Academic Business Operations Analyst -

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 Academic Business Operations Analyst is responsible for supporting the financial and business management of the Office of the Provost, as well as assisting the business functions of Academic Affairs colleges and units. In this role, the Academic Business Operations Analyst supports activities related to operating budget and finance, personnel, purchasing, office procedures management, and business computer systems.

The Academic Business Operations Analyst serves as a resource for administrative staff and faculty throughout the Academic Affairs division. This includes assisting with procurement processes, fund and transaction reconciliation, financial policy interpretation and application, and financial data analysis and reporting. This position is a key resource to help users navigate University business and software systems.

This position reports to the Director of Academic Resources and Business Operations.

The position exercises judgment in analyzing budget, financial, personnel, and operational issues; identifies trends, discrepancies, or compliance concerns; evaluates available options; and recommends appropriate actions to the Director and other Academic Affairs stakeholders.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical, accounting, and budgeting skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to analyze financial and operational data and prepare accurate reports.
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and follow through on assigned responsibilities.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate business, budget, finance, and personnel procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for current or future employment sponsorship.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or related business area; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications

Management prefers candidates with advanced degrees, credentials, and demonstrated experience directly related to the position responsibilities.

• Master of Accounting, Master of Public Administration, Master of Business Administration, or related advanced degree.
• Experience supporting business, budget, finance, or administrative operations in a higher education, public sector, or similarly complex organization.
• Experience supporting budget monitoring, account reconciliation, purchasing, accounts payable, or related business transactions.
• Experience using Banner Finance, Banner Human Resources, or comparable enterprise resource planning systems to review, process, reconcile, or report financial or personnel information.
• Experience preparing financial, budgetary, staffing, or operational reports using Excel, reporting tools, or data visualization platforms.

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

40

Number of Months Per Year

12

Posting Text

Open Date

08/12/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.

For questions or additional information please contact Jenea Shuler at [email protected]

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

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 [email protected].

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.