About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
About Research & Engagement
The UMass Amherst community engages more than 31,000 students, 1,400 faculty, and 5,000 staff in 11 schools and colleges with a wide variety of degree programs, research, and public service. More than 800 faculty lead sponsored research projects in many areas from basic to applied that are sponsored by federal, state, and private sources with expenditures of more than $240 million in 2023.
Job Summary
The Business Manager manages the budgeting process and financial reporting at UMass Press. This role ensures accurate financial planning, analysis, and reporting, while also managing the Press’s key operations. This position requires a balance of financial acumen and technical expertise, with regular interaction with various university departments, vendors, and the Press's distributor. The role is essential for ensuring the financial health and smooth functioning of the Press. The Press publishes 40-50 titles per year and has a backlist of over 1100 titles.
Essential Functions
- Budget and Finance Management:
- Develops and manages the budgeting process and planning using the University budgeting system and QuickBooks. Provides quarterly, on-demand, and year-end reconciliations. Tracks and codes all expenses and revenue to ensure accurate profit and loss statement for the Press as a whole.
- Develops, coordinates and administers policy and procedure for the procurement of goods and services and fiscal management of the UPress.
- Makes budgetary recommendations/decisions and directs accordingly to ensure spending complies with University, state, and federal rules and regulations.
- Prepares financial reports including payroll, quarterly financial reports, departmental budgets, cost of goods data, title-specific profit and loss statements sales assessments, and other analyses as needed.
- Performs analyses, projections and integrates data into spreadsheets to provide up-to-date and accurate information and monitors the flow of funds. Fulfills reporting and deliverable requirements, contract changes, extensions, and amendments. Performs ongoing analysis of revenue, expenses, and cash flow, and prepares both routine and query-based reports for Director.
- Monitors and interprets variances to the budget, communicating findings to the Director.
- Works with Production, Marketing, and other University Press departments to communicate budget updates.
- Prepares accrual-based budget information for association annual reports, including quarterly and annual data for Association of University Presses.
- Royalty Management:
- Inputs and manages author royalty payments for tracking and disbursement activities.
- Prepares annual royalty statements and administers payments.
- Accesses and maintains distributor’s system for all royalty information.
- Responds to author queries about royalties.
- Manages database with all contract terms, including subsidiary rights and addresses.
- Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable Management:
- Assembles and assesses book payment data from vendors.
- Processes and approves purchases with vendors and payments to individuals, including employee reimbursements.
- Maintains record of all income, purchases and payments, including vendor information. Monitors and tracks this process regularly utilizing QuickBooks.
- Establishes subvention accounts.
- Tracks all Accounts Receivable and outstanding payments.
- Processes and manages bill payments.
- Rights and Contracts Management:
- Tracks and manages permission, translation, and option queries. Negotiates and processes translation and film option agreements.
- Sets permissions fees for use of the Press’s copyrighted materials.
- Tracks and files publishing and distribution agreements.
- Operational Support Services:
- Manages overstocks and out of print titles.
- Exercises independent judgment in the role of liaison between UPress and various University departments including but not limited to Budget, UPST, IT, Telecommunications, and the Controller’s Office.
- Manages time reporting for the department.
- Provides administrative support to the Press Director.
- Serves as office manager, coordinating all space related issues, transitions, mail shipping services, and supporting all staff regarding office supplies and other workplace needs.
- Hires and supervises students.
Other Functions
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Associate degree and six (6) years’ experience in accounting, finance, or related field. Bachelor’s or higher degree in accounting, finance or administration may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.
- Proficiency in QuickBooks or similar accounting software demonstrated by two (2) years of professional experience utilizing such software.
- Proficiency in budgeting and financial analysis. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and variances.
- Proficiency with various computer applications including working knowledge of spreadsheet software applications and competence in running queries in computerized databases. Ability and aptitude to learn new software systems.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of authors, staff, faculty, students, and off-campus constituents.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner, balancing the demands of concurrent and potentially competing projects.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in a logical sequence.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain high levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Experience in publishing.
- Supervisory experience.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Typical office environment.
- This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.
Work Schedule
- 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday.
Salary Information
Level 26
PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.