Senior Business Administrator, Management Department, Wharton School

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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, Management Department, Wharton School

Job Profile Title

Business Administrator C

Job Description Summary

The Senior Business Administrator will provide leadership and oversight of all financial and operational functions for the Management Department, the largest academic department within the School. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the department's financial integrity, transparency, and operational excellence.

The Senior Business Administrator will be responsible for the full lifecycle of the department's financial operations - including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and compliance. The position will monitor all departmental expenditures, oversee travel and entertainment reimbursements, manage various purchasing platforms, and maintain vendor relationships. This role will also actively manage and track faculty research awards, staff salary distributions, and payroll activities.

In support of the department's commitment to transparency and accountability, the Senior Business Administrator will implement and maintain efficient systems for financial tracking and reporting. The Senior Business Administrator will serve as a key liaison to the Wharton F&A department, with direct accountability for aligning departmental financial operations with university-wide standards, controls, and strategic objectives.

The Senior Business Administrator will provide day-to-day management of the department's financial, course, and front desk staff, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, providing guidance to support their development and ensure consistency in operational execution. Additionally, the role will serve as the primary liaison with school partners on matters related to departmental office operations and collaborate closely with the Chair's office on financial, and operational issues related to faculty, doctoral students, staff and visitors.

Job Description

Key responsibilities include: