Athletics Business Manager

Overview
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.

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 expenses.

Operational 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 environment.

Audit & 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 planning.

Revenue 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 reporting.

Cross‑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 tools.

Preferred 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.

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 tools.

Professional 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 partners.

Athletics 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.

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.

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