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: 15/16/17 Depending on Rank
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Department Profile:
Mississippi State University is an R1 institution with very high research activity. The Michael W. Hall School of Mechanical Engineering is the largest major at MSU, and one of academic departments in the Bagley College of Engineering. The Mechanical Engineering School’s faculty research expenditure boasts approximately $15.2M annually for 20 tenure/tenure-track faculty. The Mechanical Engineering School offers an ABET-accredited undergraduate program in mechanical engineering, as well as graduate studies leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The Mechanical Engineering School has approximately 1,140 undergraduate and 100 graduate students and has the largest student enrollment within the Bagley College of Engineering.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Assume all pre-award and post-award financial aspects responsibilities of research proposals, contracts, and sub-contracts at ME School, including the assisting faculty with development of a budget, proposal preparation, and ensuring adherence to funding requirements
2. Manages the daily financial activities of the department or unit, which include budget preparation and control, accounting, purchasing, and business planning and management; ensures compliance with university policies and procedures, state, and federal regulations.
3. May supervise staff, which includes work allocation, training, promotion, enforcement of internal procedures and controls, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
4. Coordinates, designs, and implements internal financial reporting systems, financial controls, and management information systems in coordination with the automated financial reporting systems of the university.
5. Develops and implements systems and processes to establish and maintain records for the operating unit.
6. Prepares, in conjunction with the budget office, budget requests, operating budgets, legislative budget requests, and formal budget revisions as required.
7. Coordinates the preparation of reports of disbursements, special analyses, and information reports for management; presents recommendations for changes and/or improvements, monetary control, and adherence to budgets.
8. Evaluates and/or negotiates contracts for the purchase of services in coordination with the university purchasing department.
9. Manages cash, cash-related receipts, accounts receivable and credit and collection functions, ensuring timely processing of billings, payments, and collection of program revenue.
10. As appropriate to the needs of the unit, may oversee auxiliary units.
11. Develops or assists with the development and implementation of policies and procedures consistent with those of the organization to ensure efficient and safe operation of the unit.
12. Coordinates both pre-award and post-award financial aspects of research proposals, contracts, and sub-contracts, including the assisting faculty with development of a budget, proposal preparation, and ensuring adherence to funding requirements;
13. Serves as a liaison for grants and contacts with university administrators, state, federal, and private funding sources.
14. Participates in development, implementation and maintenance of policies, objectives, short-and long-range planning; develops and implements projects and programs to assist in accomplishment of established goals.
15. Represents the organization at various community and/or business meetings, committees, and task forces; promotes existing and new programs and/or policies.
16. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
The above essential duties are representative of major duties of positions in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum Required Education and Experience
Level I- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or management*. No experience required.
Level II- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or management* plus three years’ experience in financial management and/or accounting. For promotions, must meet degree requirement and experience must include at least three years at the preceding level.
Level III- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or management* plus six years’ experience in financial management and/or accounting. For promotions, must meet degree requirement and experience must include at least three years at the preceding level.
Senior- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or management* plus nine years’ experience in financial management and/or accounting. For promotions, must meet degree requirement and experience must include at least three years at the preceding level.
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:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Knowledge of customer service principles, techniques, systems, and standards.
• Skill in budget management.
• Knowledge of faculty and/or staff hiring procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of business management principles and practices.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Skill using BANNER system.
• Ability to develop and maintain record-keeping systems and procedures.
• Skill in proposal submission platforms
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.
Instructions for Applying:
Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu by submitting a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts.
Any social numbers included on transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
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.
