College Business Analyst Principal

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky’s College of Education seeks a Director of Business Operations to lead the College Business Center and strengthen financial operations. This role mentors staff, guides budget planning, and ensures policies are implemented consistently across the college.

The successful candidate will oversee analysts, advise leaders on operational decisions, and drive improvements in processes and financial reporting using SAP, Tableau, and Excel.

Qualifications

• Progressively responsible experience in business administration, financial management, budgeting or accounting.
• Experience in higher education, public sector, or complex organizational environment preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to mentor staff, lead process improvements, and build partnerships.
• Ability to explain complex financial information clearly to leaders and faculty.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support analysts and business officers across the college.
• Provide guidance on budget planning and financial reporting.
• Oversee business processes to ensure consistency and compliance with policies.
• Mentor staff and promote professional development.
• Implement and improve financial systems and reporting tools; ensure collaborative teamwork.

Skills

Detail oriented

Financial acumen

Project management

Clear communication

Multi-tasking

SAP

Tableau

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/finance/related field

Tools

SAP

Tableau

Excel

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Sitting and/or standing for long periods of time; performing repetitive motion tasks; effectively communicating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varied professional levels.

Shift

Typically Days: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m, Monday – Friday

Job Summary

The College of Education is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and solutions-oriented Director of Business Operations to serve as a key leader within the College Business Center.

This position plays a vital role in strengthening financial operations, supporting sound business decisions, mentoring business staff, and advancing consistent, high-quality service across the college.

In this highly visible role, the Director of Business Operations will lead and support analysts and business officers, provide guidance on budget planning and financial reporting, oversee business processes, and help ensure university and college policies are implemented consistently and effectively. This position is ideal for a professional who enjoys mentoring others, improving processes, building trusted partnerships, and using financial insight to help academic units operate efficiently and strategically.

The successful candidate will have progressively responsible experience in business administration, financial management, budgeting, accounting, or a closely related field, preferably within a higher education, public sector, or complex organizational environment. Experience interpreting policies, supporting compliance, preparing financial reports, and advising leaders on budgetary or operational decisions is strongly preferred.

Strong candidates will demonstrate advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and professionalism. The role requires a service-oriented communicator who can explain complex financial information clearly, build effective working relationships, and provide dependable guidance to faculty, staff, department leaders, and college administration.

The ideal candidate will also bring demonstrated leadership, mentoring, training, and project management abilities. They should be comfortable leading process improvements, supporting staff development, promoting consistent business practices, and fostering a collaborative team environment. Proficiency with financial systems and reporting tools, including SAP , Tableau, Excel and related business applications, is highly desirable.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Detail Oriented, financial acumen, project management, good communication skills, ability to multi-task, SAP , Tableau, Excel

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Experience in leading a finance team at a University, non-profit, or large organization in process development, enhancement, and efficiency.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 11/13/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.