Senior Business Services Specialist

Job Summary

Under the oversight of the Director of Administrative Services, the Senior Business Services Specialist oversees a variety of broad and complex financial, accounting and budgeting services related to trust, bond, general fund, and auxiliary accounts. Provides lead group direction and day-to-day financial oversight of budget, payroll, accounting, project accounting, procurement, and cost recovery. Provides strategic leadership and analysis in the utilization of information systems within the department and input to recommended policies that have a major operational impact.

This position has a significant influential role regarding performance, decision-making, and key objectives of the department by providing timely and value-added financial information. As this is a highly visible position, incumbent plays an instrumental role in both internal and external relationships that affect the department's level of customer satisfaction.

Facilities Development & Operations provides real estate, physical planning, design, construction, maintenance, operation, energy and utility, and environmental health and safety services to a University campus spread across multiple sites comprised of +170 acres, 52 buildings, and more than six million gross square feet. The department employs 300+ full time permanent staff and administers an operating budget in excess of $30 million not including funds associated with purchased utilities. Additionally, the department manages a project portfolio ranging in size from $500 thousand to in excess of $250 million.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinates, develops and prepares the annual operating budget Conducts monthly analysis and mid-year budget forecast Ensures department decisions are consistent with budget and financial objectives Benchmarks and provides input to the department's key financial performance indicators (KPIs)
• Provides recording and reporting of accounting and financial transactions, ensuring that all fiscal operations are in compliance with CSU and Campus requirements
• Provides financial research and financial analysis/modeling in a variety of matters including but not limited to the procurement of capital equipment and major operational expenditures
• Oversees the department's overall cost recovery process including the development of annual overhead rates, cost recovery models and collection processes
• In coordination with PDC, maintains an effective construction project accounting system and payment process in accordance with appropriate financial policies and procedures
• Administers and processes escrow agreements on all Public Works contracts and approves the request to State Treasurer for contractor payment; audits, prepares financial reports for submission to the Chancellor's Office
• Ensures department payments are in compliance with general account and reimbursement procedures of the University, and interfaces with project managers for clarification of discrepancies and verification/authorization of payments requested
• Trains and provides guidance to staff relating to financial and accounting policies and procedures
• Represents the department in all financial matters in the absence of the Director, Administrative Services
• Manages trust funds to ensure a positive cash position for each trust at all times

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• Extensive knowledge of and ability to apply extensive expertise to complex principles and practices of fiscal management
• Demonstrated expertise and advanced knowledge of the principles, problems, and methods of public and business administration and operational and fiscal management
• Ability to prepare reports and interpret policies and procedures covering a wide range of budget, contract and accounting procedures
• Ability to make timely decisions and perform a wide variety of administrative duties independently; ability to effectively plan, assign, coordinate and lead a variety of fiscal functions
• Ability to analyze computerized accounting records, and to research and correct computer data errors
• Ability to work independently; communicate and write effectively; make constructive recommendations; interpret and apply fiscal policies and procedures; and work cooperatively with contractors, vendors, architects, engineers, campus personnel, and representatives of public and private agencies
• High proficiency in PC compatible software programs such as Word, EXCEL and Access
• Ability to develop, design databases, and create reports as related to defined duties
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications with employees and external agencies

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field
• Five years of relevant experience
• Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis
• An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis

Preferred Qualifications

• Accounting experience preferred in construction management, facilities management, and/or governmental accounting
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience
• Work experience in a State, College, or University setting OR within a large, complex business setting
  
  

Compensation

Classification: Budget Analyst IV
Anticipated Hiring Range: $9,524 /month - $9,714 /month (Step 19 - Step 20)
CSU Salary Range: $6,668 /month - $9,714 /month (Step 1 - Step 20)

San Jose State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: December 3, 2025 through January 5, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Work Schedule

Selected candidates will be placed in one of the following shifts based on operational needs.

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.