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The Siebel School of Computing and Data Science (SSCDS) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a globally recognized leader in computing, data science, and interdisciplinary innovation. The Business and Finance Specialist will work under administrative direction to independently coordinate and manage relevant business and financial operations for the school, requiring expertise in financial practices as well as school- and university-specific policies and procedures.

Oversee financial operations for the school by managing the full lifecycle of a subset of department-level accounts:

• Assess need for, create, and/or request new accounts, establish accounts in school-specific financial management system, deposit funds into accounts, receive all expenditure requests to determine allowability, the appropriate account to charge the purchase, and availability of funds.
• Provide guidance to others in the school regarding appropriateness of assigning new accounts, based on type and source of funding.
• Review and approve iBuy orders, Banner requisitions, P-Card transactions, and employee reimbursements or/and T-Card transactions in Emburse.
• Oversee financial management of budgets and expenses of special programs within the unit, including coordinating with others throughout the school to ensure programs are adequately resourced and timely with business office requests.
• Develop and maintain spreadsheets for budget management by tracking income and expenditures, processing journal vouchers, earning redistributions, completing fund transfers, and periodically audit assigned accounts as necessary.
• Support the monthly reconciliation of department-wide accounts, collaborating with others to ensure accuracy, completeness, and conformity with university and school policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with school student groups to effectively manage their budgets and expenditures, including overseeing and approving expenses on related funds.
• Track and approve funding on appointments for Teaching Assistants and Course Assistants to ensure compliance with school policy.

• Analyze Chrome River items to ensure that the proper approvals have been obtained. Route accordingly if additional approvals are required.
• Review Chrome River items for compliance with University and school policies and procedures.
• Confirm account string is accurate and valid and matches the pre-approvals related to each expense.
• Guide and educate school staff responsible for processing Chrome River with proper procedures and current trends in policy enforcement.

• Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Finance and other relevant staff in closing of the financial books at fiscal year-end, including processing journal vouchers, earning redistributions, budget transfers, intra-transfers, etc.
• Update and maintain the school's electronic chart of accounts.
• Locate documentation for account reconciliation and audit purposes.
• Identify and correct school transactions posting to rogue accounts.
• Process school requests via various campus systems, including Pinnacle, F&S invoices, and DAWS.
• Develop and implement school policies and procedures to streamline operations when change is implemented university-wide.
• Serve as backup to other business office staff, including other business/administrative associates, the Procurement Officer, and the Assistant Director of Finance.
• Approve school purchases in iBuy up to $10K.

• Respond to a wide variety of inquiries and requests independently and in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate knowledge about school, college, and university finance policies and procedures by providing accurate information in response to complex questions or referring individuals to the proper department on campus.
• Communicate regularly with finance staff from other departments as well as university payroll, university payables, university foundation, university student financial aid, and university sponsored programs regarding financial matters.
• Oversee approved travel for the school and ensure trips are closed out timely.

• Process corporate unrestricted gifts, faculty research gifts, and endowments through the university foundation; receive and process subsequent funds.
• Prepare gift transmittal forms for gift funds with existing accounts; create new account and gift fund requests for new funds.
• Follow school procedures to establish the new account, notifying appropriate business office staff and adding the CFOP information to the school chart of accounts and Chrome River.
• Maintain the school accounts receivable and cash receipt journals.
• Develop Budget Proposals for assigned faculty members, for Centers associated with the school.

Assume additional appropriate duties to further the mission of the school.

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, management or a field related to position.
• Two (2) years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience.
• Demonstrated experience at an administrative level in a business setting.

• Knowledge of management principle, practices, methods, and techniques.
• Ability to manage workflows and perform administrative tasks.
• Decision making ability.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Ability to work effectively with the staff and public

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Business/Administrative Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $60,000.00 - $62,000.00. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per theUniversity’s Workplace Flexibility policy .This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federalexport control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employrestricted party screening procedures for applicants.

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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu .