Business Operations Associate - College of ACES, Extension

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, College of ACES Extension, Bloomington unit, seeks a Business Operations Associate to oversee multi‑county fiscal operations, budgeting, and contracts under the County Extension Director’s supervision.

You will supervise office staff, manage procurement, ensure funding compliance, and assist program staff with budget development and reporting to allied agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a related field.
• Two years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience.
• Master's degree may substitute for one year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversees unit fiscal operations, including program liabilities and reports.
• Manages budgets, internal controls, and property records.
• Coordinates with County Director and staff on budgets, reports, and audits.
• Trains unit staff on fiscal policies and processes.
• Maintains contracts, procurement records, and communication with funding sources.

Skills

Supervisory abilities

Budgeting

Accounting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration/management

Job description

Business Operations Associate - College of ACES, Extension

University of Illinois, College of ACES Unit 12 - Bloomington

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.

Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land‑grant university by providing educational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign.

Job Summary

Working under the administrative supervision of the County Extension Director, assists in the business and service operations of a large multi‑county University of Illinois Extension unit.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Fiscal Duties
  • Oversees the Unit fiscal operations, including all program liabilities and submission of all financially related reports.
  • Confers with the County Director and other staff on matters concerning internal control, budgets, and property control.
  • Executes accounting operations and prepares and monitors monthly bank reconciliation on all Unit Extension accounts.
  • Assists in the preparation of budgets and grant applications, including, but not limited to preparation of budget line item spreadsheets, at the request of the County Director.
  • Exercises control of expenditures on grants funds at the request of the County Director.
  • Confers with the County Director and other involved staff in the preparation of monthly financial and activity reports and budgets, including, but not limited to reports to funding sources, Council, and other entities as requested.
  • Maintains all fiscal and business records for all Unit funds and appropriations, including budget records and documentation of all contracts.
  • Serves as a liaison with all funding sources and independent auditors to ensure compliance with funding source rules and regulations, and compliance with applicable laws.
  • Assists with negotiations regarding Unit office leases and manages contracts and insurance for off‑site program venues.
  • Assists the County Director in budget management and control.
  • Assists program staff in the development of individual program budgets.
  • Oversees the annual 4‑H fiscal club audits for the Unit.
  • Advises and assists Unit Educators and other staff on fiscal processes, budget matters and other business related to their respective programs.
  • Maintains, compiles, and collates all fiscal, budgetary and monetary data relevant to audits to be performed.
  • In conjunction with the County Director, monitors consistency between approved budget and actual expenditures.
• Facilities and Property Management
  • With County Director, maintains U of I purchasing and procurement systems, and maintains records of procurement.
  • Assists in the supervision of storerooms and accountability of Unit equipment.
  • Assists the County Director in the planning or remodeling or renovation of facilities, including overseeing building maintenance issues.
• Administration and Personnel
  • Supervises and trains Unit office support staff, including benefit usage approval, performance evaluations and salary recommendations.
  • Ensures that the routine day‑to‑day work of the Unit is managed efficiently and that effective office systems are established, maintained and regularly reviewed.
  • Trains all new Unit staff on Emburse and fiscal policies.
  • Acts in absence of County Director to respond to personnel and programmatic issues and has signatory authority.
  • Acts in absence of County Director in the preparation and representation of Extension at Unit Foundation meetings.
  • Handles and maintains all business correspondence for the multi‑county Unit.
  • Assists County Director with Human Resources duties and maintains confidential personnel files.
• Misc Duties
  • Participate in professional development program and seek additional opportunities to maintain professional competence through in‑service education, formal coursework, and personal study, all which are approved by the County Director.
  • Other duties as assigned.

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. (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

Three (3) years of responsible accounting and/or business experience, one year of which was at an administrative level. Valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Supervisory and administrative abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with the staff and public.

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. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for the position is $50,000 - $70,000. 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 October 2, 2026. For further information about this specific position, please contact [e-mail]. 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, 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 conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver's License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

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 [e-mail].

Requisition ID: 1037975

Job Category: Off‑Campus

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu