Business Operations Manager

Washington State University; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, life and disability保险

Retirement plan

Employee tuition waiver

Job summary

Washington State University is seeking a Business Operations Manager in the Office of Research (Pullman, WA) to lead financial, personnel, and business administration for assigned units. You will oversee accounts payable/receivable, purchasing, budgeting, payroll, travel, and grant/contract administration while supervising staff and ensuring compliance with policies.

The role emphasizes data management, reporting, confidentiality, and strong communication across departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with four years of related experience, including at least one year supervisory experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and high accuracy in work.
• Proficient usage of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with accounts payable/receivable, purchasing, travel, personnel, cost analysis, and budget planning.
• Discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounts receivable and accounts payable, purchasing, budgeting, payroll, travel, and travel advances.
• Manage personnel records, payroll processing, and property inventory; ensure record keeping and audits.
• Supervise day-to-day operations and lead the Finance & Administration team.
• Provide grant and contract administration support and financial reporting.
• Analyze financial data to support unit decision making and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders within the Office of Research and the university.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Attention to detail

Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook

Confidentiality

Supervisory experience

Budgeting and cost analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:September 23, 2026If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.Available Title(s):1143-NN_ADMINPRO - Finance/Budget Manager, 1143-YN_ADMINPRO - Finance/Budget ManagerBusiness Title:Business Operations ManagerEmployee Type:Admin. ProfessionalPosition Details:The Opportunity:The Office of Research at Washington State University (WSU) is responsible for advancing the research enterprise at WSU systemwide. The Office of Research facilitates all aspects of the research from pre-award to compliance, advancement, development, and commercialization. The Office of Research amplifies WSU's land-grant mission by partnering with the university community, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance, extend, and grow the positive impact of WSU research for the state, region, and nation.Reporting to the Associate Director for Administrative Services, the Business Operations Manager is responsible for managing the financial, personnel, and business administration function for assigned unit(s) within the Office of Research.You will provide management and leadership of day-to-day services including: accounts receivable and payable, purchasing, budgeting, personnel, payroll, travel, property inventory, record keeping, auditing, analysis, and grant and contract administration.Percentage Breakdown of Job Functions:Fiscal Management – 30%Business Operations & Data Management – 20%Grants and Contracts – 15%Personnel – 15%Supervision – 15%Other – 5%Additional Information:This is a full time (100 % FTE), permanent position. Overtime eligibility will be determined upon salary placement.Monthly Salary:$4,942.10 - $7,569 | Commensurate with experience and qualificationsIn accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.Benefits:WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation .Required Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in a related field, and four (4) years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified which has included at least one (1) year of supervisory experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.Excellent oral and written communication skills.Demonstrated attention to detail.Proficient in computer usage to include Microsoft Suite products.Experience with various financial activities such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, travel, personnel, cost analysis and budget planning.Strong work ethic and willingness to maintain confidentiality.Preferred Qualifications:Experience and/or knowledge of state and federal laws/regulations pertaining to fiscal management.Experience with WSU or higher education system, which includes familiarity with a mainframe system, personnel processes, budget experience and fiscal process.Knowledge of Washington Administrative Codes and WSU Business Policies and Procedures.Position Sponsorship Eligibility:Not eligible for work visa sponsorshipAbout the Office of Research -For more information about the great work we are doing and to view our mission and values, please visit our website: Washington State University | Office of Research .Area/College:Office of ResearchDepartment Name:Finance & Administration teamLocation:Pullman, WAApplication Instructions:Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application . Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.1) Resume2) Cover Letter (Addressing the qualifications and the position details)External candidates , upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.Current WSU Employees (internal candidates) , before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday . Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.Background Check:This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 , engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.Time Type:Full timePosition Term:12 MonthWashington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail] .Notice of Non-DiscriminationIn matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/