Business Operations Manager
About The Position
Thunderbird School of Global Management (TSGM) is seeking a strategic and collaborative Business Operations Manager to join the Financial Accounting and Operations team. This role serves as a key business partner supporting financial and operational functions across a dynamic and globally focused environment. The Business Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing financial and administrative operations including budgeting, financial analysis, procurement, compliance oversight, operational process management, and staff supervision. This position works closely with school leadership, faculty, and university partners to support sound financial decision-making, operational efficiency, and high-quality service. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and solutions-driven, with the ability to manage competing priorities, exercise independent judgment, and communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. This role requires adaptability, initiative, and the ability to navigate evolving priorities and ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
- Demonstrated knowledge of budgeting, accounting, forecasting, and financial analysis principles.
- Experience preparing and analyzing financial and operational reports for leadership audiences.
- Experience supervising staff and managing workflows in a collaborative environment.
- Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
- Proficiency with enterprise financial systems such as Workday, Concur, PaymentNet, PeopleSoft, or similar platforms.
- Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and customer service skills.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities, and work independently.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working in higher education, nonprofit, Executive Education, grant, or gift management environments preferred.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary business operations lead and point of contact for assigned units on financial and operational matters.
- Lead, mentor, and develop business support staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Coordinate cross-departmental initiatives and represent the unit in university meetings and stakeholder discussions.
- Monitor and analyze financial activity; prepare and present financial, administrative, and strategic reports for leadership decision-making.
- Partner with the Executive Education team to develop and critically review program price sheets, validating mathematical accuracy, testing financial assumptions, and assessing overall financial viability.
- Provide independent financial analysis and recommendations, including identifying risks and advising on adjustments when projected margins do not meet established financial standards.
- Ensure compliance with university and governing agency policies by reviewing and authorizing financial transactions, including P-Card activity, procurement, travel, reimbursements, and journal entries.
- Establish and maintain internal controls for personnel actions, expenditures, and revenue processes.
- Interpret, implement, and communicate relevant policies and procedural updates; develop and maintain internal operating procedures and manuals.
- Collaborate with HR, Financial Services, Purchasing, Travel, and other university partners to ensure efficient operations and high service standards.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational effectiveness, compliance, and customer service.
- Contribute to long-range strategic planning and support special projects as assigned.
- Performs additional duties or projects, as assigned
Benefits
- Flexible work options
- Hybrid work is an arrangement where employees spend a minimum of 60% of their regular workweek at their primary ASU work location.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
