Business Manager

Business Services at Utah State University is seeking a Business Manager I to support the Division of Student Success. The Business Manager I provides day-to-day financial management, analysis, and operational support within Student Success. This position reports to the Financial Officer and serves as a key financial advisor to unit financial managers. The role supports budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance activities;

ensures the accuracy of financial transactions; monitors expenditures; and contributes to financial planning to support the unit’s mission and strategic goals.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Prepare and monitor departmental budgets and spending plans
• Track revenues, expenditures, and commitments to ensure fiscal responsibility and adherence to approved budgets.
• Assist in forecasting financial needs and variances to inform planning and decision-making.
• Provide budgeting assistance to the department or unit leader with short and long-term planning.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Perform financial analyses to support unit operations and funding decisions.
• Provide regular financial reports that provide a clear picture of the department or unit’s financial health.
• Reconcile accounts and ensure data integrity and update financial records.
• Identify discrepancies and coordinate corrections in collaboration with finance and accounting teams.

Compliance & Transaction Oversight

• Advise the department or unit financial managers on relevant laws, regulations, or policies that may impact the use of funding and/or financial operations.
• Review purchasing, payroll, and travel transactions for accuracy, allowability, and allocability on the funding source.
• Maintain internal records and documentation for audit readiness.
• Review of contracts and agreements to ensure alignment of the department or unit’s budget and availability of funding.

Customer Service & Collaboration

• Serve as the primary financial contact for assigned departments and programs.
• Provide guidance on financial procedures, budget use, and transaction processes.
• Participates and attend staff/division meetings and training to stay current on policies and tools.
• Proactively meet and review activity, at least every month, with financial managers and other stakeholders and make necessary adjustments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, economics, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education plus experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting standards.
• Familiarity with budget management and expense tracking practices.
• Proficiency in financial systems, spreadsheets, and data entry tools.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in financial recordkeeping.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply financial policies and procedures.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders.

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

As Utah’s student-centered, land-grant research university, Utah State University expands opportunity and strengthens communities across the state through learning, discovery, extension, and engagement. Founded in 1888, USU now holds two Carnegie distinctions: R1 status for very high research activity and the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Its innovative…