Job Title: Business Manager
Reports To: Executive Director
FLSA Status: W-2, Exempt
Hours: Full-time
Location: Hybrid (Remote + Onsite at MELSA, office and consortium locations)
Salary Range: $81,442 – $127,253 Annually
Close Date: 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025; Send cover letter and resume to sherry@melsa.orgcreate new email
About MELSA:
The Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) is a regional consortium of eight public library systems serving the Twin Cities metro area. MELSA fosters a workplace culture grounded in equity, integrity, and respect. We work collaboratively to expand access, share resources, and support innovation across libraries in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties. Through cooperative services, equity-driven programs, and professional development, MELSA strengthens communities through learning, connection, and discovery.
Position Summary:
MELSA is a small, collaborative team of 6 full-time staff members, where the Business Manager serves as a strategic and singular financial leader, managing and executing all of MELSA’s finance and employee benefit systems. This role ensures fiscal responsibility, governmental compliance, and organizational alignment while advancing MELSA’s mission through equitable practices, transparent processes, and collaborative excellence. Ideal candidates are strategic thinkers with a commitment to collaborative teamwork and big-picture thinking, dedicated to ensuring operational excellence and long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Management & Accounting
- Solely responsible for the end-to-end execution of all accounting functions, including the general ledger, journal entries, disbursements, and receipts, functioning as the organization’s dedicated finance professional
- Prepare monthly financial statements, forecasts, and custom reports as needed
- Oversee cash flow and manage short-term investment strategies
- Lead the annual budgeting process and monitor financial performance throughout the year
- Manage vendor contracts, insurance needs, and payments to member libraries
Audit & Compliance
- Coordinate the annual financial audit, including preparation of schedules and documentation
- Serve as primary contact for external auditors; address audit findings and implement recommendations
- Ensure compliance with applicable financial regulations, GASB standards, and internal policies
Grants & Program Reporting
- Track expenditures for grant-funded programs and support reporting requirements
- Prepare required documentation for RLBSS and other state/local funding sources
- Assist the Executive Director, Governing and Advisory Boards, member library systems, and staff with financial reporting and decision-making documents
- Coordinate E-rate and RLTA documentation, filings, and compliance
Payroll & Employee Administration
- Process semimonthly payroll and maintain accurate employee records, serving as the sole internal resource for payroll and benefits administration in coordination with external partners
- Support the updating and maintenance of personnel policies and compliance documents
Administrative & Strategic Support
- Assist in developing and maintaining MELSA’s internal policies and procedures
- Contribute to strategic planning processes and financial modeling
- Facilitate assigned MELSA Team and Interest Group meetings and initiatives
Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field and a minimum of 5 -7 years of accounting and business or finance experience required.
- Proficiency in GAAP, GASB, and public sector accounting standards
- Proven ability to successfully manage projects from inception through completion, including grant funding oversight
- Strong financial reporting, budgeting, and audit coordination skills
- Familiarity with payroll systems and employee benefits administration
- Skilled in financial software such as Sage 50 Premium Accounting or similar platforms
- Demonstrated ability in strategic forecasting and financial planning
- Knowledge of E-rate/RLTA programs and grant compliance, Minnesota library structure and funding
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Capable of cross-functional collaboration and vendor coordination
- Proven capacity to thrive as a highly autonomous, self-directed professional who consistently meets project deadlines with meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplace
Benefits Package
MELSA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being, work-life balance, and professional growth. Benefits include:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Pension retirement plan
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Flexible remote work environment
- Professional development and continuing education
- Life and disability insurance
MELSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds.