This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12028353 Business Support Associate

Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Job Summary

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.

Duties & Responsibilities

Administrative/Business Operations

Evaluate, 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 Qualifications

• Proficiency in various University business applications (e.g., Banner, Chrome River, 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).

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5010 - Business/Administrative Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The salary range for this position starts at \$49,000.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at