applications (Banner, Noetix, iProcurement), and WorkDay.
  • Experience working in higher education and adapting to changing technological environments.
  • Ability to interact with the professional community and present materials/train personnel.
  • Clear articulation of policies and procedures.
  • Use of independent judgment to take appropriate action on inquiries.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset, self-motivation, and efficiency.
  • Ability to assume responsibility, resolve problems, and implement procedures.
  • Excellent organizational, management, and multitasking skills.
  • Ability to shift tasks and mental focus (technical to interpersonal/creative) easily.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Collaborative team member with tact and discretion in handling confidential information.
  • Self-initiative and creativity in a busy, customer-service-oriented environment.
  • High accuracy in developing work products and reports.
  • Time management and organization of multi-tasking work requirements.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Flexibility and versatility in evolving work situations.
  • Ability to handle stress from last-minute deadlines and changes.

Pay

$37.50 - $45.00 per hour.

Schedule

19–20 hours per week. Hybrid option available for eligible remote work.