Local Business Center Specialist

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

2d • $60,000 - $75,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director, the Specialist supports the Local Business Center (LBC) responsible for budget and account administration, grant administration, procurement, and payroll for College departments and instructors. The Specialist is part of the team that ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, collaborating with stakeholders to optimize financial performance and compliance, and enhancing the financial functions critical to the success of the College.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• BS/BA in accounting, finance or relevant field. MS/MA/MBA and/or CPA a plus.
• Background in internal audit, financial planning, and/or accounting.
• Financial policy, systems, and compliance development experience strongly preferred.
• Strong and broad computer skills (word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail, and web), including a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, v-lookups, and financial modeling.
• Proficiency with Oracle Financials (or other ERPs), Concur, and business intelligence tools strongly preferred.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills – analyze financial data, reconcile transactions, identify discrepancies, and resolve financial issues independently.
• Communication and customer service – excellent verbal and written communication skills to serve as a primary account administrator, liaise with vendors, and assist colleagues with financial transactions.
• Budgeting and forecasting – prepare, analyze, and manage budgets, assist with multi-year financial planning, and provide variance reports to support decision- making.
• Time management and organization – strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration and teamwork – work effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including financial managers, administrators, and funding agencies, to support financial operations.
• Attention to detail and accuracy – ensure financial data integrity, monitors expenditures, and maintains accurate records for audits and reporting.
• Discretion and professional judgment – maintain confidentiality in handling financial data and exercises sound judgment in financial decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Supports core functions of the LBC.
• Works closely with central University units to properly record transactions and mitigate risk.
• Ensures College practices are followed in accordance with University policy and generally accepted accounting practices.
• Maintains organization- and individual-level Oracle accounts, including gift funds.
• Oversees accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliation, and closing activities.
• Reviews and validates financial transactions in Oracle and Concur to ensure compliance and supports accurate financial reporting.
• Initiates transaction corrections as necessary.
• Coordinates financial management of grants, including budgeting, expenditures, and compliance with sponsor and University requirements.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for procurement.
• Manages vendor and supplier setup, handles invoice processing (vendor payments, honoraria, fellowships, scholarships, stipends, student travel reimbursements), resolves payment issues (cancellations, re-issuance), and ensures timely transaction completion in Oracle, Concur, and Service Now.
• Oversees payroll transaction review and approval for College departments and instructors.
• Ensures proper documentation and timely processing of payroll corrections.
• Supports monthly, quarterly, and annual financial planning cycles for the College.
• Works closely with College and unit leadership, University partners, and the Budget Office to plan and forecast.
• Helps develop short- and long-term financial goals, business strategies/plans, and financial models for programs and initiatives.
• Assists in budget planning and forecasting, collaborating with the LBC Director to support annual and multi-year budget development.
• Prepares variance reports by tracking expenditures and reconciling financial transactions against the budget.
• Tracks College commitments for College departments, instructors, and University partners, as appropriate.
• Completes financial modeling, data analysis, and quarterly and year-end reporting projects, as appropriate.
• Serves as a transaction subject matter expert and University systems resource for College staff and units.
• Assists College staff with transactions in Oracle, Concur, and Workday, and provides guidance on University procurement policies.
• Holds office hours for general questions, system how-tos, and one-on-one coaching.
• Analyzes and prepares budgets, creates accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses.
• Prepares monthly reports, conducts and correct errors in accounts using existing procedures that are in place, and provides advice on the financial impact of human resources and academic affairs decisions.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
• Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees