Business Operations Associate

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

The Business Operations Associate manages a portfolio of operational and restricted account budgets. Responsible for a variety of business operations and financial management activities such as, but not limited to, accounts payable, accounts receivable, contract administration, requisitions, procurement, expenditure review, and reconciliation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

1) Budget Management 

• Manage multiple budget indexes for the unit. 

• Conduct quarterly audits of expenditures (labor and non-labor) versus projections. 

• Deliver monthly forecast of expense budgets. 

• Advise, train, and monitor compliance with divisional and University fiscal policies and procedures to ensure best practices are followed. 

• Proactively monitor spending, make cost effective decisions, and raise fiscal concerns with department leadership. 

• Perform and present statistical analysis on merit, bonus, or market adjustment scenarios for the annual merit program. 

• Identify and resolve budget related issues and maintain expense controls. 

• Analyze and determine if work is classified as a temp non-student or independent contractor. 

• Conduct budget reconciliation and procurement accounting for monthly procurement card statements. 

• Recommend best practices and protocols that create efficiency. 

• Serve as the division gatekeeper and work closely with departments to ensure appropriate contract documentation is in place. 

• Contribute to divisional financial reviews with Departments and the Assistant Director. 

• Serve as point of contact for the unit with central departments on all fiscal matters.

2) Vendor & Accounts Payable Management 

• Negotiate and conduct comparison of vendor services and pricing. 

• Monitor vendor expenses and process invoices. 

• Ensure correct approvals are obtained, vendors are paid on time, and invoices are processed correctly. 

• Serve as point of contact with NU Accounts Payable. 

• Resolve invoice discrepancies.

3) Other 

• Pay invoices and track payments. 

• Ensure that all expense reports in Concur are accurately submitted with correct account codes and all required receipts. 

• Collaborate with other offices on campus and external vendors to assure that days run without issue. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and skills normally acquired through completion of a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of one year of budget and customer service experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to manage time efficiently and effectively. Customer service focused and comfortable interfacing with a diverse community. Attention to detail and ability to take initiative and follow-through. Demonstrated flexibility, positive attitude, and the ability to work efficiently in a busy environment while handling multiple priorities. Proficiency in Banner Finance and Microsoft Office Suite preferred.  Experience with Enterprise Finance Systems, QuickBooks, Concur, Cognos and TM1 (IBM) budget software platform preferred. 

Position Type

Finance

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity .