Business Manager I, II, or III

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking a professional to manage and coordinate the business operations of a department. Responsibilities include budget preparation, accounting, purchasing, and staff policy administration to ensure compliant financial management.

The role emphasizes developing and implementing financial reporting systems, internal controls, and records maintenance, with collaboration across university offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or management minimum.
• Experience levels vary by level as described in the minimum qualifications.
• Substitutions may apply per HR policy.

Responsibilities

• Manages daily financial activities: budget prep, control, accounting, purchasing, and planning.
• Supervises staff, allocates work, trains, and evaluates performance.
• Designs and implements internal financial reporting systems and controls.
• Maintains records and prepares operating budgets with the budget office.
• Coordinates disbursement reports and management information reports.
• Negotiates contracts for services with purchasing.
• Manages cash, accounts receivable, and collections.
• Oversees policies and procedures for efficient unit operation.
• Coordinates financial aspects of research proposals and funding.
• Participates in planning and outreach activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Budget management

Financial reporting

Staff supervision

Contract negotiation

Accounting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or management

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or management plus three years’ experience

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or management plus six years’ experience

Tools

BANNER system

CAYUSE

Concur

Page Up

Job description

Position Function

Manages and coordinates the business operations of a department/unit. Performs duties required to maintain and administer departmental budgets; administers staff policies and/or procedures; compiles reports; performs administrative procedures.

Salary Grade

15

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile

Mississippi State University is Mississippi's senior comprehensive land-grant institution and has the largest on-campus enrollment (>22,000) of the eight state institutions of higher learning. All components of the university have a strong commitment to teaching, research, and service. The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences has 31 on- and 26 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, and extension and/or service programs, most of who carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment, and trained support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Environmental Sciences in Agricultural Systems, with Master's or Doctoral graduate students concentrating in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Weed Science.

Anticipated Appointment Date

October 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages the daily financial activities of the department or unit, which include budget preparation and control, accounting, purchasing, and business planning and management; ensures compliance with university policies and procedures, state, and federal regulations.
• Supervises staff, which includes work allocation, training, promotion, enforcement of internal procedures and controls, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
• Coordinates, designs, and implements internal financial reporting systems, financial controls, and management information systems in coordination with the automated financial reporting systems of the university.
• Develops and implements systems and processes to establish and maintain records for the operating unit.
• Prepares, in conjunction with the budget office, budget requests, operating budgets, legislative budget requests, and formal budget revisions as required.
• Coordinates the preparation of reports of disbursements, special analyses, and information reports for management; presents recommendations for changes and/or improvements, monetary control, and adherence to budgets.
• Evaluates and/or negotiates contracts for the purchase of services in coordination with the university purchasing department.
• Manages cash, cash-related receipts, accounts receivable and credit and collection functions, ensuring timely processing of billings, payments, and collection of program revenue.
• As appropriate to the needs of the unit, may oversee auxiliary units.
• Develops or assists with the development and implementation of policies and procedures consistent with those of the organization to ensure efficient and safe operation of the unit.
• May coordinate financial aspects of research proposals, contracts, and sub-contracts, including the development of budget, proposal preparation, and adherence to funding requirements; serves as a liaison with university administrators, state, federal, and private funding sources.
• Participates in development, implementation and maintenance of policies, objectives, short-and long-range planning; develops and implements projects and programs to assist in accomplishment of established goals.
• Represents the organization at various community and/or business meetings, committees, and task forces; promotes existing and new programs and/or policies.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Level I - Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or management*. No experience required.
• Level II - Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or management* plus three years’ experience in financial management and/or accounting. For promotions, must meet degree requirement and experience must include at least three years at the preceding level.
• Level III - Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or management* plus six years’ experience in financial management and/or accounting. For promotions, must meet degree requirement and experience must include at least three years at the preceding level.

Substitutions Allowed:

• *Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 18 credit hours in business (i.e., business, finance, marketing, accounting, or management) as approved by Human Resources Management. Of the 18 credit hours, two (three hour) classes must be in Accounting.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of MSU systems, ie. Banner, CAYUSE, Concur, Page Up, Bully Buy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
• Knowledge of customer service principles, techniques, systems, and standards.
• Skill in budget management.
• Knowledge of faculty and/or staff hiring procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of business management principles and practices.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Skill using BANNER system.
• Ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• No or very limited physical effort required.

Screening Date

September 29, 2026, until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi StateUniversity, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] or [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.