Business Administrator II, Graduate College

University of Delaware•Newark, NJ

About The Position

The Graduate College, established in 2019, is responsible for the growth and vitality of graduate programs and research at the University of Delaware. It serves over 4,400 graduate students and 270 postdoctoral researchers, managing interdisciplinary programs and funding initiatives. The Business Administrator II, working under limited direction, manages the financial operations for the Graduate College, ensuring alignment with university and college strategic goals. This role involves financial analysis, procurement, policy interpretation, and administrative support, requiring a high degree of judgment, initiative, and autonomy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, accounting, or related field.
Five years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Skill in preparing budgets and forecasting.
Analytical and problem-solving skills to independently interpret budgetary and financial information.
Ability to execute and integrate financial analyses and prepare summaries and projections.
Proficient computer skills, including experience with spreadsheet, charting, and other software tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook).
Excel proficiency required.
Demonstrated interest and ability in learning new technical tools and acquiring new proficiencies in software platforms.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Effective organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
Demonstrated analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
High level of independent judgment and the ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures.
Ability to exercise judgment and discretion, especially with regards to sensitive or confidential personnel or organizational matters.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with UD accounting system and PeopleSoft financials is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage and administer a portfolio of complex Graduate College budgets totaling more than $8 million per year, including basic budget, self-supporting/revenue, gifts, endowments, and reserves.
Manage financial operations for Graduate Student Organizations and Graduate Student Travel Awards.
Interpret, develop, and maintain adherence to standard operating procedures for fiduciary best practices.
Prepare and present financial reports and customized financial analyses for the Associate Business Officer and senior leadership.
Oversee financial training for the Graduate College and its stakeholders.
Process and monitor financial transactions.
Perform customized financial analyses to facilitate decision-making and planning.
Perform audits on Graduate College purpose codes to ensure compliance with policies.
Create and manage detailed funding and budget spreadsheets, including developing formulas, organizing data, and preparing reports.
Compile data for unit reports relating to budget, expenditures, balances, and projections.
Monitor spending on gifts and endowments and assist with preparation of spending plans.
Manage the Graduate Emergency Loan program, coordinating with Treasury Services and Student Financial Services.
Approve, manage, and monitor the operational budgets of over 50 registered Graduate Student Organizations, ensuring financial compliance.
Manage the Graduate College Travel award budget, reviewing and approving Concur reports.
Maintain an in-depth understanding of assigned unit operations and policies within the Graduate College to assist with financial planning.
Monitor operations to identify and mitigate financial risks, developing data-driven actionable plans.
Recommend creative improvements to current processes and work products.
Assist the Associate Business Officer with fiscal responsibility for all college accounts using various university systems.
Serve as Department Procurement Specialist and purpose code approver for the Graduate College, processing purchase orders.
Initiate, process, and approve financial webforms including journal vouchers, purchase orders, vendor payments, and cash transmittals.
Oversee the administration of purchasing cards, allocation of expenses, and processing.
Manage the process for financial data records retention.
Answer routine questions about budgets, allocations, and expenses from Unit directors and escalate non-routine questions to the ABO.
Serve as a liaison between departments and the college in budget-related activities.
Assist with the coordination and submission of grant applications and budget approvals.
Process HR/payroll forms, including graduate contracts, tuition waivers, adjunct letters, and GNCP pay agreements.
Maintain and process negotiated financial aspects of contracts and lease agreements in collaboration with Procurement Services.
Maintain confidentiality and professional collaborative relationships.
Participate in special projects and perform other miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.