Business Operations Specialist, Temporary

Chapman University; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 4,835,000 - 5,298,000; Part time

Job summary

Chapman University in Orange, California is seeking a temporary, part-time Business Operations Specialist to manage the Fowler School of Engineering’s financial and business operations on campus.

Under the Director of Operations, you will oversee budgeting, employment processes, and financial transactions, coordinating with Financial Services, HR, Payroll, Purchasing, and Sponsored Projects, while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in accounting, finance, or business.
• Minimum four years in budgetary, administrative, accounting, and fiscal reconciliation.
• Experience interpreting financial policies and regulations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and interact with diverse teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel; adaptable to enterprise systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage the school’s day-to-day financial operations and improve accountability.
• Generate biweekly and monthly reports, and monitor budget variances.
• Serve as liaison to Financial Services, Payroll, Purchasing, HR, and Sponsored Projects.
• Review financial transactions for compliance with policies and funding guidelines.
• Oversee faculty and student travel, start-up packages, gifts, and awards.
• Provide training and communications on policies to staff and faculty.
• Guide staff in using PeopleSoft Finance, Concur, and PeopleAdmin.
• Collaborate with the Director and Sponsored Projects to resolve discrepancies.

Skills

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Microsoft Excel

PC proficiency

Team player

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance or related

Tools

PeopleSoft Finance

Concur

PeopleAdmin

Job description

Business Operations Specialist, Temporary

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Position Information

Position Title

Position Title Business Operations Specialist, Temporary

Position Type

Position Type Temporary

Job Number

Job Number SA91624

Full or Part Time

Full or Part Time part-time 30-39 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Non-Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range

Anticipated Pay Range $35.10 - $38.46

Pay Range Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Operations, the Fowler School of Engineering ( FSE ) temporary Business Operations Specialist provides comprehensive management of the School’s financial and business operations. The position is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, compliance, and effective administration of FSE’s financial activities, budgets, employment processes, and business transactions. The Business Operations Specialist serves as a liaison between FSE and the University’s administrative, financial, human resources, research, payroll, and other departments, representing the School and facilitating the timely resolution of financial and operational matters.
This position requires accountability, initiative in managing multiple priorities, the ability to implement business processes, and coordination of financial and employment transactions and analyses. Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, discretion, initiative, strong organizational and project management abilities, and the capacity to work independently while building effective partnerships across the University and within a collaborative team environment. The Business Operations Specialist may provide guidance, training, and direction to FSE staff, faculty, and students on financial and business processes. Other duties as assigned.
This is a temporary, part-time position designed to support the Fowler School of Engineering’s daily business operations while the School conducts a search for a full-time Business Manager. This is an in-person position based at Chapman University’s Main Campus in Orange, California.

The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, alternative work hours may be considered based on the needs of the School and the selected candidate’s availability.

Responsibilities

Financial Operations Under the direction of the Director of Operations, responsible for the day-to-day financial operations of the School. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Manage the school’s financial processes, improve accountability, control expenses, and monitor financial activity.
• Generate biweekly and monthly reports, reporting potential variances,and ensure budget targets are met.
• Serve as a liaison to Offices of Financial Services, Academic Financial Operations, Payroll, Financial Aid, Purchasing, University Advancement, and Sponsored Projects.
• Review and monitor all financial transactions, including purchase orders, expense reimbursements, purchasing card activities, payroll, service agreements, contracts, and payments to ensure compliance with University Fiscal Policy and funding agency guidelines.
• Oversee faculty and student travel and research allowances, start-up packages, gifts, and awards. Notify recipients of allocations, balances, and advise on the appropriate use of funds.
• Provide regular training and communications to staff, faculty, and student workers regarding financial and business policies, procedures, and deadlines.
• Guide, train, and monitor staff and faculty use of PeopleSoft Finance, Concur, PeopleAdmin, and shared systems to manage purchasing, personnel, and financial processes.
• Initiates communications with faculty/principal investigators regarding grant finances and pending activities. Collaborate with the Director, the Office of Sponsored Projects, and various departments to resolve discrepancies.

Academic Personnel Support

• Serve as a liaison to the Offices of Human Resources, Faculty Affairs, Payroll, and various University departments to support hiring and employment-related transactions for faculty, researchers, postdocs, staff, and students.
• Oversee, record, and track full-time faculty, postdocs, student workers, and research personnel files from initiating the hiring process to employment renewals and separation.
• Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all personnel files.

Other Duties

• As part of the Fowler Engineering Team, provide service to the School and University, serve as backup support, and perform other activities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably accounting, finance, or business) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum four years of professional budgetary, administrative, accounting, and fiscal reconciliation experience.
• Experience in interpretation, application, and compliance with financial policies and regulations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to convey accurate information in a professional and tactful manner, and the ability to interact with a diverse group of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality is a must.
• PC proficiency is required. An advanced understanding of Microsoft Office programs, including the importance of using Excel for financial and business operations.
• Technical skills to learn and use enterprise systems and applications needed for the position.
• Proven ability to work independently and evaluate data, assess alternatives, and formulate logical and sound decisions and/or recommendations.
• Collaborative team player with a positive attitude. Strong commitment to working creatively and collaboratively in a customer service-first environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to learn, understand, and interpret sponsored project requirements, uniform guidance, and apply them appropriately.
• Working knowledge of higher education environment, policies and procedures

MAIN CAMPUS
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
[phone]
RINKER HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS
9401 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, CA 92618
© 2019 CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening, and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.