Description
The Athletics Business Manager serves as the primary finance and
business operations professional within the Athletic Department
while maintaining a direct reporting relationship to the Deputy CFO
in the Business and Finance Office. This unique dual-positioning
structure ensures strong financial oversight and institutional
alignment while providing dedicated on-site support to Athletics
operations. The position is responsible for the efficient
management and strategic leadership of all aspects of the Athletic
Department's business and finance operations, including
organizational oversight of business office staff and compliance
with all NCAA rules and regulations. The Athletics Business Manager
serves as a member of the executive and senior leadership
teams.
Examples of Duties
Financial Management & Strategic Planning
- Assist in the development and management of the annual budget
for the Athletics Department, working with the Deputy Athletics
Director to ensure financial resources are allocated efficiently
across all athletic programs and align with strategic goals
Provide oversight of the division's fiscal management,
including budget development and reporting of the operating budget,
restricted funds, and revenue streams
Monitor and report on the financial performance of the
department, providing regular updates to senior management and
stakeholders
Develop comprehensive financial forecasting models and
long-term strategic financial planning for the Athletic
Department
Create and maintain sophisticated financial reports for the
Athletic Director, Deputy AD, Deputy CFO, and senior
leadership
Collaborate with coaches, staff, and university officials to
forecast financial needs and plan for upcoming seasons and
events
Communicate detailed financial data and analysis to all head
coaches and area supervisors
Develop advanced data analytic tools to generate short and
long-term financial projections regarding operating revenues and
expenses
Operational Oversight & Compliance
- Oversee the processing of financial transactions related to all
athletic programs, including accounts payable and accounts
receivable
- Review, reconcile, and track the division's purchase
requisitions, vendor payments, and credit card transactions,
maintaining accurate records of outstanding balances and ensuring
proper documentation for final approval by Athletics
leadership
- Manage the procurement and contracting process for athletic
equipment, services, and facilities across all sports programs
- Manage the daily operations of the Athletics business office
with strong attention to internal controls and audit
compliance
- Ensure strict compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations,
conference requirements, and university financial policies
- Supervise and mentor multiple full-time staff members and
graduate assistants within the Athletics business office, fostering
a collaborative and efficient work environment
Audit & Reconciliation Management
- Lead the Athletic Department's participation in monthly
reconciliation processes, year-end close procedures, and all
internal/external audits related to athletic accounts
- Coordinate with external auditors during annual audits and
address any findings specifically related to the Athletics
Department
- Review NCAA financial reports and EADA (Equity in Athletics
Disclosure Act) reports for accuracy before Financial Services
submission
- Maintain comprehensive documentation and audit trails for all
athletic financial activities
- Conduct detailed financial analysis and prepare comprehensive
reports to assist in decision-making and strategic planning
Revenue Generation & Contract Management
- Lead the development of financial strategies to increase
revenue streams, including ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships,
and fundraising initiatives
- Conduct revenue reconciliation for Athletics Department income
streams to ensure accurate financial reporting
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate extensively with multiple campus partners on
accurate reporting and financial projections, including ticket
office, Business and Finance Office, and other business units
- Serve as primary Athletics liaison to the Business and Finance
Office, ensuring seamless communication and compliance
- Participate in university-wide financial planning and strategic
initiatives as they relate to Athletics
Typical Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business
Administration, or other accredited business-related field from an
accredited institution
- Five to seven years of progressive experience in
accounting, higher education finance, and/or sports administration,
or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Strong working knowledge of accounting best practices
for higher education institutions
- Comprehensive understanding of NCAA rules and
regulations, particularly financial reporting requirements
- Expertise in the Department of Education's Equity in
Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) and NCAA financial reporting
standards
- Advanced proficiency in financial analysis technology
and computer applications including Banner ERP, Microsoft Excel,
and other relevant business intelligence tools
Preferred Qualifications
- CPA certification or progress toward certification
- Big 4 accounting firm experience providing exposure to
complex financial operations and audit processes
- Experience in collegiate athletics business operations
at Division I level
- Familiarity with CAA Conference or similar mid-major
conference financial requirements and reporting
- Knowledge of university budget processes and
state/federal compliance requirements for higher education
- Experience with audit processes in higher education or
athletics environments
- Proficiency with PowerBI and other advanced business
intelligence tools
Supplemental Information
Technical Skills
- Advanced Financial Analysis: Ability to create complex
financial models, forecasts, and analytical reports
- Budgeting and Planning: Experience developing
multi-million dollar budgets with multiple revenue streams and
funding sources
- Audit and Compliance: Strong understanding of audit
processes, internal controls, and regulatory compliance
- Technology Proficiency: Advanced skills in financial
software and systems, with expertise in Banner ERP and Microsoft
Excel, plus familiarity with business intelligence tools
Professional Skills
- Strategic Thinking: Innovative and creative
problem-solving abilities with focus on long-term planning
- Communication: Excellent oral, written, and
interpersonal communication skills for diverse stakeholders
- Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams effectively and
work with minimal supervision
- Attention to Detail: Exceptional accuracy and attention
to detail in financial reporting and compliance matters
- Relationship Management: Ability to build and maintain
professional relationships across multiple departments and external
partners
Athletics and Higher Education Knowledge
- Understanding of collegiate athletics operations,
including NCAA compliance, revenue generation, and unique financial
challenges
- Knowledge of higher education finance including state
funding, grants, and institutional financial processes
- Awareness of athletics industry trends and best
practices in sports business management
Other Necessary Requirements
KEY REPORTING STRUCTURE
- Primary Reporting Line: Deputy CFO, Business and Finance
Office
- Operational Location: Athletics Department
- Collaborative Relationship: Works closely with Athletic
Director and Deputy Athletic Director
- Matrix Leadership: Provides financial expertise to
Athletics while ensuring institutional financial compliance and
oversight
