Business & Finance Associate - Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

About The Position

Under the direction of the Assistant Head, Business and Strategic Planning, the Business & Finance Associate manages the daily business operations of the Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences. The position collaborates with and provides service to faculty, students, researchers, staff, and external stakeholders. It is a 100% full-time Civil Service appointment on a 12-month basis, with an expected start date as soon as possible after the closing date. The position is not eligible for work-authorization sponsorship. The budgeted salary range is $44,000–$50,000, commensurate with experience and internal equity. The role manages department transactions, accounting records, contracts, accounts receivable, financial reporting, and records retention. It also serves as a technical and administrative resource, supports stakeholder training, helps ensure compliance with institutional and legal requirements, and assists with the evaluation and operation of automated accounting systems and processes. The position uses university financial and business systems to monitor funds, prepare reports, and maintain accurate documentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
Two years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience. A master’s degree in an area consistent with the position’s duties may substitute for one year of work experience.
Demonstrated experience analyzing, interpreting, and/or explaining financial documents, policies, and/or procedures.
Comprehensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and best practices.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
Excellent organizational, communication, and management skills.
Interpersonal skills demonstrating courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach to developing and maintaining effective work relationships.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines accurately.
Strong Microsoft Office skills, including proficiency with Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment and discretion.
Ability and willingness to perform consistently at a high level and demonstrate initiative.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a higher education environment, especially at the University of Illinois.
Possess or be able to complete the Business Administrator Certification Program, Travel Card Certification, Purchasing Card Certification, JV Processing Certification, and Service Activity Certification.
Experience training stakeholders.
Experience with Banner Finance, iBuy, Contracts+, Emburse, and other University business applications.

Responsibilities

Manage the department’s day-to-day business operations.
Manage creation and termination of CFOPs with University Accounting and Financial Reporting and the University of Illinois Foundation.
Facilitate, advise on, and approve purchases, payables, and appointments based on budget availability and applicable policies.
Complete corrective journal voucher entries and labor redistributions.
Verify the accuracy of obligations on BANNER CFOPs.
Oversee contract management for departmental procurement and revenue-generating activities.
Manage regular accounts receivable processes for internal and external customers.
Assist with oversight of the departmental fund portfolio.
Build relationships and collaborate with university departments to support business solutions for stakeholders.
Provide stakeholder training in iBuy, Contracts+, and Emburse.
Ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures, state and federal laws, and contractual obligations.
Interpret agency, university, and department policies and procedures.
Provide documentation for internal and external audits.
Assist the Assistant Head, Business and Strategic Planning, in evaluating, implementing, and operating automated accounting systems and processes.
Manage monthly distribution of financial statements to NRES stakeholders.
Prepare ad hoc reports of expenditures and projections for faculty and special reports requested by the department using BANNER, BA4, Eddie, My-UI-Financials, and other university systems.
Manage business records retention and ensure financial documentation is maintained accurately.
Request and execute disposal of financial records in accordance with university regulations.
Perform other related duties as assigned.