Academic Business Operations Analyst - #270009

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee (NC)

On-site

USD 60,000 - 75,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC seeks an Academic Business Operations Analyst to support the Provost's Office with budget, finance, procurement, and business systems.

You will analyze data, prepare reports, and assist with policies, processes, and system navigation. Strong Excel and analytical skills are essential; a Bachelor's degree in business or related field is required.

Qualifications

Legal authorization to work in the United States.
Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, or related field; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Ability to analyze financial and operational data and prepare reports; proficiency in Excel and business software.

Responsibilities

Support operating budget and finance, personnel, purchasing, and office procedures management.
Assist with procurement processes, fund and transaction reconciliation, and financial data analysis.
Interpret and apply financial policies; provide reporting to stakeholders; navigate university business systems.
Serve as a resource to administrative staff and faculty across Academic Affairs.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Budgeting

Communication skills

Time management

Independent work

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field

Equivalent combination of training and experience

Tools

Excel

Outlook

Teams

Banner Finance/HR

Data visualization tools

Job description

Academic Business Operations Analyst - #270009

About WCU

2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on‑site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The Academic Business Operations Analyst is responsible for supporting the financial and business management of the Office of the Provost, as well as assisting the business functions of Academic Affairs colleges and units. In this role, the Academic Business Operations Analyst supports activities related to operating budget and finance, personnel, purchasing, office procedures management, and business computer systems.

The Academic Business Operations Analyst serves as a resource for administrative staff and faculty throughout the Academic Affairs division. This includes assisting with procurement processes, fund and transaction reconciliation, financial policy interpretation and application, and financial data analysis and reporting. This position is a key resource to help users navigate University business and software systems.

This position reports to the Director of Academic Resources and Business Operations.

The position exercises judgment in analyzing budget, financial, personnel, and operational issues; identifies trends, discrepancies, or compliance concerns; evaluates available options; and recommends appropriate actions to the Director and other Academic Affairs stakeholders.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong analytical, accounting, and budgeting skills. Proficiency with Microsoft applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Teams. Ability to analyze financial and operational data and prepare accurate reports. Ability to organize work, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintain attention to detail. Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and follow through on assigned responsibilities. Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate business, budget, finance, and personnel procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for current or future employment sponsorship. Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or related business area; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications

Management prefers candidates with advanced degrees, credentials, and demonstrated experience directly related to the position responsibilities.

Master of Accounting, Master of Public Administration, Master of Business Administration, or related advanced degree. Experience supporting business, budget, finance, or administrative operations in a higher education, public sector, or similarly complex organization. Experience supporting budget monitoring, account reconciliation, purchasing, accounts payable, or related business transactions. Experience using Banner Finance, Banner Human Resources, or comparable enterprise resource planning systems to review, process, reconcile, or report financial or personnel information. Experience preparing financial, budgetary, staffing, or operational reports using Excel, reporting tools, or data visualization platforms.

Position Details

Position Type | Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week | 40
Number of Months Per Year | 12

Posting Dates

Open Date | 08/12/2026

Close Date |

Open Until Filled | Yes

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Applicant Documents