Business & Finance Associate - Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences

Laseagrant

Urbana (IL)

On-site

USD 44,000 - 50,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks a Business Administrative Associate to manage daily business operations within the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. You will collaborate with faculty, students, researchers, staff, and external stakeholders to ensure accurate financial processing and compliant operations.

Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of professional business/financial experience; familiarity with Banner Finance, iBuy,

Qualifications

Two years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience.
Note: Master’s degree in a related area may substitute for one year of experience.
Experience analyzing, interpreting, and/or explaining financial documents, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day business operations of the unit.
Facilitate, advise, and approve department transactions including purchases, payables, and appointments based on budget availability and policies.
Oversee contract management for the department’s procurement and revenue-generating activities.
Manage monthly distribution of financial statements to NRES stakeholders.
Create ad hoc reports of expenditures and projections to faculty.

Skills

Accounting knowledge

Policies knowledge

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration/related field

Master’s degree substitution note

Tools

Banner Finance

iBuy

Contracts+

Emburse

Job description

Business & Finance Associate - Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences

Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Assistant Head, Business and Strategic Planning, manages the daily business operations of the Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences. Collaborates with and provides quality service to faculty, students, researchers, staff, and external stakeholders.

Business & Finance Associate - Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences

Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Job Summary

Duties & Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day business operations of the unit.
Manage the creation and termination of CFOPs with University Accounting and Financial Reporting and the University of Illinois Foundation.
Facilitate, advise, and approve department transactions including purchases, payables, and appointments based on budget availability and policies.
Complete corrective journal voucher entries and labor redistributions.
Verify the accuracy of obligations on BANNER CFOPs.
Oversee contract management for the department’s procurement and revenue-generating activities.
Manage regular accounts receivable process for both internal and external customers.
Assist with oversight of departmental fund portfolio.
Act as a technical and administrative resource.
Build relationships and collaborate with various university departments to support business solutions for stakeholders.
Provide training to stakeholders in business systems including iBuy, Contracts+, and Emburse.
Ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures, state and/or federal laws, and contractual obligations.
Provide interpretation of agency, university, and department policies and procedures.
Provide documentation for internal and external audits.
Assist the Assistant Head, Business and Strategic Planning, in the evaluation, implementation, and operation of automated accounting systems and processes.
Oversee reporting activities.
Manage the monthly distribution of financial statements to NRES stakeholders.
Create additional ad hoc reports of expenditures and projections to faculty.
Create special reports as requested by the department using BANNER, BA4, Eddie, My-UI-Financials, and other university systems.
Manage records retention for business documentation.
Manage the financial documentation ensuring all records are maintained in accurate order.
Request and execute the disposal of financial records in accordance with university regulations.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Specialty Factors

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. Demonstrated experience analyzing, interpreting, and/or explaining financial documents, policies, and/or procedures.

(NOTE: A Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience acquired in a higher education environment, especially at the University of Illinois.
Possess or have the ability to complete the Business Administrator Certification Program, Travel Card Certification, Purchasing Card Certification, JV Processing Certification, and Service Activity Certification.
Experience in training stakeholders.
Experience with Banner Finance, iBuy, Contracts+, Emburse, and other University business applications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and best practices.
Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, University policies and procedures.
Excellent organizational, communication, and management skills. Interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach to develop and maintain effective work relationships. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines with accuracy.
Strong computer software skills in Microsoft Suite, including proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment and discretion. Ability and willingness to perform at consistently high levels and to demonstrate initiative in the performance of duties.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service appointment as a Business Administrative Associate, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for this position is $44,000-$50,000. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

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 Kelli Wendt at kwendt@illinois.edu.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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, fuelling 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.

Champaign-Urbana

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 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 .

Requisition ID: 1038981
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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