What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Assistant, Lead position at Botany and Plant Pathology Department at Purdue University?
Job Description
The Lead Business Assistant will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and various business units to support financial management processes. This position is responsible for managing accounts, billing, cost centers, and effort reporting. The individual will lead daily business operations and serve as a subject matter expert on account management, including expenditures, balance management, cash flow, account closures, and adherence to account management guidelines.
The Lead Business Assistant will also develop financial reports and forecasts to support planning and budget analysis, as well as analyze and project financial data for use in budget reviews and strategic decision-making. This role includes exercising delegated signature authority for business transactions in compliance with University delegation policies.
Additionally, the position oversees the preparation, review, and authorization of Personnel Activity Reports (PARs) and serves as the primary resource for PAR-related inquiries. The individual will assist in the overall budget development process and serve as a backup to the Business Manager as needed.
This role requires strong analytical and communication skills, along with the ability to manage multiple financial processes in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
Hybrid work will be considered for this position based on the candidate’s location and interest.
At Purdue, we believe that the success of every employee – every member of our Boilermaker community – is built on six pillars: Integrity, Respect, Honor, Inclusion, Innovation and Growth.
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience
Qualified Candidates Will Need
The Lead Business Assistant will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and various business units to support financial management processes. This position is responsible for managing accounts, billing, cost centers, and effort reporting. The individual will lead daily business operations and serve as a subject matter expert on account management, including expenditures, balance management, cash flow, account closures, and adherence to account management guidelines.
The Lead Business Assistant will also develop financial reports and forecasts to support planning and budget analysis, as well as analyze and project financial data for use in budget reviews and strategic decision-making. This role includes exercising delegated signature authority for business transactions in compliance with University delegation policies.
Additionally, the position oversees the preparation, review, and authorization of Personnel Activity Reports (PARs) and serves as the primary resource for PAR-related inquiries. The individual will assist in the overall budget development process and serve as a backup to the Business Manager as needed.
This role requires strong analytical and communication skills, along with the ability to manage multiple financial processes in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
Hybrid work will be considered for this position based on the candidate’s location and interest.
At Purdue, we believe that the success of every employee – every member of our Boilermaker community – is built on six pillars: Integrity, Respect, Honor, Inclusion, Innovation and Growth.
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience
Qualified Candidates Will Need
- High school diploma/GED
- 4 years of account clerk, bookkeeping, business office, or related experience
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted
- Ability to identify problems, analyze information, and implement solutions
- Capable of taking initiative, assuming responsibility, maintaining quality standards, and handling confidential information with discretion
- Strong organizational and time management skills with emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to influence and build work relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels
- Must be extremely flexible and adaptable to constantly varying work environments and with limited daily supervision
- Ability to analyze, interpret and implement policies and procedures
- Proficient with a personal computer and related software (Microsoft Excel, Outlook, database, internet, etc.)
- Must possess a learning orientation to changing technology
- Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
- University business office experience
- Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Non-exempt (Eligible For Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution
- Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
- Purdue University is an EOE employer
- Administrative and Operational Support 4
- Pay Band: S050
- Job Code: 20002336
