Location: Pasadena, CA
Cap-Exempt H-1B Position — No lottery required
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community. **Job Summary** The Caltech Optical Observatories (COO) Business Office is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Senior Business Operations Associate to join our dynamic team. The COO Business Office provides administrative and operational support to the COO, including the Optical/InfraRed (OIR) Instrumentation Group—a service center that designs, fabricates, and commissions innovative astronomical instruments for world-renowned observatories such as Palomar, Gemini, Keck, and the upcoming Thirty Meter Telescope. Reporting directly to the COO Business Manager and working closely with the OIR Engineering and Procurement teams, the Senior Business Operations Associate plays a crucial role in maintaining a well-organized and productive office environment. This position requires a self-starter who can manage multiple priorities, contribute to office culture, and perform critical day-to-day administrative tasks independently and with professionalism. The ideal candidate will have a foundational understanding of accounting principles, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to support a wide range of business operations with accuracy and discretion. **Essential Job Duties** Accounting & Financial Support: - Process accounts receivable (A/R) and accounts payable (A/P), including invoices, reimbursements, advances, and payment requests. - Processing purchasing requests via P-card or purchase requisition. - Track and resolve billing discrepancies and purchasing issues. - Reconcile procurement card (P-Card) transactions and manage records. - Process reimbursement requests for staff purchases and travel. - Sales contact for Pa