Description
This position manages the financial, administrative and payroll operations of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER). This position implements and coordinates the fiscal operations of the BBER, including the management of multiple externally funded contracts and grants, program revenue and expenses from events, as well as management of BBER state funded accounts. The budget and office manager is responsible for processing of bills to the BBER and arranging for payment from the appropriate external or state funded account, and the tracking and projection of revenues, expenses and fund balances in various accounts. The budget and office manager reviews the fiscal practices other BBER personnel to ensure compliance with UM policies and procedures. The fiscal officer/office manager processes travel, procurement cards, personnel and payroll. The fiscal officer reports directly to the BBER Director.

This position is responsible for overseeing and monitoring office services Including facilities, communications, equipment and supplies needed by BBER researchers as well as other routine functions associated with a research organization. The office manager trains and supervises part-time student employees.

While the position reports to the Director of BBER, it also provides significant support to the Directors of BBERs core functional areas including the Director of the Forest Industry Research Program, the Director of Survey Research and the Director of Marketing and Communications. The Business and Office Manager actively supports the BBER’s flagship events – the annual Economic Outlook Seminars and Mid-Year Updates, which are held annually in January through March and in July/August. Responsibilities and duties associated with the Seminars and Updates include, but are not limited to, assisting BBER’s Director of Marketing and Communication with planning; registration; invoicing; travel, venue, and speaker arrangements; staging, loading, and unloading of equipment and materials; and training and scheduling student and temporary employees to provide additional assistance as needed. The budget and office manager is not required to travel to the event locations around the state, but may have the opportunity to do so to provide on-site support depending on their interest and need.

Minimum Qualifications
A minimum of two years professional experience with financial and accounting tasks.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, and ability to learn UM accounting systems and software.

Ability to develop and maintain spreadsheets to track and make projections of expenses and revenues in various accounts. Ability to make arithmetical calculations and perform data analysis as needed to support work-related tasks.

Strong customer service and organizational skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to collaborate and work with others.

Critical thinking skills and detail orientation to recognize and diagnose problems and formulate solutions.

Ability to read and comprehend policies, procedures and regulations to ensure compliance and apply correct policies and procedures to job tasks.

Additional Information
Position Number: 069950

Compensation Title: Budget Analyst II

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year

Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum

Benefits Include: Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

A complete application includes:

Letter of Interest– addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
Detailed Resume– listing education and describing work experience
Three (3) Professional References– names and contact information
The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments withing the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.