Business Manager

Financial And Operations Manager

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) of the Chemical Engineering Department, with a dotted-line report to the Department Chair, the incumbent manages and administers the Department's financial and operational affairs in close collaboration with the DFA. The role oversees the full range of financial operations, compliance, facilities, and administrative support functions that sustain the Department's teaching and research mission. The incumbent supervises one Administrative Assistant / Financial Analyst and partners with SEAS Finance, CU Internal Audit, SPA / SPF, SEAS Facilities, CU Facilities, and other stakeholders to ensure effective operations, compliance with university policies, and sound financial stewardship.

Responsibilities :

• Financial Management & Operations (50%) :
• Lead the daily financial and budgetary operations of the Department, ensuring compliance with University, SEAS, and sponsor guidelines.
• Oversee accounts payable transactions in university accounting systems and review / approve expenditure requests.
• Monitor departmental and sponsored project budgets to prevent overdrafts; perform regular reconciliations of departmental and grant accounts.
• Produce monthly financial reports, forecasts, and variance analyses to support departmental decision-making.
• Oversee and execute payroll accounting transfers, journal entries, and expenditure corrections.
• Ensure strong internal controls and readiness for audits; coordinate with CU Internal Audit and SPA / SPF as needed.
• Procurement, Travel & Business Expenses (20%) :
• Review and approve faculty travel reimbursements, business expense reports, and honoraria in compliance with university policies.
• Oversee purchasing and requisition procedures for the Department, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and sponsor requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison with Accounts Payable and outside vendors to resolve issues and maintain efficient processes.
• Student Appointments & Financial Aid (10%) :
• Oversee the administration of Graduate and Doctoral Research Assistant (GRA / DRA) appointments, including related financial aid, departmental support, and grant funding allocations.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor and University funding guidelines, and maintain accurate documentation and reporting.
• Facilities & Capital Improvements (10%) :
• Manage departmental facilities initiatives, including capital improvements and laboratory renovations.
• Partner with SEAS Facilities and CU Facilities to plan, implement, and monitor renovation projects, ensuring minimal disruption to teaching and research activities.
• Initiate and track service tickets; oversee space management, including lab, building, and seat assignments.
• Other Duties & Departmental Support (10%) :
• Supervise one Administrative Assistant / Financial Analyst, providing mentorship, training, and performance feedback.
• Support other departmental functions and initiatives as requested, contributing to special projects and cross-departmental collaborations.
• Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen departmental operations, financial compliance, and customer service.

Minimum Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred. Minimum of 3-5 years of progres