Business and Operational Manager

Langston University - Langston, OK

Full-time - Mid Level

Langston, OK

Educational Services

About the position

The Business and Operational Manager position at the Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (SL/SAAS) is a critical role that directly supports the Dean in managing the financial activities and budgeting processes of the school. This position is essential for ensuring compliance with federal and state policies, procedures, regulations, and statutes related to the financial operations of the Land-Grant programs at Langston University. The successful candidate will work closely with the Langston University Fiscal Office and the LU/OSU Shared Services Grants and Contracts Office to coordinate, monitor, and supervise the SL/SAAS budgets and financial responsibilities. The primary responsibilities include assisting the Dean in developing and monitoring annual budgets, overseeing internal SL/SAAS budgets related to various grants, and ensuring accurate accountability for financial reviews. The Business and Operational Manager will also support the purchase requisition process, invoice processing, and reconciliation of project expenditures. This role requires a proactive approach to managing financial resources, advising project directors on compliance with university policies, and facilitating training to enhance employee competencies in budgeting and fiscal accountability. In addition to financial management, the position involves maintaining the integrity of budgetary information systems and serving as a liaison for capital planning projects. The Business and Operational Manager will be responsible for tracking all items purchased by SL/SAAS and ensuring that fiscal rules and regulations are interpreted correctly. This role is vital for the operational success of SL/SAAS and requires a candidate with a strong background in accounting, finance, or business, along with excellent customer service skills and a commitment to teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Assist the SL/SAAS Dean in coordinating, monitoring, and supervising SL/SAAS budgets and financial responsibilities.
• Support the development of strategic financial plans for efficient allocation of funds and resources.
• Assist with inventory of all capital equipment and other purchased items in SL/SAAS.
• Provide regular updates of financial activities in specific program budgets.
• Work closely with the LU fiscal office to undertake budget-monitoring activities and ensure accurate accountability for financial reviews.
• Oversee internal SL/SAAS budgets pertaining to USDA 1890 capacity formula grants and other budgets.
• Support LU reporting of capacity projects through NRS and REEport.
• Assist with SL/SAAS purchase requisition processes and invoice processing.
• Ensure reconciliation of encumbered project expenditures.
• Coordinate with the OSU Grants office to support Time and Effort (T&E) reporting by staff and faculty.
• Assist the Dean in developing and monitoring annual SL/SAAS budgets and sub-budgets.
• Serve as the SL/SAAS liaison to the University Capital Planning and external contractors on USDA Facilities Grant projects.
• Support database tracking of all items purchased by SL/SAAS and other funds.
• Ensure integrity of budgetary information systems and internal controls.
• Serve as the point of contact for Project Directors regarding their budgets and expenditures.
• Attend training conferences and seminars to enhance skills and keep abreast of policy changes.
• Advise and assist project directors to ensure compliance with university and external agency policies.

Requirements

• A four-year degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a closely related area with 12 hours of accounting and three years of professional accounting/financial experience, including at least one year in a supervisory role.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations and statutes governing financial operations.
• Ability to work independently with applicable information technology to perform financial tasks.
• Some working knowledge of Federal, State, and University policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated integrity, excellent work ethic, resourcefulness, and customer service skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with USDA grants and contracts management.
• Familiarity with financial reporting systems and budget management software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range based on education and experience.
• Full-time employment status with a structured work schedule (M-F, 8-5).