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. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Business Manager

Job Profile Title

Business Manager B

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 Description

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.

Preferred/Additional Qualifications (Both Levels)

• Experience with Penn financial systems (BEN Financials, Workday, Hyperion Planning, Business Objects, PennERA) is preferred but not required; training will be provided.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a complex environment.

• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

$77,330.00 - $100,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics) , citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law .

Special Requirements Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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The University of Pennsylvania’s special character is reflected in the wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community and help create an educational and working environment that best supports the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.