Job Details

Business Officer II - 000525

Position Number: 7189168
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Position Type: Business and Financial Management

Business Officer II - 000525

Western Carolina University

Department: Office, Dean, Arts & Sciences

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The College of Arts and Sciences Business Officer reports to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and serves as an integral member of the colleges leadership team. The Business Officer provides strategic fiscal oversight for the College and acts as a key liaison between the Deans Office and the colleges departments and academic programs.

As the Universitys largest college, the College of Arts and Sciences includes 12 departments and numerous academic programs. The Business Officer oversees the colleges budget and related funds, supporting effective financial planning and operational decision-making across the organization.

Primary responsibilities include:

Managing the college budget and component funds
Leading annual budget planning and forecasting processes
Conducting financial analysis and preparing reports for leadership
Supporting resource allocation and cost management initiatives
Monitoring expenditures and ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures

The Business Officer serves as a primary resource for department administrative staff and faculty on fiscal and budget-related matters. This includes assisting departments with procurement processes, resolving account and transaction issues, interpreting funding and expenditure policies, and helping users navigate University business systems.

The position also plays a key role in training and supporting college personnel in enterprise business systems, including Banner Finance and related financial applications.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

Proficiency in spreadsheet-based financial analysis and reporting
Experience working with Banner Finance or similar enterprise financial systems
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
Sound judgment, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving

Additional duties may be assigned based on the operational needs of the College and University.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:
Minimum Qualifications:

Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.
Masters degree and 1-2 years of relevant work-related experience (Bachelors degree and 2-4 years of relevant work-related experience will be considered).

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated experience working in an administrative or business support role at a post-secondary institution of higher learning.
Working knowledge of Ellucian Banner Finance, fund accounting, and higher education budget structures.

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Thank you for your interest in this position. To be considered, you must apply online.

Applicants must attach a current resume, a letter of interest, and a list of at least three professional references (include names, addresses and complete contact information).

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected.

For questions or additional information, please contact David Kinner, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at dkinner@email.wcu.edu

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34154