Strategic Operations & Finance Manager

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 55,962 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition assistance

Retirement plans

Time off

Wellness programs

Professional development

Discounts and services

Flexible work hours

Home ownership assistance

Adoption assistance

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is seeking a Business Manager for University Life Space and Events. The role oversees financial and administrative operations, budgeting, payroll, and vendor management to ensure efficient services and strategic alignment with departmental goals.

You will supervise staff, coordinate HR processes in Workday, and partner with senior leadership to optimize processes, forecast budgets, and deliver timely financial reporting across ULSE.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2–3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience in higher education is preferred.
• Strong communication skills to enforce policies with tact and diplomacy.
• Budget procedures, payroll policies, and familiarity with Penn systems (BEN Financials, Business Objects, Concur, Workday@Penn).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).

Responsibilities

• Budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning for departmental functions and events.
• Oversee payroll, reimbursements, purchasing cards, reconciliations, and journals.
• Supervise staff and coordinate cross‑functional activities; ensure compliance with policies.
• HR administration via Workday and training for workflows and process changes.
• Communicate with stakeholders and prepare monthly financial reporting and analyses.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Budgeting

HR/payroll policies

Higher education experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

BEN Financials

Business Objects

Concur

Workday@Penn

Microsoft Office

Job description

The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is seeking a Business Manager for University Life Space and Events. The role oversees financial and administrative operations, budgeting, payroll, and vendor management to ensure efficient services and strategic alignment with departmental goals.

You will supervise staff, coordinate HR processes in Workday, and partner with senior leadership to optimize processes, forecast budgets, and deliver timely financial reporting across ULSE.