Business Operations Specialist

Business Operations Specialist About USC From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond. Veterans' Preference Statement The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities. Benefits for FTE Positions The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding. Benefits Health and Life Insurance Retirement Programs Paid Tuition Dependent Scholarships Annual Leave Sick Leave 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) Paid Parental Leave Professional Development Opportunities Position Description The Business Operations Specialist serves as the primary business operations professional for two departments within the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, providing financial and administrative support to ensure the efficient and effective management of departmental resources. The Business Operations Specialist gathers, processes, and analyzes financial data using university enterprise systems; assists with budget development and financial planning; monitors expenditures; and supports compliance with university policies and applicable funding requirements. The position supports the college’s mission by applying solid working knowledge of university financial policies, procedures, and business practices to maintain sound fiscal operations and promote responsible stewardship of university resources. Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience with University of South Carolina financial and administrative systems, including PeopleSoft, Banner, Reporting Express, and related enterprise applications. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Solid working knowledge of financial management, budgeting, accounting principles, and fiscal administration. Familiarity with enterprise systems and software (to include PeopleSoft, Banner, Reporting Express) as well as financial reporting tools such as excel and access. Knowledge of higher education financial policies, grants, and procurement. Problem solving and critical thinking, the ability to identify financial risks, inefficiencies and opportunities. Experience developing financial workflows, improving efficiencies and ensuring timely financial reporting. Ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable recommendations. Attention to detail and accuracy. Adaptability and initiative. Stress management, confidentiality and ethics. Job Duties The Business Operations Specialist serves as a key liaison between Principal Investigators (PIs) and the Post-Awards Department to ensure compliant and efficient management of grant‑related expenses. When a PI requests a grant‑funded expense, the Business Operations Specialist facilitates the submission process through designated forms and works closely with the Post-Awards Department, the authority on grant compliance, to determine whether the expense is allowable under grant guidelines, institutional policies, within budgets, and funding agency requirements. Once post‑award approves the expense, the Business Operations Specialist processes. Responsible overseeing the day‑to‑day budget and financial operations for two departments within the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, ensuring alignment with institutional policies and strategic goals. This role monitors all expenses flowing from each department, including payroll, procurement, travel approvals and grant‑related expenditures, while maintaining compliance with university and funding regulations. Administers departmental financial activities to include: analyzing financial data, and providing reporting to department and college level leadership to support informed decision‑making. Collaborates with faculty, staff, and university administrative offices to support effective resource management, forecast financial needs, and identify opportunities to improve business processes and operational efficiency. Completes USC hiring documents for graduate and undergraduate students and post‑docs. Including I9’s, IS forms, etc. Maintains records of personal hires and ensures timely and accurate onboarding and offboarding. Serves as the department line approver for items needing approval for the Ed Foundation pass‑through account, review balances, send statements to department faculty, and tracks Ed Foundation accounts. Ensures timely and accurate submission and processing of check request payments and reimbursements, maintaining records of submitted check requests, and ensuring compliance with the policies and procedures outlined in the Ed Foundation AP Manual. Attends regular meetings and collaborates with college‑level budget and finance leadership to develop and refine processes. The role ensures adherence to University‑level business policies and procedures and verifies that staff have completed the necessary training. Additionally, the Business Specialist maintains positive relationships with faculty, staff, and students to enhance collaborative and streamlined processes. Time and Effort Reporting: Following the Office of Post‑Award Finance’s validation and release of effort reports for certification, the Business Operations Specialist collaborates with the Post‑Award team to ensure the timely completion of the certification process across the assigned departments. Position Attributes Employees in Safety‑Sensitive or Security‑Sensitive positions will be subject to pre‑employment and post‑employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive: No Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies: 1 Desired Start Date: 11/01/2026 Job Open Date: 09/16/2026 Job Close Date: 09/25/2026 Open Until Filled: No EEO Statement The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. Posting Summary Posting Number: STA00691PO26 Job Family: Business Operations Job Function: Business Operations USC Market Title: Business Operations Specialist Job Level: P2 - Professional Business Title (Internal Title): Business Operations Specialist Campus: #J-18808-Ljbffr University of South Carolina