Business Manager

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Fiscal Operations and with direct accountability to the Department Chair(s) for service and support, this position provides comprehensive business and financial management for the Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology.

As a critical member of the departmental leadership team in a decision-support role, this position provides oversight and administration of all departmental funds, including operating budgets, gifts, endowments, and sponsored project funds. Responsibilities include all budgetary and fiscal operations such as annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting; purchasing and reimbursement oversight; payroll administration; general ledger management including internal billing and corrections; and Procard and merchant account oversight.

This role ensures compliance with institutional financial policies and internal controls, directly supervises departmental finance staff, and provides personnel administration support for faculty, staff, and students.

Job Responsibilities

• Budget Administration: Oversee the administration of all departmental budgets, including operating funds, endowments, gifts, and grants. Screen and approve expenditures; review and verify transactions for accuracy and compliance; process budget adjustments as needed. Provide monthly financial reports to account owners. Prepare quarterly forecasts and annual budgets. Provide financial information and reports to Department Chair(s), School leadership, and University administrators as requested.
• Sponsored Programs Management: Oversee grant management activities, including proposal development support, award setup, expenditure monitoring, compliance oversight, and closeout.
• Fiscal Operations Oversight: Oversee daily fiscal operations, including approval of financial transactions, reimbursements, purchasing, and Procard activity. Prepare and approve journal entries and deposits. Provide user support for BEN Financials, Procard, and Concur. Serve as liaison with central administrative offices. Ensure monthly reconciliation of credit card statements. Oversee Asset and Space systems. Prepare the annual Schedule F for activities outside the United States.
• Personnel and Payroll Administration: Monitor and manage all departmental personnel and payroll activities, including new and replacement hires, salary changes, payroll reallocations, additional pays, annual merit processes, and effort reporting.
• Staff Supervision: Supervise departmental financial staff; provide guidance, training, and mentorship; and complete annual performance evaluations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

This position is posted at two levels (B or C), and the final appointment will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Business Manager B
Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience are required. 5 to 7 years of experience is preferred. Demonstrated experience supporting financial operations, budgeting, and personnel or payroll processes in a complex organization.

Business Manager C
Bachelor of Science and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience are required. 7 to 10+ years of experience is preferred. Advanced experience in financial management, budget planning and forecasting, personnel administration, and staff supervision. Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex financial operations and advise senior leadership.

A cover letter is required. Please include a description of sponsored programs & supervisory experience in the cover letter.