Athletics Business Manager

Description

The Athletics Business Manager serves as the primary finance and business operations professional within the Athletic Department while maintaining a direct reporting relationship to the Deputy CFO in the Business and Finance Office. This unique dual-positioning structure ensures strong financial oversight and institutional alignment while providing dedicated on-site support to Athletics operations. The position is responsible for the efficient management and strategic leadership of all aspects of the Athletic Department's business and finance operations, including organizational oversight of business office staff and compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations. The Athletics Business Manager serves as a member of the executive and senior leadership teams.

Examples of Duties

Financial Management & Strategic Planning

Assist in the development and management of the annual budget for the Athletics Department, working with the Deputy Athletics Director to ensure financial resources are allocated efficiently across all athletic programs and align with strategic goals

Provide oversight of the division's fiscal management, including budget development and reporting of the operating budget, restricted funds, and revenue streams

Monitor and report on the financial performance of the department, providing regular updates to senior management and stakeholders

Develop comprehensive financial forecasting models and long-term strategic financial planning for the Athletic Department

Create and maintain sophisticated financial reports for the Athletic Director, Deputy AD, Deputy CFO, and senior leadership

Collaborate with coaches, staff, and university officials to forecast financial needs and plan for upcoming seasons and events

Communicate detailed financial data and analysis to all head coaches and area supervisors

Develop advanced data analytic tools to generate short and long-term financial projections regarding operating revenues and expensesOperational Oversight & Compliance

Oversee the processing of financial transactions related to all athletic programs, including accounts payable and accounts receivable

Review, reconcile, and track the division's purchase requisitions, vendor payments, and credit card transactions, maintaining accurate records of outstanding balances and ensuring proper documentation for final approval by Athletics leadership

Manage the procurement and contracting process for athletic equipment, services, and facilities across all sports programs

Manage the daily operations of the Athletics business office with strong attention to internal controls and audit compliance

Ensure strict compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations, conference requirements, and university financial policies

Supervise and mentor multiple full-time staff members and graduate assistants within the Athletics business office, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environmentAudit & Reconciliation Management

Lead the Athletic Department's participation in monthly reconciliation processes, year-end close procedures, and all internal/external audits related to athletic accounts

Coordinate with external auditors during annual audits and address any findings specifically related to the Athletics Department

Review NCAA financial reports and EADA (Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act) reports for accuracy before Financial Services submission

Maintain comprehensive documentation and audit trails for all athletic financial activities

Conduct detailed financial analysis and prepare comprehensive reports to assist in decision-making and strategic planningRevenue Generation & Contract Management

Lead the development of financial strategies to increase revenue streams, including ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives

Conduct revenue reconciliation for Athletics Department income streams to ensure accurate financial reportingCross-Functional Collaboration

Collaborate extensively with multiple campus partners on accurate reporting and financial projections, including ticket office, Business and Finance Office, and other business units

Serve as primary Athletics liaison to the Business and Finance Office, ensuring seamless communication and compliance

Participate in university-wide financial planning and strategic initiatives as they relate to Athletics

Typical Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or other accredited business-related field from an accredited institution

Five to seven years of progressive experience in accounting, higher education finance, and/or sports administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Strong working knowledge of accounting best practices for higher education institutions

Comprehensive understanding of NCAA rules and regulations, particularly financial reporting requirements

Expertise in the Department of Education's Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) and NCAA financial reporting standards

Advanced proficiency in financial analysis technology and computer applications including Banner ERP, Microsoft Excel, and other relevant business intelligence toolsPreferred Qualifications

CPA certification or progress toward certification

Big 4 accounting firm experience providing exposure to complex financial operations and audit processes

Experience in collegiate athletics business operations at Division I level

Familiarity with CAA Conference or similar mid-major conference financial requirements and reporting

Knowledge of university budget processes and state/federal compliance requirements for higher education

Experience with audit processes in higher education or athletics environments

Proficiency with PowerBI and other advanced business intelligence tools

Supplemental Information

Technical Skills

Advanced Financial Analysis: Ability to create complex financial models, forecasts, and analytical reports

Budgeting and Planning: Experience developing multi-million dollar budgets with multiple revenue streams and funding sources

Audit and Compliance: Strong understanding of audit processes, internal controls, and regulatory compliance

Technology Proficiency: Advanced skills in financial software and systems, with expertise in Banner ERP and Microsoft Excel, plus familiarity with business intelligence toolsProfessional Skills

Strategic Thinking: Innovative and creative problem-solving abilities with focus on long-term planning

Communication: Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills for diverse stakeholders

Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams effectively and work with minimal supervision

Attention to Detail: Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail in financial reporting and compliance matters

Relationship Management: Ability to build and maintain professional relationships across multiple departments and external partnersAthletics and Higher Education Knowledge

Understanding of collegiate athletics operations, including NCAA compliance, revenue generation, and unique financial challenges

Knowledge of higher education finance including state funding, grants, and institutional financial processes

Awareness of athletics industry trends and best practices in sports business management

Other Necessary RequirementsKEY REPORTING STRUCTURE

Primary Reporting Line: Deputy CFO, Business and Finance Office

Operational Location: Athletics Department

Collaborative Relationship: Works closely with Athletic Director and Deputy Athletic Director

Matrix Leadership: Provides financial expertise to Athletics while ensuring institutional financial compliance and oversight