University of Illinois: Business Support Associate
Position Title:
Business Support Associate
Position Overview:
Responsible for the implementation, reconciliation, and auditing of business functions and activities for the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE), thus ensuring compliance with department, university, state, and federal policies, procedures, and processes. Utilizes in-depth knowledge and professional judgment for appropriate decision-making, accurate problem resolution, and preparing and processing complex, high-level transactions.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Administrative/Business OperationsEvaluate, develop, implement, interpret, and/or communicate department, college, and campus business policies, procedures, and processes. Develop and maintain procedural manuals and materials. Educate and train department staff on business functions and activities.
Responsible for conducting detailed financial reviews and analyses, including statement reconciliation.
Coordinate with University Accounting and Financial Reporting to submit and monitor requests for new fund/program codes and closure of existing fund/program codes as needed.
Prepare and submit annual Fact Sheets.
Manage the year-end closing/opening procedures.
Perform various business responsibilities related to department and University audits.
Manage employee and graduate support funds.
Handle deposits of checks received by the department.
Support credit card payment sites through university tools.
Process EOY administrative fees and self-supporting activities for department.
Backup other functions as necessary to ensure efficient and effective business operations, including key management, scholarship awards, and limited HR tasks.
Departmental Business Purchasing Management
Oversee and serve as the primary contact/subject-matter expert for purchasing activities, processes, and procedures. Research and analyze business purchasing, providing guidance, and making purchasing recommendations for the department head, faculty, staff, and students.
Perform purchasing functions for the Department utilizing various mechanisms, including Banner requisitions, P-Card, T-Card, iBuy, and contracts+ (significant payments to foreign vendors located in countries with cash-based economies required).
Process journal vouchers in Banner as appropriate.
Interpret and communicate standard purchasing policies and procedures to the department head, faculty, staff, and students; evaluate and develop department processes to assure compliance with state, federal, and University rules and regulations.
Serve as P-card reconciler and iBuy approver for department staff as required.
Process needed reimbursements for ACE activities (employees, students, and visitors).
Departmental Business Travel Management
Backup and advise on the travel approval process, visas, iTravel/travel booking, TEM purchases/approvals, expense report creation, travel advances, travel reimbursements, etc. Resolves discrepancies and ensures the accuracy of reimbursement information and documentation to prevent rejection by OBFS.
Backup other functions as necessary to ensure efficient and effective business operations, including carpool support, shredding bins, and employee travel.
required education and experience:
- 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.
preferred education and experience:
- Proficiency in various University business applications (e.g., Banner, ChromeRiver, Contracts+, etc.).
- Experience with financial systems and processing contracts.
- Experience in higher education.
knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Advanced level of knowledge of the business and financial policies and procedures of the State, University, Campus, College, and Department. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Ability to exercise professional judgment and help ensure the department's compliance with state, university, campus, college, and department policies and procedures, sponsor requirements, and donor intent. Proficiency in business software (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook)
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on 3/11/2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Amy Roessler at aroessle@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
Requisition ID: 1022967
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
equal employment opportunity:
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.