Business Manager

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

Business Manager

Job Profile Title

Business Manager B

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Fiscal Operations and with direct accountability to the Department Chair(s) for service and support, this position provides comprehensive business and financial management for the Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology.

As a critical member of the departmental leadership team in a decision-support role, this position provides oversight and administration of all departmental funds, including operating budgets, gifts, endowments, and sponsored project funds. Responsibilities include all budgetary and fiscal operations such as annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting; purchasing and reimbursement oversight; payroll administration; general ledger management including internal billing and corrections; and Procard and merchant account oversight.

This role ensures compliance with institutional financial policies and internal controls, directly supervises departmental finance staff, and provides personnel administration support for faculty, staff, and students.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Budget Administration: Oversee the administration of all departmental budgets, including operating funds, endowments, gifts, and grants. Screen and approve expenditures; review and verify transactions for accuracy and compliance; process budget adjustments as needed. Provide monthly financial reports to account owners. Prepare quarterly forecasts and annual budgets. Provide financial information and reports to Department Chair(s), School leadership, and University administrators as requested.
• Sponsored Programs Management: Oversee grant management activities, including proposal development support, award setup, expenditure monitoring, compliance oversight, and closeout.
• Fiscal Operations Oversight: Oversee daily fiscal operations, including approval of financial transactions, reimbursements, purchasing, and Procard activity. Prepare and approve journal entries and deposits. Provide user support for BEN Financials, Procard, and Concur. Serve as liaison with central administrative offices. Ensure monthly reconciliation of credit card statements. Oversee Asset and Space systems. Prepare the annual Schedule F for activities outside the United States.
• Personnel and Payroll Administration: Monitor and manage all departmental personnel and payroll activities, including new and replacement hires, salary changes, payroll reallocations, additional pays, annual merit processes, and effort reporting.
• Staff Supervision: Supervise departmental financial staff; provide guidance, training, and mentorship; and complete annual performance evaluations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

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