Business Manager (Full-Time)

Employer: Northern Waters Library Service (NWLS)
Location: Ashland, Wisconsin
Salary: $58,000 – $62,000 annually (depending on qualifications and experience)
Application Deadline: November 29, 2026

Position Summary

Are you a numbers person who loves making organizational systems run seamlessly? Do you enjoy solving complex financial puzzles, supporting a dedicated team, and knowing your work directly benefits local communities?

Due to an upcoming retirement, Northern Waters Library Service (NWLS) is seeking a Business Manager to oversee our financial, human resources, and administrative operations. Working closely under the direct supervision of the System Director, the Business Manager serves as a primary financial officer and administrative partner, ensuring NWLS and its partner network remain fiscally sound, compliant, and operational.

Key Responsibilities

• Fiscal & Grant Management: Manage full-cycle accounting operations, annual budget preparation, accounts payable/receivable, accrual entries, grant tracking, and annual audit preparation. Serve as Treasurer for the Northern Waters Library Network (NWLN).
• HR & Benefits Administration: Administer payroll and employee benefit programs (including WRS), maintain confidential personnel records, guide staff on employment policies, and assist with recruiting and compliance.
• Office Operations & Governance: Oversee daily office operations, service contracts, and records retention schedules. Serve as building General Safety Officer and coordinate Board of Trustees meetings, agendas, and minutes in compliance with Wisconsin Open Meetings Law.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field, plus at least two (2) years of professional accounting/bookkeeping experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Demonstrated proficiency in QuickBooks (or equivalent integrated accounting software) and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Solid understanding of accrual accounting principles, financial reporting, and employment law fundamentals.
• High ethical integrity with strict adherence to confidentiality regarding financial and personnel data.

Preferred:

• Prior experience in governmental, non-profit, or fund accounting.
• Experience administering Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) benefits or public library operations.
• Familiarity with Wisconsin Open Meetings Law and public record retention standards.

Compensation & Benefits

NWLS offers a supportive working environment and a comprehensive public sector benefits package:

• Starting salary of $58,000 – $62,000 annually.
• Full participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension plan.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Support for ongoing professional development (including participation in SOMBAW).

Work Environment

This full-time position is based at the NWLS office in Ashland, Wisconsin. The Business Manager works closely with the System Director and a small, collaborative team to support library services throughout northern Wisconsin.

About Northern Waters Library Service

Northern Waters Library Service is a regional public library system serving 27 member libraries across eight counties in northern Wisconsin. Our region is geographically large, beautifully rural, and deeply community-focused. We work alongside library staff, boards, and partners to strengthen library services, support professional growth, and ensure equitable access to information for all residents.

Northern Waters believes in the transformative power of libraries. Our mission is to support and enhance the services of our member libraries, helping them provide exceptional resources to their communities. Join us as we continue to innovate and advocate for library services in Northern Wisconsin.

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials to hr@northernwaters.org:

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing your qualifications
• Three professional references

Application Deadline: November 29, 2026

In-person interviews will be held in early December 2026.

For more information about the position or NWLS, visit northernwaters.org.