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Unit Business Officer

Universities of Wisconsin · Oshkosh, WI

Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you advised a manager on a sensitive personnel matter.

What they are checking: Whether they handle HR issues with confidentiality and sound policy knowledge.

Tell me about a time you found an error in a financial report after it had already been shared.

What they are checking: Whether they own and correct mistakes quickly and transparently.

What would you do

A school director overspends their budget mid-year. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can raise the issue early, explain options and hold units accountable without damaging the relationship.

Enrollment drops in one school and the college must cut costs. How would you help the Dean decide where?

What they are checking: Whether they can analyze trends and lay out trade-offs so leaders make informed, defensible cuts.

How do you keep policies applied the same way across several schools with different directors?

What they are checking: Whether they enforce consistency fairly so no unit feels singled out or favored.

What would you do in your first sixty days to understand the college's finances?

What they are checking: Whether they would learn the budget history and relationships before recommending changes.

About the work

Walk me through how you would build a budget for the College of Business, Arts and Communication with the Dean and school directors.

What they are checking: Whether they can run a collaborative budget process and turn competing requests into a balanced plan.

What kinds of financial analyses would you give the Dean each month, and why those?

What they are checking: Whether they know which numbers help leaders decide, rather than producing reports nobody uses.

How do you handle staffing actions like hiring and position changes in Workday or a similar HR system?

What they are checking: Whether they can process HR transactions accurately within university rules and timelines.

How do you explain fund types, like state funds, gifts and grants, to faculty who just want to know what they can spend?

What they are checking: Whether they understand restricted versus unrestricted funds and can explain spending rules simply.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Unit Business Officer Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Administrative Specialist Job Duties: Reporting to the Divisional Business Officer of Academic Affairs, the Unit Business Officer serves at the college administrative level for the College of Business, Arts and Communication. The position completes a variety of human resources, financial management and budget development functions for the college or unit. The position works closely with the Dean and School Directors in service to the college to support strategic initiatives and provide routine financial analyses and budget status reports. Key Job Responsibilities: • Implements and executes established policies and procedures for a designated work unit to adhere to unit objectives and to align with established strategies • Serves on committees and attends meetings, representing the interests of the unit or program • Schedules logistics and secures resources for a designated work unit to contribute to the day-to-day operational success • Analyzes data and trends, compiles progress reports, and provides appropriate recommendations or conclusions in support of the assigned operational work unit(s) • Assists, recommends, and advises staff on unit or program administrative issues, personnel matters, and budgetary problems Compensation: Starting at $50,000 commensurate with experience Required Qualifications: • Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel • Demonstrated oral and written communication • Demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of customer service • Demonstrated professional experience exercising discretion regarding confidential or sensitive information Preferred Qualifications: • Experience working in human resources and financial management software applications such as Workday and Adaptive Planning • At least 2 years experience managing financial information and developing budgets. Education: • Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's degree in business or related field OR minimum of four (4) years of demonstrated experience managing financial information and developing budgets. How to Apply: Applicants must submit the following documents using the online application: • Resume • Cover Letter *Please use your application materials to speak to each of the qualifications for this position as listed above. Be sure to describe your relevant experience and areas of expertise, using specific examples from your work and education history. Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application. All final candidates will be asked to provide names, email contact information, and/or phone numbers for three (3) references, with at least one being from a manager or supervisor, during the interview process. Note: Once you have attached your materials and submitted your application, you will not be able to go into the system and change them. To Ensure Consideration: Applications received by the end of the day on 10/18/2026 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. Contact Information: For questions regarding your application and additional options to apply, contact Human Resources at recruitment@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166 Work Authorization Unless otherwise indicated in the job posting, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. UW Oshkosh is not an e-verify employer; therefore, STEM extensions are not options for work authorization. Legal Notices: Reasonable Accommodations UWO provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact hroffice@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWO is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWO will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWO Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://uwosh.edu/police/ , or call UWO Police Department, at (920) 424-1212 for a paper copy. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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