BUSINESS SUPPORT SPECIALIST SR

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental and vision plans

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Educational fee discounts

Job summary

The University of Missouri-Columbia's Division of Biological Sciences is seeking a Senior Business Support Specialist to support financial operations, payroll, purchasing, reporting, and administrative projects within a dynamic academic environment.

You will collaborate with faculty, staff, and college partners to ensure compliance, maintain accurate records, and identify process improvements in a large, complex division on the Columbia campus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus 2 years of experience.
• Experience with financial reporting, account reconciliation, payroll, or purchasing.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and follow‑through.
• Collaborative, service‑focused approach with faculty, staff, and partners.

Responsibilities

• Monitor a diverse portfolio of department funds across various accounts.
• Prepare, analyze, and interpret financial reports and reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with policies and resolve financial discrepancies.
• Coordinate payroll transactions and related documentation.
• Serve as a resource on financial, payroll, and administrative processes.
• Manage procurement, requisitions, contracts, and reimbursements.
• Maintain accurate financial records and monitor transactions.
• Coordinate projects, conduct research, provide recommendations.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows and compliance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Hiring Department

The Division of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts & Science

Job Description

Are you a detail-oriented financial and administrative professional who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and helping others succeed? The University of Missouri's College of Arts & Science is seeking a Senior Business Support Specialist to support the Division of Biological Sciences.

This position is an opportunity to become a trusted operational partner within a dynamic academic and research environment. You will work closely with faculty, staff, and college partners to support financial operations, payroll activities, purchasing, reporting, and administrative projects. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical skills, sound judgment, a commitment to excellent service, and the initiative to identify solutions before challenges disrupt the work.

What You’ll Do

• Monitor a diverse portfolio of department funds, including operating, research, instructional, gift, start-up, grant, and internal award accounts
• Prepare, analyze, and interpret financial reports, reconciliations, and account activity to support sound fiscal management and informed decision-making
• Ensure compliance with university, college, and departmental policies while identifying and resolving financial discrepancies, complex transactions, and accounting issues
• Coordinate payroll transactions, including appointments, position changes, payroll processing, timekeeping, reconciliations, and related documentation
• Serve as a resource to faculty, staff, and leadership on financial, payroll, and administrative processes, providing responsive and solution-oriented support
• Manage procurement and purchasing activities, including requisitions, contracts, agreements, suppliers/vendor registration, purchasing card reconciliations, and employee reimbursements
• Maintain accurate financial and administrative records while monitoring transactions through completion and ensuring timely follow‑through
• Coordinate projects, conduct research and analysis, and provide recommendations that support departmental, division, and college priorities
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, enhance service, strengthen compliance, and contribute to the effective operation of a large and complex academic division

Shift

Generally, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with financial reporting, account reconciliation, payroll, purchasing or related business operations
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and follow‑through
• Collaborative, service‑focused approach to working with faculty, staff, and partners

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $24 - $26 per hour

Grade

GGS - 008

University Title

Senior Business Support Specialist

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information

Please note: This is an in‑person role located on the University of Missouri‑Columbia campus. Candidates must be residents of the State of Missouri or willing to relocate prior to the hire date.

Community Information

Columbia offers small‑town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big‑city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package:

• medical
• dental and vision plans
• retirement
• paid time off
• short- and long‑term disability
• paid parental leave
• paid caregiver leave
• educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses

For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.