BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER

Arizona State University; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Arizona State University is seeking a Business Operations Manager within the Executive Administration Business Office in Tempe, AZ. The BOM acts as the primary liaison for executive units, coordinating fiscal, procurement, travel, and payroll actions with accuracy and integrity.

This role requires strong judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to improve workflows while maintaining compliance. Do you have a track record of service excellence in a fast-paced university setting?

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned executive-level units, providing guidance on fiscal, procurement, travel, and payroll procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow efficiency and operational consistency, and make recommendations for enhancements.
• Initiate, review, and process a high volume of financial transactions in accordance with university policy and funding guidelines.
• Manage purchasing card (P-Card) transactions, reimbursements, journal entries, expense transfers, and requisitions, ensuring compliance and appropriate documentation.

Skills

Operational experience

Policy interpretation

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Workday

Concur

PaymentNet

PeopleSoft

Job description

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Description:

Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000 per year; DOE

The Executive Administration (EA) Business Office supports executive-level units in a fast-paced, high-volume environment that values accuracy, compliance, collaboration, and exemplary customer service.

The Business Operations Manager (BOM) serves as the primary business office liaison for assigned executive units, coordinating fiscal, procurement, travel, and payroll transactions. The BOM gathers and analyzes information from supported units to process actions accurately and efficiently within established systems and policies.

This position requires strong attention to detail, sound professional judgment, and discretion to determine when to resolve matters independently and when to elevate or update the Assistant Director regarding unusual or complex issues. The BOM ensures that all business operations are conducted with integrity, accuracy, and a commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned executive-level units, providing guidance on fiscal, procurement, travel, and payroll procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow efficiency and operational consistency, and make recommendations for enhancements.

Fiscal & Transactional Responsibilities

• Initiate, review, and process a high volume of financial transactions in accordance with university policy and funding guidelines.
• Manage purchasing card (P-Card) transactions, reimbursements, journal entries, expense transfers, and requisitions, ensuring compliance and appropriate documentation.
• Apply a continuous improvement mindset to transaction processing and internal control practices, identifying efficiencies while maintaining compliance and service excellence.

Judgment, Escalation & Communication

• Exercise sound professional judgment to independently resolve routine matters and determine when to elevate issues.
• Demonstrate initiative in identifying potential process improvements, compliance risks, or resource needs and recommending solutions.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience providing operational and transactional support in a high-volume, customer-focused environment.
• Proficiency with Workday, Concur, PaymentNet, and PeopleSoft or comparable enterprise systems.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, accounting, procurement, travel, and payroll policies and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policies, maintain compliance, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Evidence of judgment, accuracy, and initiative in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Commitment to service excellence, process improvement, and professional integrity.
• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting, subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse.
• Infrequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 25 pounds.
• Regular use of standard office equipment including computer workstation/laptop, printer, fax, calculator, copier, telephone, and associated peripherals.

Department Statement:

The Executive Administration team focuses on Business Operations, providing essential support to our units while ensuring efficiency and accountability in all business processes. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality service, optimizing resources, and fostering collaboration to advance ASU’s strategic goals. By prioritizing integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement, we drive operational success and contribute to ASU’s mission of excellence and community impact.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation’s fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance - For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

ASU’s comprehensive benefits package is a key part of your total compensation. Visit the ASUCompensation Estimator

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

About Arizona State University

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the country’s most innovative school, Arizona State University is where students and faculty work with NASA to develop, advance and lead innovations in space exploration.