Business Manager; Dept. Physics & Astronomy

Business Manager (Dept. Physics & Astronomy)

The Department of Physics & Astronomy is searching for a Business Manager. The Department employs over 50 faculty members, 15 administrative and 25 research staff; maintains a state appropriated budget, grants and contracts in excess of $50 million. As a senior staff position and senior supervisor, the Business Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily financial operations of the department, independently managing complex financial activities, and providing a high level of strategic and operational support to departmental leadership.

This position assists the chair with duties not requiring his/her personal attention and ensures adherence to all pertinent financial deadlines and long-term planning required. And serves as senior financial operating liaison for the Department with University administrative units including Budget & Planning, Finance and Administrative. The Business Manager plays a key role in supporting the department's financial health and operational success while working closely with leadership and university partners.

Responsibilities:

• Independently manages the departments financial oversight which includes but not limited to the following: processing, recording, and maintaining accounting controls over state and grant account transactions in accounts payable, travel, accounts receivable in accordance with university and state regulations, policies, and procedures. Responsible for the cost center manager role in Workday. Serves as liaison with University's bank; coordinates with bank personnel to implement new services and procedures and to resolve problems and trouble shoot.
  
  Manages the financial reporting of cost centers, start-up, rebate and foundation accounts which includes reconciling accounts and billing on a monthly basis. Prepares annual departmental budget and allocations, reconciles ledgers monthly, and responsible for year-end closeout of state supported accounts. Provides high-level of support to the department Chair and Assistant to the Chair including long-range planning. Handles confidential data and information with discretion and protects confidentiality.
  
  Serves as back-up to the Assistant to the Chair.
• Independently establishes and manages internal financial controls within the department. Responsible for supervising purchasing and travel activities for all state and external accounts. Conducts periodic audits to test internal controls and/or investigate possible ways for improved financial operations. Represent the department at all levels of university administration to communicate or present information concerning the department.
• Responsible for supervising assigned administrative office staff to ensure efficiency, timeliness and accuracy. Responsible for training, evaluating performance and job descriptions, monitors workload, approves leave, etc. Supervises 3 full-time employees.

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or related field with 3 years of experience in financial management, accounting or business operations.

LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Preferred qualifications:

Master's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or related field with supervisory, university related experience and Workday or similar enterprise financial systems experience.