Senior Coordinator or Assistant Director, Business and Finance - Materials Science and Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL•Urbana, IL

38d•$70,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) seeks to hire one Senior Coordinator, Business and Finance or Assistant Director, Business and Finance. This position is responsible for submitting sponsored research proposals on behalf of the department and associated faculty, managing effective post-award sponsored research activities, ensuring accurate and compliant general accounting practices, and carrying out other various business and financial operations and activities. MatSE is one of the largest materials departments in the nation, with ~600 undergraduate and graduate students. You will join a small but mighty team of business professionals working together to support MatSE faculty and staff. As a member of our team, you will enjoy a challenging, cooperative work setting. We welcome individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working autonomously but also collaboratively as a member of a team, and who demonstrate a strong commitment to their work. To learn more about MatSE, please visit us online at https://matse.illinois.edu/.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
Three (3) years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience.
Demonstrated experience working in a business, academic, research or government environment.
Five (5) years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience.

Nice To Haves

UIUC Certified Research Administrator Certificate.
Effective communication, organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to be self-motivated, work independently, and exercise good judgment.
Ability to prioritize work to meet submission deadlines for multi-faceted, detail-oriented tasks.
Ability to appropriately and effectively draw from on-campus resources.
Strong knowledge of PC-based tools, including Word and Excel.
Exposure to University of Illinois or fund accounting principles.
Working knowledge of the BANNER financial system and experience in sponsored research administration.
Demonstrated leadership competencies including initiative, discretion, and ability to work independently to manage and oversee projects.
Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Counsel faculty during the pre-and post-award process for externally funded research projects conducting the budgeting and accounting activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, University policies and procedures as well as compliance with sponsoring agencies' rules and regulations.
Prepare and review information required for research proposals, including preparation of more complex budgets and assistance in the preparation of proposal documentation following agency requirements. Work with the Sponsored Programs Administration to submit proposals, track research proposal information and assist in grant/contract negotiations.
Assist in conflict resolution with grants and contracts business activities to identify and resolve problems. Use independent judgment to facilitate activity with all parties.
Monitor the administration of sub-award agreements and payment processing on research projects.
Work with various offices, including Sponsored Programs Administration to prepare and track research proposals, assist in grant/contract negotiations and post-award administration, including all reporting and close-out activities.
Prepare regular reports related to grants and contracts for researchers, departmental managers, constituents, governmental agencies and management. Research and analyze information and data.
Prepare, review, and ensure accuracy of various expenditures on monthly accounting reports for principal investigators/responsible persons for grant and ICR funds.
Submit, and /or Review/Approve the use of departmental funds for the following items: employee appointment requests, P-card, I-buy orders, and travel reimbursements.
Participate in continuing professional development activities (e.g., conferences, seminars, training) to improve knowledge of technical and ethical aspects of accounting and business practices.
Supervise business office staff which includes, but is not limited to hiring, training, assigning and viewing work, conducting performance evaluations, addressing work issues, approving time off, setting work schedules, and setting goals.
Assume additional appropriate related business and finance duties to further the mission of the department.
Perform compliance and allowability review and approve the use of departmental and gift funds for the following items: employee appointment requests, purchases, and travel reimbursements.
Review progress reports and monitor faculty effort to ensure compliance with policies and make recommendations.
Assist with the preparation of materials for audit purposes and respond to audit findings. Maintain required documents per university requirements.
Assist with submitting and reviewing information reported in the (ARS) Activity Reporting System.
Assist with the design, development, documentation, and implementation of new and/or revised financial systems and procedures.
Serve as liaison for Business Mangers Group and similar campus efforts.
Oversee all on-site business office activities.