Business Service Center Operations Specialist

The Business Service Center Operations Specialist supports the University's Business Service Center (BSC) by administering the purchasing card (P-Card) and fuel card programs, preparing and analyzing BSC metrics and audit reports, coordinating annual reporting requirements such as unclaimed property, and supporting the department as a back-up BSC specialist. This position will provide guidance, training, and operational support to departments across campus. This role promotes best practices and self-service, ensures compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements, and serves as a subject matter expert on BSC processes and systems, including Banner, Unimarket (e-procurement) and banking platforms. The Specialist partners with stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness, resolve issues, and deliver responsive, front-line customer support.

This role plays a key part in strengthening financial stewardship, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing the stakeholder experience for the University community.

Essential Functions:

Program Administration & Operations
* Coordinates the P-Card and fuel card programs, including card issuance, limit adjustments, merchant category controls, and account maintenance.
* Facilitates the daily ACH and check process for the University and promotes ACH adoption.
* Administers the Unimarket platform, including user management, approval queue management and expense module administration.
* Serves as a backup for BSC Specialist functions as needed.

Customer Support, Training & Consultation
* Provides technical guidance, problem-solving assistance, and policy interpretation to cardholders, delegates, and approvers.
* Designs and delivers training programs, develops instructional materials, and actively enables and encourages user self-service for P-Cards and Unimarket systems.
* Serves as the front-line resource for Unimarket support and for card inquiries, including dispute resolution and fraudulent transaction reporting.

Compliance, Policy & Audit Support
* Monitors card activity to ensure compliance with university, state, and federal regulations.
* Maintains and updates card and Unimarket policies and procedures and ensures consistent application.
* Supports internal and external audits by maintaining documentation and responding to requests.

Relationship Management & Collaboration
* Builds and maintains strong relationships with departments and cardholders, understanding their operational needs.
* Serves as the primary liaison with the card providers, Unimarket and financial institutions.
* Collaborates with Accounting Services and Accounts Payable on Unclaimed Property and payment reissuance processes.

Reporting, Analysis & Process Improvement
* Provides analytical reporting on BSC metrics, including card usage, A/P invoice processing, requisition volume, exceptions, vendor management, and productivity.
* Participates in cross-functional teams focused on innovative process and system improvements.
* Identifies and implements improvements to enhance stakeholder experience and program excellence, including developing and producing metrics benchmarking against peer institutions.

Qualifications:

* Associate's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
* 2+ years of experience in purchasing, accounts payable, finance operations, or a related administrative/financial role.
* Experience supporting or administering P-Card or fuel card programs or similar financial process preferred.
* Experience in higher education or a similarly complex, decentralized environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders.
* Strong interpersonal and consulting skills, including tact, diplomacy, active listening, negotiation, and customer service orientation.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (particularly Excel) and experience with enterprise financial systems (e.g., Banner) and banking platforms; ability to learn new technology and applications quickly.
* Knowledge of credit card and banking platforms, including experience with Commercial Card Advisor (FNB/Mastercard/Visa) or similar tools.
* Experience with P-Card or fuel card tools, techniques, and program administration.
* Working knowledge of financial controls, compliance practices, and audit support processes; ability to monitor program effectiveness and ensure adherence to internal controls.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to perform data analysis and prepare monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc reports.
* Experience managing high-volume programs (e.g., 600+ P-Cards), including reconciliation of multiple statements and oversight of transactional activity.
* Ability to research and resolve escalated issues promptly, ensuring timely and effective outcomes.
* Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
* Demonstrated initiative and a willingness to learn new tasks and take on increasing responsibilities.