"Business Officer II"

Business Officer II

Company: North Carolina State University

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Category: Business and Financial Services

Type: Full-Time

Join the Pack! A community with nearly 8,000 faculty and staff, and 30,000 students. NC State is one of the largest employers in North Carolina, offering a large range of career opportunities. Visit us at https://jobs.hr.ncsu.edu/.

Essential Job Duties: As the Business Officer for NC State's Department of Biological Sciences, you'll help steer the operational engine of a dynamic academic community - one that drives impactful research, innovative teaching, and real-world discovery. Reporting to the Department Business Manager, you'll serve as both a trusted partner and a permanent backup in leading and evolving the department's core business functions.

In this role, you'll support the department's mission through:

• Financial & Business Operations
  • Independently manage purchasing, payroll, P-card reconciliation, and financial transactions within delegated authority.
  • Oversee and reconcile departmental budgets, including start-up, retention, and special fund allocations.
  • Develop monthly reports and advise leadership on budget planning and fund usage.
• Project & Grant Support
  • Lead business operations for research and grant-funded initiatives not managed by the College Research Office.
  • Coordinate spending plans, compliance, and reporting for REU programs, conference travel, workshops, and departmental events.
• Communication & Collaboration
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with faculty, staff, and external partners.
  • Clearly communicate financial policies, processes, and updates to a wide range of audiences.
  • Interpret and implement departmental business practices aligned with strategic goals.
  • Create and maintain SOPs, guides, and communications to support operational consistency.

If you're comfortable with financial systems, quick to build strong working relationships, and always eager to improve how things are done, we encourage you to apply.

Other Work/Responsibilities: In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there will be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties that allow you to expand your knowledge and deepen your understanding of departmental operations, including:

• Backing up the Business Manager and HR Specialist on position actions, hiring practices, and all position types.
• Entering actions in PeopleAdmin as an Initiator or acting as department approver when needed.
• Representing the department at college and university-level meetings.
• Supporting the college and department budget cleanup process by analyzing spending and entering budget journals across fund and account codes.
• Assisting with position cleanup processes, including complex analysis to align FTEs and salary dollars in PeopleSoft systems, and adjusting position budgets accordingly.

Minimum Experience/Education: Requires post-baccalaureate credentials with 2+ years of relevant experience; a bachelor's degree with 2+ years of experience in an academic business setting, or equivalent experience

Required Qualifications:

• Familiarity with GAAP, CAS, and Uniform Guidance, with a willingness to build deeper expertise in these areas.
• Understanding of federal, state, and university policies and procedures, with experience developing and implementing internal policies.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage confidential information, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to work independently with accuracy and minimal supervision.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially when navigating complex or unfamiliar situations.
• Solid background in financial and budget management, including transaction processing, monitoring, and reconciliation.
• Experience supporting or managing HR and administrative processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong communication skills, including clear written, verbal, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proven management, organizational, analytical, and planning capabilities.
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and experience with ERP systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• At least three years of experience in a business-related role.
• Experience in a higher education setting.
• Familiarity with research administration processes and requirements.
• Working knowledge of PeopleSoft Financial and HR systems.

Required License or Certification: N/A