Senior Business Support Specialist, UMKC Innovation Center

UMKC Innovation Center

Housed in the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the UMKC Innovation Center works across the university and the community to connect, support, sustain and empower entrepreneurial efforts within our region and across the country. Services are provided across the center's four pillars:

* Entrepreneurial Education, which, through programs like the Missouri Small Business Development Center, Missouri APEX Accelerators and ScaleUP! serves aspiring and established entrepreneurs from inception through maturity by delivering high-impact training programs, business development technical assistance and coaching.

* Regional Ecosystem Development, which, through KCSourceLink and MOSourceLink, connects entrepreneurs to the right resources and develops stronger resources for entrepreneurship.

* Technology Venture Studio, which, through programs like Digital Sandbox KC, Whiteboard2Boardroom and KCInvestED, builds the tech community and nurtures, supports, grows and provides project funding for our region's founders and their early-stage innovations.

* SourceLink, which provides consulting and tools to help cities, states and regions nationwide build better-connected and more cohesive infrastructures to spark, support and sustain entrepreneurship.

The UMKC Innovation Center is searching for an experienced business specialist to assist with managing the fiscal operations of the UMKC Innovation Center (UMKC IC). The position works within the UMKC financial structures and reporting systems to process financial transactions for the UMKC IC to support purchasing; accounts payable; client invoicing and collections and budget and variance reporting. This is a key position to the UMKC Innovation Center that works closely with the executive director and the staff to accurately manage center financial operations and ensure accurate reporting.

Responsibilities:

Work within the UMKC financial structures and reporting systems to process financial transactions for the UMKC IC to support purchasing; accounts payable; client invoicing and collections and budget and variance reporting.

Identify, research and analyze client inquiries and serve as a technical resource to clients and staff on financial issues; develop recommend and implement solutions for contract, billing and collection procedures.

Work with the UMKC IC in purchasing contracted and purchased services, travel, computers and supplies through university systems.

* Draft consulting agreements and amendments process through the UMKC Contracts Portal

* Draft purchase services agreements and submit through the office of E-Procurement

* Make travel arrangements for staff, including the purchase of airline tickets, hotel and rental car reservations and conference registrations. Review and approving all staff expense reports prior to submission.

* Purchase supplies through the university E-procurement system

Process invoices received from consultants and vendors through the University Accounts Payable office.

Maintain a University OneCard (credit card) including processing orders, reconciliation, submission of receipts and ensuring proper accounting entries for the expenditures.

Prepare payroll correcting entries (PCEs), journal entries (JEs) through PeopleSoft and input earnings distribution changes to the HR system as directed.

Collect and submit necessary financial information for UMKC yearly budgeting process.

Submit UMKC yearly, semi-annual and quarterly budget and variance reporting.

Assist with UMKC IC event purchasing including ordering catering and supplies.

Other duties as assigned.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

* Experience with PeopleSoft a plus

* Proficiency with Excel

* Accuracy and attention to detail

* Ability to analyze and solve problems

* Ability to multitask and prioritize

* Demonstrated project management skills

* Ability to work well with others and maintain good working relationships

* Strong communication skills both oral and written

$24.00 - $27.00 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Submission of cover letter and resume required.

Application review begins 3/10/2025. Position will continue to accept and review applicants until filled.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.