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University of South Carolina

Business Operations Specialist

🇺🇸 Columbia, South Carolina 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $54K - $74K 💻 Operations 🗓️ September 16th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

University of South Carolina is hiring a Business Operations Specialist. This role manages financial and administrative operations for two departments within the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, including budget development, monitoring expenditures, processing grant-related expenses, and ensuring compliance with university policies and funding requirements.

Highlights
  • Serve as primary business operations professional for two departments in the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing.
  • Manage day-to-day budget and financial operations, including payroll, procurement, and travel approvals.
  • Facilitate and process grant-funded expenses in coordination with Principal Investigators and the Post-Awards Department.
  • Complete hiring documents and manage onboarding/offboarding for graduate and undergraduate students and post-docs.
  • Oversee approval processes and account tracking for Ed Foundation pass-through accounts.
  • Collaborate with college-level budget and finance leadership to refine financial processes and ensure policy adherence.
  • Support timely Time and Effort Reporting certification with the Post-Award team.
  • Required to have a bachelor's degree in a related field and 2+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of certification, training, and education.
  • Preferred experience with University of South Carolina financial systems such as PeopleSoft, Banner, and Reporting Express.
  • Salary range anticipated between $53,576 and $74,000 annually.

Business Operations Specialist Full Description

Business Operations Specialist Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Applicants must upload a cover letter, resume’ and provide at least 3 references

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. 
 
We are only accepting applications submitted by September 25, 2026.
 
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Retirement Programs
  • Paid Tuition
  • Dependent Scholarships
  • Annual Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Professional Development Opportunities

 Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo
Posting Number STA00691PO26
Job Family Business Operations
Job Function Business Operations
USC Market Title Business Operations Specialist
Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132278
Job Level P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) Business Operations Specialist
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division College of Engineering and Computing
Department CEC College of Engineering and Computing
State Pay Range G09
USC Market Range MRF - $53,576 $66,970 $80,364
Anticipated Hiring Range $53,576 - $74,000
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.5
Work Schedule
  • Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
  • Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Fiscal Accounting
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The Business Operations Specialist serves as the primary business operations professional for two departments within the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, providing financial and administrative support to ensure the efficient and effective management of departmental resources. The Business Operations Specialist gathers, processes, and analyzes financial data using university enterprise systems; assists with budget development and financial planning; monitors expenditures; and supports compliance with university policies and applicable funding requirements.
The position supports the college’s mission by applying solid working knowledge of university financial policies, procedures, and business practices to maintain sound fiscal operations and promote responsible stewardship of university resources.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
  • Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with University of South Carolina financial and administrative systems, including PeopleSoft, Banner, Reporting Express, and related enterprise applications.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • Solid working knowledge of financial management, budgeting, accounting principles, and fiscal administration. Familiarity with enterprise systems and software (to include PeopleSoft, Banner, Reporting Express) as well as financial reporting tools such as excel and access. 
  • Knowledge of higher education financial policies, grants, and procurement. Problem solving and critical thinking, the ability to identify financial risks, inefficiencies and opportunities. 
  • Experience developing financial workflows, improving efficiencies and ensuring timely financial reporting. Ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable recommendations. 
  • Attention to detail and accuracy. Adaptability and initiative. Stress management, confidentiality and ethics.
Job Duties
Job Duty
The Business Operations Specialist serves as a key liaison between Principal Investigators (PIs) and the Post-Awards Department to ensure compliant and efficient management of grant-related expenses. When a PI requests a grant-funded expense, the Business Operations Specialist facilitates the submission process through designated forms and works closely with the Post-Awards Department, the authority on grant compliance, to determine whether the expense is allowable under grant guidelines, institutional policies, within budgets, and funding agency requirements. Once post-award approves the expense, the Business Operations Specialist processes.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty
Responsible overseeing the day-to-day budget and financial operations for two departments within the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, ensuring alignment with institutional policies and strategic goals. This role monitors all expenses flowing from each department, including payroll, procurement, travel approvals and grant-related expenditures, while maintaining compliance with university and funding regulations. Administers departmental financial activities to include: analyzing financial data, and providing reporting to department and college level leadership to support informed decision-making. Collaborates with faculty, staff, and university administrative offices to support effective resource management, forecast financial needs, and identify opportunities to improve business processes and operational efficiency.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 40
Job Duty
Completes USC hiring documents for graduate and undergraduate students and post-docs. Including I9’s, IS forms, etc. Maintains records of personal hires and ensures timely and accurate onboarding and offboarding.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15
Job Duty
Serves as the department line approver for items needing approval for the Ed Foundation pass-through account, review balances, send statements to department faculty, and tracks Ed Foundation accounts. Ensures timely and accurate submission and processing of check request payments and reimbursements, maintaining records of submitted check requests, and ensuring compliance with the policies and procedures outlined in the Ed Foundation AP Manual.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Attends regular meetings and collaborates with college-level budget and finance leadership to develop and refine processes. The role ensures adherence to University-level business policies and procedures and verifies that staff have completed the necessary training. Additionally, the Business Specialist maintains positive relationships with faculty, staff, and students to enhance collaborative and streamlined processes.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Time and Effort Reporting: Following the Office of Post-Award Finance’s validation and release of effort reports for certification, the Business Operations Specialist collaborates with the Post-Award team to ensure the timely completion of the certification process across the assigned departments.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 5
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date 11/01/2026
Job Open Date 09/16/2026
Job Close Date 09/25/2026
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Applicants must upload a cover letter, resume’ and provide at least 3 references

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. 
 
We are only accepting applications submitted by September 25, 2026.
 
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Retirement Programs
  • Paid Tuition
  • Dependent Scholarships
  • Annual Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Professional Development Opportunities

 Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213284
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Do you have at least a Bachelor's Degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience?
    • Yes
    • No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
  3. List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents

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