Position Function:
Manages and coordinates the business operations of a department/unit. Performs duties required to maintain and administer departmental budgets; administers staff policies and/or procedures; compiles reports; performs administrative procedures.
Salary Grade: 15
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Office of Agricultural Communications provides communications leadership, products, and services for the MSU Extension Service and the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine and for select organizations.
Area of Specialization:
Business Operations
Anticipated Appointment Date:
December 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Maintains department/unit budget and provides budgetary reports to senior management within the unit. Manages the daily financial activities of the unit, which include budget management and control, accounting, purchasing, and business planning and management; ensures compliance with university policies and procedures and state and federal regulations. Approves payments and purchases for sub-units.
2. Coordinates with other University departments to process financial and personnel transactions. Communicates with the Controller’s office and Procurement and Contracts office on all activities related to accounts receivable and accounts payable for assigned budget. Prepares interdepartmental transfers and budget transfers between budgetary units as required.
3. Reconciles and balances financial records with the Controller’s office on a regular basis; audits financial records for accuracy, availability of funds, and conformance to University and departmental policy and procedure.
4. Develops and manages annual operating budget(s) with supervision of department head.
5. Also manages the fiscal operations of the Ag Comm Print Shop, which includes processing about 75 journal vouchers per month for an average of $40,000 in billing per month.
6. Prepares requisitions for purchases; communicates with vendors for prices, bids, and other information; and leads development and negotiation of contracts for the purchases of services in coordination with the University Purchasing Department. Procures all supplies, furniture, and office equipment.
7. Prepares annual budget based upon previous year's expenses and future requirements with supervision of department head.
8. Develops and implements systems to maintain records on employees, equipment inventories, vehicles, and compliance activities.
9. Communicates with staff concerning business matters and advises staff of proper procedures. Stays abreast of University financial, personnel, and travel policies and procedures. Coordinates and maintains personnel functions for unit including approximately 30 professional and support staff, plus student, intermittent, and temporary workers.
10. Coordinates financial aspects of research proposals, contracts, and sub-contracts, including the development of budget, proposal preparation, and adherence to funding requirements; serves as a liaison with university administrators, state, federal, and private funding sources.
11. May participate in development, implementation, and maintenance of policies, objectives, and short-and long-range planning; develops and implements projects and programs to assist in the accomplishment of established goals.
12. Participates in the development and implementation of department/unit programs and projects consistent with organizational objectives, contractual arrangements, and/or funding availability.
13. Performs other miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, business or management* or other appropriate discipline.
Experience (yrs.): None.
Substitutions Allowed: *Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 18 credit hours in business (i.e., business, finance, marketing, accounting, or management) as approved by Human Resources Management. Of the 18 credit hours, two (three hour) classes must be in Accounting.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Expert knowledge of BANNER system and MSU purchasing and fiscal policies.
• Skill in budget management, accounting, payroll, and fiscal processes.
• Knowledge of customer service principles, techniques, systems, and standards.
• Knowledge of faculty and/or staff hiring procedures.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to develop and maintain record keeping systems and procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of business management principles and practices.
• Ability to foster a positive, cooperative work environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• No or very limited physical effort required.
• Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applications must be submitted through the Human Resources Management website at msujobs.msstate.edu by completing the application and submitting a cover letter, current resume, academic transcripts (social security numbers redacted) and three references.
Screening Date:
December 2, 2024, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
