Business Manager

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) of the Chemical Engineering Department, with a dotted-line report to the Department Chair, the incumbent manages and administers the Department's financial and operational affairs in close collaboration with the DFA. The role oversees the full range of financial operations, compliance, facilities, and administrative support functions that sustain the Department's teaching and research mission. The incumbent supervises one Administrative Assistant / Financial Analyst and partners with SEAS Finance, CU Internal Audit, SPA / SPF, SEAS Facilities, CU Facilities, and other stakeholders to ensure effective operations, compliance with university policies, and sound financial stewardship.

Responsibilities

Financial Management & Operations (50%) :

Lead the daily financial and budgetary operations of the Department, ensuring compliance with University, SEAS, and sponsor guidelines.

Oversee accounts payable transactions in university accounting systems and review / approve expenditure requests.

Monitor departmental and sponsored project budgets to prevent overdrafts; perform regular reconciliations of departmental and grant accounts.

Produce monthly financial reports, forecasts, and variance analyses to support departmental decision-making.

Oversee and execute payroll accounting transfers, journal entries, and expenditure corrections.

Ensure strong internal controls and readiness for audits; coordinate with CU Internal Audit and SPA / SPF as needed.

Procurement, Travel & Business Expenses (20%) :

Review and approve faculty travel reimbursements, business expense reports, and honoraria in compliance with university policies.

Oversee purchasing and requisition procedures for the Department, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and sponsor requirements.

Serve as the primary liaison with Accounts Payable and outside vendors to resolve issues and maintain efficient processes.

Student Appointments & Financial Aid (10%) :

Oversee the administration of Graduate and Doctoral Research Assistant (GRA / DRA) appointments, including related financial aid, departmental support, and grant funding allocations.

Ensure compliance with sponsor and University funding guidelines, and maintain accurate documentation and reporting

Facilities & Capital Improvements (10%) :

Manage departmental facilities initiatives, including capital improvements and laboratory renovations.

Partner with SEAS Facilities and CU Facilities to plan, implement, and monitor renovation projects, ensuring minimal disruption to teaching and research activities.

Initiate and track service tickets; oversee space management, including lab, building, and seat assignments

Other Duties & Departmental Support (10%) :

Supervise one Administrative Assistant / Financial Analyst, providing mentorship, training, and performance feedback.

Support other departmental functions and initiatives as requested, contributing to special projects and cross-departmental collaborations.

Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen departmental operations, financial compliance, and customer service.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred. Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial administration, grants management, or a related field, preferably in an academic or research setting.

Must have, or be able to quickly acquire, detailed knowledge of Columbia University's electronic systems, including ARC, RASCAL, FFE, and legacy applications (AP / CAR and DARTS). Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial reporting tools required.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collegially as part of a team, with faculty, principal investigators, students, and administrative staff. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are essential.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and meet strict deadlines.

Knowledge of financial compliance, research administration, and / or sponsored project management is a plus.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial reporting tools required. Experience with ERP or comparable financial systems strongly preferred.

All finalists will be required to complete an Excel skills assessment as part of the selection process.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.