Business Officer Office of Research and Innovation

Business Officer for the Office of Research and Innovation

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button. To bookmark this position for later review, click on the Bookmark this Posting link. To print a copy of this position for your records, click on the Print Preview link.

For a complete application, please submit the required documents electronically through Appalachian State University’s Job Board:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of 3-5 references and Contact Information

Position Title:

Business Officer for the Office of Research and Innovation

Location:

Boone, NC

Department:
Office of Research and Innovation- 282000

Reference Number: 080981

Opening Date: 01/26/2026

Closing Date: 03/01/2026

Type of Position:
Full Time

Salary Range: $51,422

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3–4 years of finance and/or administrative experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficient with computer applications (word processing, databases, spreadsheets) & eRA systems.

• Strong knowledge of university, UNC System, and State fiscal regulations and procurement procedures.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through in financial and administrative work.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, and multitasking skills.
• Effective interpersonal communication and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse university units.
• Initiative in identifying and resolving problems independently while exercising sound judgment.
• Strong customer-service orientation and professionalism when engaging with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Banner, Emburse, Total Contract Manager, and other university administrative systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines while maintaining confidentiality and data integrity.

The Business Officer for the Office of Research and Innovation provides critical administrative, fiscal, and event management support within the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI). The position ensures that the university’s internal grant programs and research development events operate efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with ORI’s mission to advance faculty, staff, and student research and creative activity.

• Serve as the primary fiscal contact and key administrator for all internal research and innovation grants, including University Research Council and Student Research grants.
• Manage post‑award activities for internal awards, ensuring timely and accurate disbursement of funds, reconciliation of expenditures, and adherence to university, UNC System, and State of North Carolina fiscal regulations.
• Track, review, and document expenditures; prepare budget summaries and financial reports for ORI leadership.
• Conduct monthly reconciliations of designated funds and monitor internal award accounts for accuracy and compliance.
• Provide post‑award coordination among faculty awardees, department administrators, and Contracts and Grants Accounting to resolve issues and ensure proper fiscal stewardship; route and process financial transactions including purchases, reimbursements, PCard activity, buyouts, one‑time payments, and journal entries through appropriate university systems.
• Manage travel approvals and reimbursements related to internal grants and ORI activities using the Emburse travel system.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion in handling financial data and sensitive information.

• Oversee the Total Contract Manager (TCM) system for contracts, personnel, software, and vendor agreements associated with ORI programs.
• Track and archive internal grant records, work orders, contracts, and direct pay documentation in accordance with university retention…