SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Interim Dean and Director of the College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems, and in collaborative partnership with Division of Finance, the Business and Finance Manager is responsible for the conduct of business operations and daily activities of the College of Agriculture. Under direct supervision, performs various routine financial analytical, accounting, review and monitoring tasks in support of an operating unit, especially those required by university administration or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Serves as primary contact and leads efforts related to personnel management, including all procedures related to hiring and changes in appointment status for full-time and part-time personnel. Responds to inquiries and contacts other departments and/or vendors to resolve a variety of problems. Assists by performing various other duties/projects that may be assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

In consultation, leadership and partnership with the, this position functions to provide the following services and perform the following duties for the College of Agriculture and its related grant-funded programs

• Design and perform the College of Agriculture’s month-end closings, all account reconciliations, all external and internal financial reporting, especially to USDA
• Develop, implement and monitor compliances with accounting policies and procedures and all internal controls for the College of Agriculture.
• Ensures timely and accurate processing of transactions in accordance with regulations and requirements imposed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Government Accounting Standards Board (“GASB”), the Board of Regents, Federal and State grantors and other external sources.
• Responsible for the reporting of all federal compliance returns and issued related to payroll, students and vendors.
• Responsible for the processing of all transactions and accounting for all capital asset purchases and transactions, along with maintaining fixed asset records for the College of Agriculture.
• Responsible for the accounting of and reporting of all federal and state grants and contracts, working with the various grant administrators.
• Conducts projects, studies and analyses as assigned.
• Works with Land Grant administrators to establish and maintain staffing and an organizational structure to effectively accomplish the department function; recruits, employs, supervises and evaluates departmental staff; directs the implementation of management development, skills training, and safety and labor relations programs.
• Lead activities associated with the hiring and processing of personnel, full-time and part-time, including integration of budget details with human resources inputs.
• Develops and manages annual budgets for the College of Agriculture and related programs and organizations and performs periodic cost and productivity analyses.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in accounting and CPA preferred.
• *Five years of progressively more responsible accounting practice required, including supervisory responsibilities. Accounting experience in higher education, along with detailed knowledge of GASB regulations required.
• Strong analytical capabilities; in-depth working knowledge of computerized accounting systems (SCT experience a plus);
• Expertise in use of Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent communication skills: Written and Oral.
*Prior experience in submission of reports to a federal agency is a major plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Knowledge of equal opportunity and affirmative action programs.
• Strategic planning skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
• Knowledge of financial/business analysis techniques.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT: