Business & Financial Coordinator (Hybrid)
University of Illinois

Job Info

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Business & Financial Coordinator (Hybrid)

Business & Financial Coordinator

Job Summary
This position reports to and functions under the general administrative supervision of the Assistant Controller of University Accounting Services (UAS) which is a part of University Accounting and Financial Reporting (UAFR) within the Office of the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Comptroller. The Business & Financial Coordinator assists the Assistant Controller in the proper application of fund accounting within a university environment. This includes (but is not limited to) responsibilities such as: establishment and administration of procedures for university accounting processes; providing technical and administrative support of advanced accounting functions related to state funds, institutional cost recovery funds, educational administrative allowance funds, self-supporting funds, miscellaneous income funds, and account codes; supervising two full-time accounting staff; providing oversight to ensure compliance with various university, state, and federal policies and guidelines; completion of various monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and audit schedules; providing quality customer service/support to units at all university locations; participating in and leading various special accounting projects; providing support related to the operation of Banner Finance and related systems; and perform various other complex university accounting tasks as assigned. Ability to work under pressure is required at times to help ensure operational needs are met. This position may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement, depending on unit operational needs.
Duties And Responsibilities

Responsible for serving as the subject matter expert for UAFR's duties related to state fund accounting. This includes management of all accounting, state compliance, training, reporting, billing, and customer service issues and requires a strong working knowledge of how to maneuver within the university's State Clearing System (which is used submit state appropriation vouchers to the State of Illinois Comptroller's Office) as well as the State Accounting Control System (SACS). This also requires the ability to design and run financial queries using database applications such as Microsoft Access (as well as in Banner) to fulfill various analytical review, reconciliation, and reporting requirements.

Responsible for serving as the subject matter expert for UAFR's duties related to institutional fund accounting (e.g., indirect cost recovery funds, educational and administrative allowance funds, etc.). This includes management of all accounting, compliance, training, reporting, and customer service issues. This also requires the ability to design and run financial queries using database applications such as Microsoft Access (as well as in Banner) to fulfill various analytical review, reconciliation, and reporting requirements.

Responsible for serving as the subject matter expert for UAFR's duties related to Banner account codes. This includes management of various accounting, state compliance, training, reporting, and customer service issues related to Banner account codes. This also requires the ability to design and run financial queries using database applications such as Microsoft Access (as well as in Banner) to fulfill various analytical review, reconciliation, and reporting requirements.

Responsible for the supervision of two UAFR staff members who perform a wide variety of tasks related to state fund accounting, accrual/deferral cutoff reviews, and other various accounting tasks as assigned. This would include the administration of all personnel issues, such as serving on search committees during the hiring process, employee onboarding, employee training, reviewing and approving staff member's work product, holding regular status meetings, assigning tasks, providing guidance and leadership, completing annual performance appraisal with the employee, reviewing and approving employee leave requests, etc.

Compile procedural documentation of accounting processes and accounting theory which can be used by other UAFR staff members (including direct reports) as a reference and training resource. These processes and procedures include functions for which this position is directly responsible, as well as other areas as assigned, and will ensure proper documentation of institutional knowledge for proper task sharing and secession planning.

Responsible for the completion of various annual audit schedules which are required to meet the University of Illinois System's financial reporting needs.

Compile data and supporting documentation to fulfill audit requests from external auditors, both in preparation for and during the annual external financial statement audit.

Contribute to the Year-End Fact Sheet process, which is an important part of the university's year-end close process to convert cash-basis accounting activities to an accrual basis. This important task helps to ensure the accuracy of the university's annual financial report.

Provide both formal and informal accounting training to the University of Illinois System business community, such as the Business Manager Group (BMG) and in UAFR training sessions (such as the Professional Development and Implementation Team sessions).

Serve on UAFR committees/teams as assigned as a representative of University Accounting and Financial Reporting (such as the Professional Development and Implementation Team).

Perform other duties which would be appropriate for a Financial Accounting and Reporting Coordinator within UAFR as assigned by UAFR management.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with a major in Accountancy or a related field AND 4 years of professional-level accounting experience in a University setting.
OR
Possession of current registration as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant, or a valid license to practice Public Accounting (LPA).
OR
Master's degree in Accountancy or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and/or
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and/or
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of fund accounting principles and a working knowledge of how to apply them in a public university setting within the State of Illinois to ensure compliance with the various State of Illinois policies, guidelines, and regulations (such as the State Finance Act and the Legislative Audit CommissionGuidelines).
• Strong knowledge of the accounting structure within the University of Illinois System, including a detailed knowledge of various fund types (most notably state funds).
• Detailed knowledge on how to navigate within the university's State Clearing System, SACS, and the BannerFinance module, as well as knowledge on how to troubleshoot problems that may occur within these systems.
• Ability to design and run financial queries within Microsoft Access, as well as a detailed knowledge of the more complex features within Microsoft Excel.
• Analytical skills to perform financial analysis of business transactions within a higher education setting and the ability to enforce various applicable policies and regulations while still providing superior customer service.
• Proficient computer skills and advanced knowledge of applicable computer systems. This would include advanced skills in Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Outlook, Access (including the ability to write and use queries), and Word as well as a detailed working knowledge of how to operate within the BannerFinance module and how to maneuver within the University's State Clearing System, which is used to submit State appropriation vouchers to the State of Illinois Comptroller's Office.
• A strong attention to detail and an ability to prepare complex accounting schedules with accuracy and proper procedural documentation.
• An ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to propose policies/procedures that improve and/or maintain the effectiveness of daily financial operations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively present information and respond to requests for guidance and/or clarification.
• Ability to address and resolve difficult and complex issues/problems, including strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to multi-task and produce accurate, detail-oriented work to meet required deadlines and an ability to use creativity in problem-solving and exercising independent judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work under pressure is required at times to help ensure operational needs are met.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5000 - Accounting Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 10/28/2024. Salary range is $75,000 - 80,000, salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position. System Office jobs such as this one are not eligible for the Referral Program. Sponsorship for Work authorization is not available for this position

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 29th, 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 Zuri White at Zuri@Uillinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1026841
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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