Business Manager

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Business Manager to partner with the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) in Amherst. You will oversee fiscal operations, forecasting, and budget governance to support academic and research programs.

The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate university policies. You will advise staff directors and faculty on financial strategies and ensure compliant procurement and reporting.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher with relevant financial management experience.
• Experience forecasting budget needs and generating annual budgets.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with diverse staff and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes and forecasts revenue and expenses for the college budget.
• Tracks and monitors funds, prepares budget requests and spending plans, and reviews budget reports.
• Manages procurement, contracts, journal entries, and accounts payable processes for college funds.

Skills

Financial forecasting

Budget management

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Confidentiality

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Outlook

Google Sheets

Concur

Job description

Title:

Business Manager

Executive Area:

Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU:

College of Info & Computer Sci

Department:

Computer Science

Work Location:

Amherst

Schedule:

Full time

Work Arrangement:

Hybrid

Job Summary

The Business Manager supports the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) in meeting its operational and strategic objectives. Manages and organizes fiscal activities for the College and serves as an advisor and consultant on various fiscal matters.

Essential Functions

• Analyzes and forecasts revenue and expenses for CICS. Serves as a resource and advisor to staff directors, faculty, and students on various fiscal matters.
• Tracks and monitors all types of funds including general operating, revenue, gift, etc. Prepares budget requests and spending plans, creates budgetary projections and reviews, tracks College and business unit spending, and provides recommendations on resource allocations to the Director of Finance. Prepares and interprets budget reports. Researches, compiles, and analyzes data for the CICS budget process.
• Facilitates and manages the execution of financial operations for the College. Manages all Procurement and Controller’s Office processes and activities for College funds, including contracts for service, sole source justification, journal entries, account reconciliations, and requisitions approval. Manages and initiates purchase orders, fund transfers, disbursements, contracts, honoraria, and accounts payable. Processes travel and business expense reimbursements, ensuring compliance with fiscal policies. Oversees all staff bank card holder activities, including providing systems training, ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures, and allocating to the appropriate funds.
• Oversees and manages grants, awards, and gifts for the College. Facilitates payments to the College from external and internal sources and allocates funds to appropriate faculty and center accounts. Tracks spending on awards including ensuring proper allocations and compliant use of donor and corporate funds. Works collaboratively with College strategic partnerships staff and the UMass Amherst Foundation to track and process incoming funds.
• Identifies and resolves problems related to bookkeeping, accounting, and employee payroll projection reconciliation.
• Works closely with the Director of Finance to develop and evaluate fiscal activities, functions, policies, and procedures to streamline business processes and maximize efficiency and efficacy. Implements College and University policies and procedures and provides regular training, communication, and consultation to faculty, staff, and students.
• Ensures adherence to university, federal, and state regulations related to financial resources.
• Develops collaborative working relationships with the Provost's office, Controller's office, and the Budget office.
• Keeps abreast of University and federal regulations, practices, developments, and applicable laws related to fiscal management.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's Degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor’s Degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of financial management principles. Ability to forecast future budget needs, create annual budgets, and prepare periodic reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, students, and off-campus constituents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in a logical sequence.
• Independent initiative. Must have the ability to stay on task and work productively with a minimum amount of supervision or guidance.
• Willingness to take on a variety of tasks related to the successful operation of the College. The ability to adapt and work effectively as the College grows.
• Strong organizational skills and strict attention to detail with the ability to prioritize work and complete assignments in a timely manner, balancing the demands of concurrent and potentially competing projects.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.

Strong Computer Skills Including Experience With

• Email.
• Calendar systems such as Outlook or Google.
• Word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
• Spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
• Presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides.
• Databases such as FileMaker or Microsoft Access.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field OR Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Knowledge of University finance management systems such as Summit and Concur.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and University fiscal policy and procedure.

Additional Details

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday within standard working hours.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Final Note

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.