Business Administrative Associate - Hybrid

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general supervision of a designated supervisor, independently perform a variety of highly complex technical and functional duties of University Payables. The Vendor Services section provides an important role in establishing and maintaining relationships with external vendors. This position may be available for remote work. It is a fast-paced, high-volume, and engaging position with a variety of responsibilities that impact nearly every corner of the University.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
Two (2) years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience. (NOTE: A Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.)
Comprehensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and accounts payable best practices.
Familiarity with the Business and Financial Policies and Procedures Manual of the University of Illinois and State of Illinois and University procurement statutes, regulations, and procedures.
Excellent organizational, communication, and management skills.
Interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach to develop and maintain effective work relationships.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines with accuracy.
Strong computer software skills in Microsoft Suite, including proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and OneNote.
Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment and discretion in the performance of all work assignments.
Ability and willingness to perform at consistently high levels and to demonstrate initiative in the performance of duties.

Nice To Haves

Two years of professional-level accounting, banking, managerial, and/or business experience.
Experience acquired in a higher education environment, preferably at the University of Illinois.
Experience or knowledge of banking systems and processes such as ACH (direct deposit), electronic payment methods, etc.
Knowledge of high-volume data processing and validation standards.
Familiarity with computer or robotic automation processing.
Certified Accounts Payable Associate (CAPA) certification from the Institute of Financial Operations or equivalent.
Prefer experience with Banner Finance, Banner Document Management, and iBuy applications.

Responsibilities

Create, maintain, and update vendor records in the University's databases to ensure the accuracy and completeness of vendor profiles, requiring critical-thinking skills, an understanding of the University's systems, and utilizing Robot Process Automation (RPA), as applicable.
Serve as the front-line of defense against fraudulent attacks, utilizing critical thinking skills and resources such as querying the Internal Revenue Service Database to verify tax information, performing searches on other platforms for governmental restrictions, and utilizing other open-source information gathering tools.
Perform activities to educate and facilitate vendor understanding of University invoicing, payment terms, practices, and payment requirements.
Serve as a subject matter expert when responding to emails, telephone calls, or directing questions to the appropriate unit, responding to a variety of questions about a multitude of situations, even those unrelated to the core duties of University Payables.
Coordinate, assist, and advise campus units on the use of vendor records in Emburse software and assist with the completion of payments.
Maintain a professional working relationship with external vendors and University units on all campuses by serving as a subject matter expert and liaison between campus customers and University Payables to promote understanding of accounts payable policies and procedures.
Utilize communication skills to resolve discrepancies and solve a variety of problems.
Compose correspondence or make phone calls to both outside vendors and campus units to provide and solicit information in the resolution of problems, based upon acquired knowledge of University Systems and procedures.
Contact departments or vendors to resolve questions concerning discrepancies in legal name, tax identification numbers (TINs), remittance addresses, or any other issue that presents an obstacle to maintaining accurate data in the University's systems.
Actively participate in identifying, developing, and, with appropriate approval and direction, implementing strategies for process and efficiency improvements related to Accounts Payable Vendor Support.
Contribute to the development of written procedures for both internal and external training needs.
Participate in the formulation and implementation of policies/procedures related to Accounts Payable functions.
Perform other duties appropriate for a Business/Administrative Associate classification, such as representing University Payables in cross-functional meetings and/or serving on various committees.
Actively participate in and contribute to University Payables' meetings and activities.