Senior Admin. Business Professional

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University seeks a Senior Administrative Business Professional to provide strategic leadership in financial management, payroll administration, HR support, and business process improvement for the Division of Student Affairs.

The role ensures compliance with university policies and contractual requirements while promoting accuracy, efficiency, accountability, and continuous improvement across divisional operations.

Qualifications

• Requires a four‑year degree in a related field.
• Five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, budgeting, accounting, payroll, or HR operations.
• Knowledge of financial management practices, budget development, forecasts, reporting, and internal controls.
• Experience interpreting policies, contracts, and regulations to ensure compliance.
• Ability to analyze processes and implement standardized procedures.
• Experience with enterprise systems, payroll, and HRIS.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership in financial management, payroll administration, HR support, and process improvement.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, regulations, and contractual requirements.
• Collaborate with finance, HR, and departmental partners to advance divisional priorities and stewardship of university resources.
• Develop and deliver training and guidance to staff and leadership.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Project management

Cross‑functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, human resources, public administration, or related field

Master's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, human resources, public administration, or related field

Tools

Enterprise business systems

Payroll/timekeeping systems

HRIS

Financial reporting tools

Job description

Position Summary

The position of Senior Administrative Business Professional provides strategic and operational leadership in financial management, payroll administration, human resources support, and business process improvement for the Division of Student Affairs. This position ensures compliance with university policies, procedures, contractual agreements, and institutional standards while promoting accuracy, efficiency, accountability, and continuous improvement across divisional operations.

The position serves as a key resource to divisional leadership, departmental administrators, and staff by developing and implementing effective business practices, providing guidance and training, strengthening financial oversight, and supporting recruitment, employee development, and organizational effectiveness. Through collaboration with finance, human resources, and departmental partners, this role advances divisional priorities and supports the effective stewardship of university resources.

Minimum Requirements

• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree in business administration, accounting, finance, human resources, public administration, or related field.
• Five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, budgeting, accounting, human resources administration, payroll, or business operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial management practices, including budget development, forecasting, financial reporting, account reconciliation, and internal controls.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, regulations, and contractual requirements to ensure compliance and operational accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze business processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop and implement standardized procedures.
• Experience working with enterprise business systems, financial reporting tools, payroll or timekeeping systems, and human resources information systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training, communicate complex information clearly, and provide guidance to employees and leadership.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with stakeholders at multiple organizational levels.
• Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality, accuracy, customer service, and responsible stewardship of financial and personnel information.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, human resources, public administration, or related field.
• Experience working in higher education, preferably within a complex university environment or a student affairs division.
• Experience with university financial systems, enterprise business systems (EBS), payroll and timekeeping applications, and human resources information systems.
• Familiarity with university budgeting, fund accounting, financial forecasting, labor expense planning, and fiscal compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting recruitment, position classification, job description development, compensation analysis, employee relations, and performance management processes.
• Demonstrated experience developing key performance indicators (KPIs), analyzing operational and financial data, and preparing reports to support strategic decision‑making.
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives, developing policies and procedures, and implementing standardized business practices across multiple departments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, balance competing priorities, and exercise sound judgment in resolving financial and operational issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, inclusive service delivery, collaborative problem‑solving, and responsible stewardship of institutional resources.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Special Instructions

This position is remote‑friendly, with eligibility for up to one remote workday per week following successful completion of training. Remote work availability may be limited during peak operational periods based on business needs. The position is primarily based on the East Lansing campus.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote‑friendly. Remote‑friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends November 17, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.