Financial & Purchasing Specialist - Hybrid

University of Illinois System; Urbana (IL); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Illinois System is seeking a Financial & Purchasing Specialist for the University Bursar Office in Urbana. You will support AR processing in Banner, perform reconciliations, and generate insightful reports.

Strong analytical and communication skills are essential for data accuracy and cross‑functional collaboration. Responsibilities include assisting with purchasing, HR activities, and audit support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
• Note: a Master's may substitute for one year of work experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support daily accounts receivable data processing activities within Banner and related systems.
• Perform monthly reconciliation, validation, and analysis of financial data related to billing and payments.
• Develop, generate, and maintain Banner data downloads and reports for reporting and analysis.
• Provide technical support during audits by responding to inquiries and preparing documentation.
• Coordinate and monitor purchasing and accounts payable activities using T-Card, P-Card, and iBuy systems.
• Assist with Bursar-related HR activities when needed.

Skills

Financial analysis

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem solving

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field

Tools

Banner AR module

SQL

Microsoft Excel

Job description

University Bursar

• Hybrid

Posting Category:

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

The Financial & Purchasing Specialist reports to and functions under the general administrative supervision of the Director of Business Operations within the University Bursar Office and is responsible for supporting operational and financial processes related to the University's Accounts Receivable functions through the effective use of the Banner A/R module and related integrated systems. The position requires demonstrated technical knowledge of Banner functionality, financial processing workflows, data management, reporting, and reconciliation activities. The Financial & Purchasing Specialist must possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills to support business operations, maintain data accuracy, respond to information requests, and assist with system-related processes within the University Bursar Office.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support daily accounts receivable data processing activities within Banner and related integrated systems, including preparation and submission of feeder data received from multiple University payment portals.
• Perform monthly reconciliation, validation, and analysis of financial and transactional data related to billing, payment processing, foreign national payments, departmental payment requests, and GAR transactions.
• Develop, generate, and maintain Banner data downloads and reports utilized by Business Operations for reporting, reconciliation, analysis, and operational purposes.
• Provide technical and operational support during audit and review activities by responding to auditor inquiries, researching transactional issues, and preparing supporting documentation, data extracts, and analysis.
• Serve as the backup departmental security contact for the University Bursar's Office by coordinating system access, maintaining security-related documentation, and ensuring compliance with University security procedures and protocols.
• Coordinate and monitor purchasing and accounts payable activities for the University Bursar, utilizing T-Card, P-Card, and iBuy systems to ensure accurate and timely procurement and payment processing.
• Resolve purchase order and invoicing discrepancies by reviewing invoices and purchase orders, communicating with vendors, campus purchasing staff, and University Payables to ensure timely resolution of issues.
• Serve as the backup in monitoring the Production Calendar, which schedules overnight and daily job processing for the modules within the University's integrated Banner System; coordinate scheduling and implementation of activities of University modules throughout the year.
• Serve as the backup for managing Returned Checks. Responsible for all organization, investigation, processing, communication, and documentation of all NSF/Returned checks for all System Office locations.
• Assist with Bursar-related human resources activities, such as onboarding and compliance activities, when needed.

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

• Professional experience using information management principles to support business processes.
• At least three years of management analysis, with a strong understanding of Microsoft Office and SQL.
• Experience with existing Banner A/R systems and/or procedures.

Knowledge Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting, reconciliation, and financial analysis principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to interpret, compile, analyze, and distribute operational and financial data.
• Effective organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to learn and apply University systems, policies, procedures, and business processes related to accounts receivable operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and business systems utilized to support reporting and operational functions.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a 100%% Full Time Civil Service Business/Administrative Associate position. The expected start date is as soon as possible.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. System Office jobs such as this one are not eligible for the Referral Program.

The budgeted salary range for the position is $50,000.00 - 60,000.00. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

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.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applicants must apply by 6 pm on 8/30/2026.

System HR Talent contact: Bree Smith at [e-mail] is available for further information on this specific search.

System Human Resource Services

[phone]

[e-mail]

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 to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the System Human Resource Services at 217-333-2600, or by emailing [e-mail].

Requisition ID: 9000999

Job Category: Civil Service

Campus Location: Urbana