Sr Business Support Specialist

Hiring Department

Language & Cultural Studies

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Business Support Specialist oversees and performs complex business, fiscal, human resources, grant management and administrative support activities for assigned departments within the College of Arts & Sciences. Reporting to the College Business Manager, this position directly supervises assigned business support staff and serves as a key resource to Department Chairs and College leadership by analyzing financial information, coordinating transactions and reporting, monitoring scholarship utilization, guiding purchasing activity, and resolving day-to-day operational matters. The role applies independent judgment to identify risks, improve processes, and promote accurate, timely, and policy-compliant operations across the college.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business and Fiscal Administration

• Assist department chairs and the College Business Manager with business and fiscal administration for assigned departments.
• Execute, document, monitor, and report on business and fiscal operations, ensuring work is complete, accurate, and timely.
• Research and analyze atypical or complex financial data; prepare budget, revenue, grant and related reports that identify key issues, trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Serve as a key resource for budget questions; coordinate monthly financial overviews and other reporting requirements and recommend strategies to mitigate identified risks.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate work that affects the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of departmental and college operations.

Staff Supervision and Leadership

• Directly supervise assigned business support staff, including assigning work, establishing priorities, monitoring performance, and ensuring timely completion of responsibilities.
• Conduct employee performance evaluations, provide coaching and feedback, and address performance concerns in coordination with the College Business Manager and Human Resources.
• Oversee employee training, professional development, and cross-training to ensure continuity of departmental services.
• Coordinate workload distribution, staffing coverage, and operational priorities across assigned departments.
• Mentor employees and promote consistent application of University policies, procedures, and fiscal best practices.

Transactions, Purchasing, and Records

• Prepare and process fiscal, payroll, personnel, and human resources transactions, including CEs, JED changes, PCEs, and other applicable actions.
• Initiate payroll and personnel transactions and coordinate with the College Business Manager and appropriate university offices to resolve discrepancies or obtain required information.
• Guide departmental purchasing approvals and verify alignment with available budgets, spending guidelines, university policies, and procedural requirements.
• Maintain organized and confidential departmental fiscal and human resources records; research employee history and assist with fact-based responses to related inquiries.

Departmental Operations and Process Improvement

• Oversee scholarship utilization for the college and coordinate with Student Financial Aid, academic departments, and other stakeholders as needed.
• Prepare and communicate scholarship utilization reports to department chairs and the College Business Manager, identifying unused funds or other matters requiring attention.
• Oversee and perform diverse administrative activities and serve as a central liaison for resolving routine and complex day-to-day departmental matters.
• Coordinate across departments and service areas to integrate work, meet shared objectives, and support consistent business practices.
• Independently resolve routine and complex operational problems, including issues requiring research, interpretation, and identification of less obvious solutions.
• Mentor team members and plan or deliver individual and group training on business processes, fiscal practices, systems, and related procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve departmental processes, streamline workflows, and increase efficiency and service quality.
• Assist the College Business Manager with special projects, operational priorities, and other business support needs.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Financial analysis and reporting
• Business operations
• Judgment and problem solving
• Planning and coordination
• Communication and service
• Confidentiality and accuracy
• Staff supervision and development

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment with regular interaction with department chairs, faculty, staff, students, and university administrative offices. The role requires routine use of a computer and standard office equipment, sustained attention to detailed financial and personnel information, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Occasional movement of light office materials may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has formal supervisory responsibility for assigned business support staff, including work assignment, performance management, coaching, training, and employee development.

Shift

40 hours/week, Monday-Friday

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

University experience

Anticipated Hiring Range

$19.25 - $26.00

Grade: GGS-008

University Title: SENIOR BUSINESS SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

• Application materials include a cover letter and resume. Finalists will be asked to provide references at a later date.
• Applicants must combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as a resume attachment to the UMSL Careers: https://www.umsl.edu/services/hrs/careers/index.html
• Limit document name to 50 characters. Maximum size limit is 11MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). For questions about the application process, please email employment@umsl.edu. If you are experiencing technical problems, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at umslhr@umsl.edu.