Business Operations Professional II

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Business Operations Professional in Athens, Georgia. This strategic partner will manage financial operations, offering comprehensive oversight on budgeting and fiscal affairs. Key responsibilities include advising faculty and leadership, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines, and developing intricate financial reports.

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor's degree and possess strong knowledge of PeopleSoft and QuickBooks, demonstrating an ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a diverse environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.
• Ability to interpret UGA financial reports.
• Ability to work well with others.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive financial management of organizational accounts.
• Advise on fiscal affairs and budget strategy.
• Conduct financial analysis and reporting.

Skills

Strong working knowledge of PeopleSoft

QuickBooks

Excel

Word

Quality customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Position Summary

This Business Operations Professional serves as a strategic business partner to the Institute, providing comprehensive financial management of organizational accounts through a deep understanding of the Institute's mission, operations, and the specific business needs of our divisions. This role applies advanced knowledge of financial accounting and public budgeting within the context of higher education and public service to support sound decision-making and operational effectiveness.

Acting as an internal consultant on fiscal affairs, financial management, and budget strategy, this position advises faculty, staff, and leadership on budgeting, budget management, and financial planning. Responsibilities include monitoring personal services and operating expenditures in relation to budgets and actuals, as well as overseeing sub-awards, contracts, and other outsourced services.

Using advanced financial expertise, the Business Operations Professional ensures all transactions comply with Institute of Government guidelines, University of Georgia policies, and Board of Regents policies. The role leads the development and production of complex financial reports and maintains accurate financial data and records within internal financial management systems (currently QuickBooks and related document management systems) to support transparency and informed decision-making.

The Business Operations Professional ensures proper administration of all related agreements, including compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Regular financial analysis and reporting are conducted using internal systems, and accounts are routinely reconciled against university records to ensure accuracy and integrity.

Supporting business operations across multiple divisions, this position ensures financial coverage aligns with organizational priorities. The Business Operations Professional provides professional oversight of fiscal affairs, reinforces best practices in financial management, and serves as a trusted advisor and resource to faculty, staff, and Institute of Government leadership regarding financial operations and account management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Strong working knowledge of PeopleSoft, QuickBooks, Excel, Word.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Ability to work without supervision on projects.
• Ability to interpret UGA financial reports.
• Provide and grasp the value of quality customer service.

Physical Demands

• Lift up to 20 pounds.
• Work on a computer for long periods of time.
• Maneuver between four buildings located on site.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

Location

Athens Area

Awards Management

• Management and review of necessary proposals, budgets, agreements, contracts, subcontracts, sales orders, invoices, or grants with internal and external constituencies.
• Analysis and preparation of regular reporting and other data resources to assist public service faculty, as well as other internal and external constituencies, in ensuring adherence to their respective scopes of work and related budgets, and when necessary, assisting with amendments, changes or corrective actions required.
• Analysis and preparation of ad hoc reporting for the Institute of Government, University, sponsors or other entities as required.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Fiscal Affairs

• Management, reconciliation and reporting of fiscal transactions utilizing QuickBooks and other University Systems as an internal fiscal control as may be required and appropriate for assigned accounts within the policies and procedures.
• Preparation, submission and management of financial transactions to include journal vouchers, employee payroll, budget journals and other transactions as may be required and appropriate for assigned accounts within the policies and procedures.
• Management of accounts receivable to include invoicing, receivables tracking, aging report management, and collections as necessary.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Client Relations

The Business Operations Professional develops and maintains positive working relationships with both internal and external clients through demonstrated competency, personal integrity, and exemplary professionalism in all interactions. Through regular communication and engagement, the Business Operations Professional cultivates strong, collaborative partnerships that support organizational effectiveness.

Serving as a strategic business partner to internal stakeholders, the Business Operations Professional develops a thorough understanding of the Institute's business operations and the unique needs of our divisions. In this capacity, the role functions as an internal consultant on fiscal affairs, financial management, and budget strategy-providing guidance, insight, and support to faculty, staff, and leadership to enhance financial decision-making and operational outcomes.

Professional Development and Education

The Business Operations Professional must possess core competencies in higher education fiscal affairs and seek continuous training and professional development to enhance knowledge, skills and abilities. The position strives always for greater efficiency and effectiveness in meeting the needs of the Institute of Government for sound fiscal affairs.

Cross-Training and Work Team Support

The Business Operations Professional engages in continuous cross-training with other business operations professionals and staff in the Office of Finance and Administration to ensure the highest levels of professional service in matters related to the fiscal affairs of the Institute of Government.