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Business Advisor (Student Engagement)

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Office of Student Engagement

Job Description

Job Summary

Work closely with the Director of Student Engagement to manage student organization, house and the OSE budgets including budget preparation, monitoring, reconciliation and training. Work with all student organization and house treasurers to ensure accuracy of budgets, the processing of purchase requests, credit card reconciliation and deposits into organization and house accounts. Work closely with the budget office to ensure smooth collaboration. Coordinate with the business and financial operations associated with the Office of Student Engagement; assist and provide support to the entire team on the accounting of expenses and approving of student payroll. Serve as office manager supervising the day to day operation of the student office team.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Budget Management (65%):

  • Collaborate with the Director of Student Engagement to oversee the annual budget for Student Engagement, ensuring financial integrity and alignment with strategic goals.
  • Supervise the budgetary processes for the OSE Team, ensuring accurate reconciliation of department-wide expenses and compliance with financial policies.
  • Prepare accounts payable vouchers and purchase requisitions, ensuring timely and accurate processing of departmental payments.
  • Use the College’s computer accounting system to verify accounts, track payments, and reconcile financial discrepancies for organizatin, house and OSE accounts.
  • Using both the Smith Social Network and WorkDay Finance, manage and monitor all student organization and house accunts, ensuring proper accounting practices and quarterly reconciliation.
  • Work closely with organization treasuers to properly use the Club and Organization Credit Cards, making appointments, overseeing purchases and reconciling to accounts.
  • Oversee the House Credit Cards, overseeing purchases and reconciling accounts.
  • Collaborate with WorkDay to streamline the financial accounting system between the two systems.
  • Adminster the Shopify system for groups looking to fundraise through the platform.

Supervision and Training (30%:)

  • Work with the Associate Director to oversee the recruitment, training, and supervision of the student working on the office, ensuring smooth daily operations and staff readiness.
  • Prepare and manage work schedules, ensuring adequate staffing coverage for the office.
  • Facilitate training for all organization and house treasurers at the beginning of each semester and as needed throughout the year including evening hours.
  • Hold weekly office hours for student treasurers to answer questions, troubleshoot and problem solve house and organization budget issues through the year including evening hours.
  • Update and maintain the Treasurer Moodle Training and the finance section of the Student Organization Guidebook.

Other Functions

  • Support large-scale programs and events as part of the OSE Team, nights and weekends as needed.
  • All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

  • Associate's degree and 3-5 years experience or an equivalent combination of education/experience. Bachelor's Degree preferred. Previous experience with financial management is desired.
  • Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Experience working and training students.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in budget management.

Skills

  • Proven experience in budget management.
  • Strong accounting and/or budgeting skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong customer service skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
  • Self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, good judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Proficiency with word processing, database management, and email communication software.
Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

April 21, 2025

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of  equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty.  The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.

Average salary estimate

$57500 / YEARLY (est.)
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$50000K
$65000K

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What You Should Know About Business Advisor (Student Engagement), Smith College

Are you ready to dive into the dynamic world of student engagement at Smith College? As a Business Advisor focused on Student Engagement, you'll work alongside the Director of Student Engagement to oversee a vibrant array of student organizations. Your role will involve managing, preparing, and reconciling budgets, making sure every dollar is accounted for while maintaining financial integrity. Collaborating closely with student treasurers, you’ll train them on financial practices, helping them navigate the financial waters with confidence. Your organization skills will shine as you supervise the day-to-day operations of the student office, ensuring the team is well-equipped to support our diverse student body. Imagine guiding enthusiastic students through budgeting processes, providing insights on using our accounting systems, and troubleshooting any financial questions that arise. You’ll play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive environment, strengthening the bond between students and the resources they rely on for their extracurricular activities. If you have a passion for financial management, excellent communication skills, and enjoy working in a collaborative setting, this position might be your perfect fit! Join us at Smith College and be part of a team that values student success and engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Business Advisor (Student Engagement) Role at Smith College
What are the main responsibilities of the Business Advisor role at Smith College?

The Business Advisor at Smith College is primarily responsible for managing the budgets associated with student organizations and houses, ensuring financial accuracy through tasks like budget preparation, reconciliation, and training. This role also involves collaborating with budget offices and supervising the daily operations of the student office team.

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What qualifications are needed for the Business Advisor position at Smith College?

Candidates for the Business Advisor role at Smith College should have at least an Associate's degree and 3-5 years of experience in financial management. A Bachelor's degree is preferred, with a strong background in budget management and experience working with diverse populations being advantageous.

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How does the Business Advisor at Smith College contribute to student engagement?

The Business Advisor plays a crucial role in student engagement by managing the financial resources that support student organizations. By providing training and assistance in budgeting, and ensuring that funds are utilized effectively, the advisor helps foster an environment where students can thrive academically and socially through extracurricular activities.

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What skills are essential for success as a Business Advisor at Smith College?

To succeed as a Business Advisor at Smith College, one should possess strong accounting and budgeting skills, excellent verbal and written communication abilities, and exceptional customer service skills. Being self-motivated and capable of managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment is also vital.

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What type of training does the Business Advisor provide to student treasurers at Smith College?

The Business Advisor provides comprehensive training to student treasurers at the beginning of each semester, which includes financial processes, budgeting best practices, and troubleshooting common issues. Ongoing support and weekly office hours are also offered to address any questions that may arise throughout the year.

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Common Interview Questions for Business Advisor (Student Engagement)
How would you approach budget management for student organizations?

I would start by analyzing previous budget reports to identify trends. I'd ensure clear communication with student treasurers about their budget needs and guide them through the financial processes, promoting transparency and accuracy in tracking expenses.

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Can you describe a time you handled a financial discrepancy?

To resolve a financial discrepancy, I would first investigate the data to trace the source of the error. Then, I’d communicate with the involved parties to clarify and reconcile the issue. Maintaining calm and providing clear guidance enables successful resolution.

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What techniques would you use to train student treasurers effectively?

I would utilize hands-on training sessions combined with resource materials such as guides and demonstrations of budgeting tools. Regular follow-ups and open office hours would also be crucial to ensure they feel supported and confident in their roles.

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How do you ensure compliance with financial policies?

Ensuring compliance involves always staying updated on institutional financial policies and training the team to adhere to these standards. It’s vital to embed compliance in our processes and audits, creating a culture of accountability.

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What is your strategy for fostering an inclusive environment while managing diverse student groups?

My strategy involves actively listening to diverse perspectives and making adjustments to accommodate all voices. Building relationships with students ensures they feel valued and comfortable expressing their needs and concerns.

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How would you manage multiple student organizations with competing budget needs?

Prioritizing open communication is critical. I would host meetings to understand each organization's needs, and use a fair process to allocate resources while aligning with the overall goals of the student engagement initiatives.

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What tools or software are you familiar with for managing budgets?

I have experience with various budgeting and accounting software, including Excel and financial management systems like WorkDay Finance. Leveraging these tools enhances accuracy in tracking and ensuring accountability.

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How would you handle a situation where a student treasurer is not following budget protocols?

I would address the situation directly and empathetically, offering support to understand the challenges they might be facing. I’d provide additional training and emphasize the importance of compliance while fostering a positive relationship.

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Can you discuss a successful event or program you helped to coordinate?

I was involved in organizing a fundraising event that required extensive budgeting and planning. By collaborating with various student groups and managing funds efficiently, we exceeded our fundraising goal and fostered student engagement.

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Why do you want to work as a Business Advisor at Smith College?

I am deeply passionate about supporting student success and engagement. Smith College's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment resonates with my values, and I believe my skills in budget management and training can contribute positively to the community.

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DATE POSTED
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