Senior Business Administrator, Wharton Finance Department

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Senior Business Administrator, Wharton Finance Department

Job Profile Title

Business Administrator C

Job Description Summary

The Senior Business Administrator is a dual-reporting role dedicated to supporting the Finance Department and advancing its academic and operational mission. Serving the second largest academic department within the School, this position provides leadership and oversight of the department’s financial and operational functions in service of faculty, students, and staff.

Job Description

The role reports jointly to the Senior Director, Financial Strategy and Controller within Finance & Administration and to the Finance Department Chair. The Senior Business Administrator is responsible for the end-to-end management of departmental financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and compliance, and for maintaining effective systems that support transparency, accountability, and sound financial stewardship to enable the department’s teaching, research, and academic priorities. In addition, the Senior Business Administrator provides management oversight for the department’s financial and front desk staff and partners closely with the Finance Department Chair and School colleagues on financial and operational matters affecting faculty, doctoral students, staff, and visitors.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage all expense reporting, procurement systems, and reimbursement processes with attention to compliance and timely execution
• Lead the department’s budgeting and forecasting processes with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and proactive planning
• Oversee payroll, faculty funding allocations, and salary distributions
• Day-to-day management of the department’s financial, course, and front desk staff, and ensure efficient operational execution
• Primary liaison with school partners related to departmental office operations
• Collaborate with Chair’s office on financial and operational issues for faculty, doctoral students, staff and visitors.
• Ensure effective vendor management and procurement practices
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in accounting, business administration, or a related field. Candidates should have a minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, budgeting, or operational administration or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible financial management experience strongly preferred.
• The ideal candidate brings strong financial skills, with familiarity in using Penn financial systems or university-based financial platforms.
• T