JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Analysis, the pivotal leadership role of Business Operations Manager oversees all functions of the Business Operations office, serving as the operational backbone of the Advancement Division. Charged with managing the division’s financial, purchasing, and business processes, the position plays a critical role in enabling Advancement to meet its strategic objectives through sound fiscal stewardship, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining policies, procedures, and standards that align with state, university, foundation, and other regulatory frameworks - ensuring the division operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability. By proactively identifying process improvements and risk mitigation strategies, the role directly contributes to the division’s capacity to deliver on its mission and maximize donor impact.
The Business Operations Manager supervises three Financial Specialists within the Business Services Center, leading recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management. Through effective team leadership and cross-functional collaboration, the position ensures consistent, high-quality service delivery across all administrative and financial activities within Advancement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing daily financial operations such as travel reimbursements, accounts receivable/payable, monthly reconciliations, PCard administration, and transaction reviews in HokieMart and Chrome River.
• Exercising independent decision-making authority on financial matters, ensuring timely and accurate execution of business functions.
• Serving as a trusted advisor and resource to Advancement staff, providing guidance on financial policies and procedures and fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.

In addition, this position leads the division’s annual participation in the Financial Business Compliance Survey, ensuring Advancement’s business practices meet or exceed university standards. Through this work, the Manager strengthens institutional trust and safeguards the division’s reputation and resources.
Ultimately, this role is instrumental in aligning operational excellence with Advancement’s broader goals - empowering the division to focus on building relationships, securing philanthropic support, and advancing the university’s mission.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, accounting, or related field; or a Bachelor’s degree with significant relevant experience equating to an advanced degree.
Demonstrated experience in a combination of operations management, supervision of operations staff, accounting, budgeting, financial and fiscal reporting and reconciliation, and policy implementation and administration.
Demonstrated knowledge of finance and accounting procedures.
Demonstrated management, supervisory skills, and the ability to delegate.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and move projects from conception to completion.
Demonstrated analytical, project management, and interpersonal communications skills.
Experience using Windows-based computers, applications such as Microsoft Office suite and Microsoft SharePoint, and basic office equipment such as scanners and copiers.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in managing a business office in a higher education setting.
Experience involving independent accounting responsibilities and management of automated accounting systems.
Experience implementing, developing and overseeing strong business processes and reconciliation processes.
Experience with records management and retention policies and procedures.
Demonstrated familiarity of purchasing policies and procedures.
Experience exercising judgment and interpreting administrative policies and procedures.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
Working knowledge of Virginia Tech financial, human resources, and purchasing policies/procedures.

• Overseeing daily financial operations such as travel reimbursements, accounts receivable/payable, monthly reconciliations, PCard administration, and transaction reviews in HokieMart and Chrome River.
• Exercising independent decision-making authority on financial matters, ensuring timely and accurate execution of business functions.
• Serving as a trusted advisor and resource to Advancement staff, providing guidance on financial policies and procedures and fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement