Business Operations and Finance Manager - IPS

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Business Operations and Finance Manager serves as the senior administrative and financial manager for the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this position provides strategic oversight of the Center’s fiscal management, administrative operations, and business systems. With direction from the Executive Director, this manager leads financial planning, budgeting, and operations to ensure the Center’s growth and long-term sustainability continue. This position also serves as a member of the NCEL executive leadership team, advising the Executive Director and Institute for Public Service (IPS) leadership on fiscal strategy, business operations, compliance, and various performance improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, budgeting, and administrative operations, including supervisory experience.
• Advanced knowledge of accounting, budget management, and financial analysis.
• Proven leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to inspire and develop staff.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Expertise in compliance, reporting, and policy interpretation.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial data clearly to executive leadership.
• Commitment to integrity, collaboration, and the mission of public service.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Public Administration.
• Experience in higher education, public sector, or nonprofit financial management.
• Experience managing grants, contracts, and complex budgets.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems.
• CPA, CGFM, or equivalent professional certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in financial management, forecasting, and long-term fiscal planning.
• Direct and integrate all business operations, including accounting, purchasing, contracting, grants management, human resources coordination, information technology, and logistics.
• Develop and monitor budgets, oversee financial reporting, and ensure compliance with university, state, and federal regulations.
• Supervise and develop staff, fostering a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a key member of the NCEL leadership team, contributing to strategy, resource allocation, and organizational decision-making.
• Provide expert consultation on financial and administrative matters to internal and external stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager