Business Officer, Associate

Business Officer, Associate at Vanderbilt University

The Assistant Director of Finance is responsible for the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of all financial and accounting functions across Auxiliary Services. This position leads the accounting team, oversees all transactional and period‑end activities, and ensures compliance with university policies and external requirements. The role will deliver financial insights, identify trends and anomalies, recommend solutions, and serve as a resource for Division of Administration/Auxiliary Services leadership.

• Lead and direct the Division of Administration accounting team, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of all financial activities.
• Oversee the accounting cycle including journal entries, reconciliations, cash management, accruals, accounts receivable, internal billing, and tax reporting.
• Manage revenue recognition processes for Campus Dining, Commodore Card activity, third‑party commissions and other Auxiliary revenue streams.
• Ensure accurate and timely month‑end, quarter‑end and year‑end closes; proactively monitor results to identify anomalies or issues requiring attention.
• Provide trusted, accurate financial information and ensure best practices in compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Serve as the primary resource for Auxiliary Services leadership on accounting and tax issues.

• Assist the Senior Business Officer in the annual preparation of capital and operating budgets.
• Assist in the submission of monthly and quarterly operational forecasts to Central Finance, providing variance explanations with mitigation plans when appropriate.
• Monitor ongoing financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Maintain detailed headcount and salary data, model salary impact of all operational changes and coordinate justification/approvals for headcount changes.
• Develop capital project requests, including scope, funding and return on investment.
• Monitor fund flow in operations and capital expenditure spend and contributions.
• Solicit and incorporate feedback from operational leaders into forecasts.
• Collaborate with operational leaders to validate projections, assess assumptions and strengthen financial planning.

• Oversee procurement processes across Auxiliary Services, ensuring compliance, efficiency and budget alignment.
• Manage vendor relationships, track contract performance and support negotiations and renewals.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of requisitions, invoices and payments within university systems.
• Train departmental staff on procurement policies and procedures, ensuring consistency and compliance across units.

• Serve as second‑in‑command to the Senior Business Officer, providing leadership and continuity of operations for the Auxiliary Services finance team.
• Supervise, coach and develop accounting staff, fostering accountability, growth and professional excellence.
• Promote a culture of proactivity, accuracy and collaboration across Auxiliary Services finance and operations.
• Partner with university and Auxiliary leaders to streamline processes, drive efficiencies and enhance decision‑making support.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or finance and/or MBA preferred.
• Five years’ relevant experience is required.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is required.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data, identify trends and generate actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity and professionalism; highly organized and capable of thriving in a fast‑paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, large data sets and complex projects effectively.
• Experience with project management, organizational development or performance improvement initiatives preferred.

Director

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing

Higher Education