• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $62,400 - $70,000.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Administration, the Business Manager is responsible for the daily financial operations in the Department of Biological Sciences.

The Department of Biological Sciences at Columbia University has a rich history of pioneering research and education contributing significantly to fields such as genetics, molecular biology, and neuroscience. Today, it continues to advance scientific knowledge with cutting-edge research and a commitment to fostering innovation in biological sciences.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and processes day-to-day financial transactions.
• Ensures compliance with university policies, guidelines, and procedures.
• Reviews and approves accounts payable and purchasing transactions including but not limited to travel & business expense reports, check requests, travel advances, purchase orders, requisitions, service agreements, subcontract agreements, and P-Card transactions.
• Assess the Accounting and Reporting at Columbia (ARC) transactions for accuracy and ensure that any discrepancies are resolved.
• Monitors and resolves vouchers aging in ARC.
• Processes and approves work-study and casual time sheets.
• Assists with payroll accounting transfers and journal vouchers.
• Oversees the hiring process for adjuncts, teaching assistants, and casual appointments and ensures compliance with human resources policies and procedures.
• Manages timesheet logistics including but not limited to sending out e-mail reminders, collecting timesheets, updating accrued vacation, personal, and sick days, and making sure the department complies with the Department of Labor and University’s guidelines.
• Administers paycheck logs and check distribution.
• Reconciles departmental payroll and manages all the training grant and fellowship appointments.
• Generates and distributes ARC financial statements.
• Manages the annual National Science Foundation (NSF).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or one year of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• Knowledge of university financial policies and systems.
• Experience in higher education financial administration.

Other Requirements

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain high confidentiality and professionalism with a client focus.
• Strong multi-tasking, prioritization, and organization skills.
• Attention to detail, research, critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter, a fast learner who can work independently under limited supervision.
• Work well in an interactive team environment.
• Working knowledge of database programs.
• Ability to interpret accounting and purchasing policies.
• Capacity to build morale and group commitments to objectives.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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