Position Summary
Winston-Salem State University is entering a bold new era. We are looking outside of tradition and audaciously moving into spaces that may be uncomfortable but necessary for our future growth and development.

The Department of Housing and Residence Life is seeking applicants for the Business Officer position.

The Business Officer will oversee the financial administration and associated processes and procedures within the Department of Housing and Residence Life including key financial procedures such as: month/year-end; expenses claims; virements and journals; the monitoring and reconciliation of all Housing and Residence Life budgets; preparing financial reports and data required for high-level budget management and analysis.

Reporting to the Director, Housing and Residence Life the role holder will provide professional and comprehensive financial support enabling senior management to make informed decisions.

Key accountabilities:


The following are the main accountabilities for the job. Other duties, commensurate with the grading of the job, may also be assigned from time to time.

1. Provide operational management support to the Director, Housing and Residence Life in close liaison with other staff within the Department of Housing and Residence Life team, ensuring operational efficiency and compliancy with university and other financial regulations.

2. Monitor the Department of Housing and Residence Life financial procedures and processes to ensure they are fully compliant with university guidelines and administered accurately and efficiently.

3. Provide professional financial guidance and advice to staff and students within the Division with the operational running of budgets and processes.

4. Monitor income and expenditure against all divisional budgets ensuring all activity is appropriately coded and budgets are not exceeded. This will involve liaison with budget holders in order to investigate areas of potential over-spend or concern.

5. Reconcile all divisional pay budgets to monitor under- or over-spends, coding errors, payment errors as well as processing pay claims for timesheet staff.

6. Reconcile all divisional pay budgets to monitor under- or over-spends, coding errors, payment errors as well as processing pay claims for timesheet staff.

7. Undertake detailed analysis of the departmental income and expenditure, producing reports and financial forecasts to inform the departmental leadership team’s decision-making.

8. Coordinate purchasing for the department, including initiating the process for obtaining purchase orders, maintain records, producing the p card reports and log all items purchased.

9. Responsible for requesting money transfer to cover purchases made and/or upcoming anticipated purchases.

10. Works independently by managing external vendor processes, including purchases. For example, preparing for summer projects by contacting carpet cleaning vendors to tour residence hall facilities, obtain quotes, provided necessary documents and forms to be completed in order to be set up as WSSU vendors in the SU Express/Banner system in order to hired and proceed with dates for summer cleaning.
Position Information
Position Number 166201
Working Position Title Business Officer
Building and Room No.
Thompson Center – Suite 301
Appointment Type Permanent Full-Time
If Time Limited. No
Appointment Length.
Requirements and Preferences
Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies Yes
Normal Work Schedule
8:00AM-5:00PM Monday – Friday. However, there are some weekend requirements.
Department Required Skills
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
Minimum Job Requirements


Graduation from a four-year college or university and three years of experience in business or administration management to include experience in financial management; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications


Master’s degree in accounting, business, or related field.
Three to five years experience in a supervisory role in a college business office, or combination of education and experience commensurate with the requirements of the position.
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with college faculty, staff, administrators and governing boards.
Experience in operational and strategic planning, policy development, and financial analysis
Ability to effectively communicate ideas and information in written and oral format to administrative staff, professional colleagues, governing boards, and the general public in large or small group settings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

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.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to analyze and solve problems.
Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.
Organizing and coordinating skills.
Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies
Knowledge of data management systems and processes.
Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and over the telephone