Accounting Associate - Facilities & Services

Facilities & ServicesFacilities & Services (F&S) is seeking two Accounting Associates.The first position is focused on providing specialized analysis, reporting and reconciliation in the management of F&S. They will support, as needed, areas of reporting and reconciliation; accounting process; and general accounting transactional posting as it relates to capital project accounting. The incumbent will provide timely and relevant financial data, analyses, and other content for F&S. They will report results to business unit and Financial Operations leadership at Facilities and Services.The second position is focused on providing specialized analysis, reporting and reconciliation in the management of F&S. They will support, as needed, areas of reporting and reconciliation; accounting process; general accounting transactional posting; service rate calculation; and forecasting. They will provide timely and relevant financial statements, analyses, and other content for F&S business units. The incumbent will report results to business unit and Financial Operations leadership at F&S. Duties & Responsibilities (position 1)Provide accounting support for F&S capital delivery.

• Validate project funding, coordinate Banner plant fund requests and submit funding transfers to OBFS.
• Review contracts and change orders for completeness.
• Review pay applications for accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare journal vouchers and other necessary transactions in financial systems, including Banner, FCPWeb and Kahua.
• Reconcile Banner project financial results to the capital project subsidiary system information for accuracy. Analyze, research, document and resolve differences as needed.
• Prepare routine and ad hoc financial reports for both F&S and departmental management on project status and capital delivery programs.
• Communicate with members of OBFS, Treasury, UOCP&RES and departmental units as necessary to facilitate the financial execution of capital projects.
  
  

Support the fiscal management of F&S departmental operations.

• Perform advanced analysis and provide specialized reporting for F&S units. This may include analyzing labor efficiencies, factoring in volume, mix changes, and disparate overhead rates; inventories; cost of goods sold; and cost of labor sold. This will involve evaluating actual financial results against budgets, forecasts and billing rate calculations.
• Use independent professional judgment to identify trends, errors, anomalies and omissions. Analyze, research, document and resolve differences as needed.
• Provide insight and recommendations to F&S Financial Operations and divisional management for improvements to business related policies, processes, procedures and systems.
• Define and track key performance indicators.
• Assist in developing detailed financial reports and forecasts on monthly or other periodic basis. Present reports and observations to Financial Operations and divisional department heads.
  
  

Assist in the monthly, quarterly and annual close process, including the preparation of necessary journal vouchers, accruals and fact sheets.Additional duties as assigned. Adhere to F&S’ Mission, Vision, and Values.Duties and Responsibilities (position 2)Assist in maintaining the financial structure and framework for F&S.

• Reconcile subsidiary system information to Banner financial system for F&S clearing accounts (Payroll, PO and General) utilizing data from the University electronic data warehouse and other electronic systems. Analyze, research, document and resolve differences as needed.
• Assist in the ongoing activities within F&S financial systems, including posting and/or uploading of AIM external charges.
• Monitor financial system interfaces including the upload of financial transactions to Banner.
• Prepare journal vouchers in Banner.
• Serve as a liaison for intercampus charges related to F&S employees.
  
  

Oversee the fiscal management of F&S operations.

• Perform advanced analysis and provide specialized reporting for F&S divisions. This may include analyzing labor efficiencies, factoring in volume, mix changes, and disparate overhead rates; inventories; cost of goods sold; and cost of labor sold. This will involve evaluating actual financial results against budgets, forecasts and billing rate calculations.
• Use independent professional judgment to identify trends, errors, anomalies and omissions. Analyze, research, document and resolve differences as needed.
• Provide insight and recommendations to F&S Financial Operations and divisional management for improvements to business related policies, processes, procedures and systems.
• Define and track key performance indicators.
• Assist in developing detailed financial reports and forecasts on monthly or other periodic basis. Present reports and observations to Financial Operations and divisional department heads.
  
  

Assist in the monthly, quarterly and annual close process, including the preparation of necessary accruals and fact sheets.Prepare, review and analyze consolidated financial statements for delivery on F&S’ website or other electronic systems.Assist in the calculation, review and monitoring of F&S service activity rates.Additional duties as assigned. Adhere to F&S’ Mission, Vision, and Values.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree with a major in Accountancy or related field AND two (2) years of professional level accounting experience. OR Possession of a current registration as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, or a valid License to practice Public Accounting. OR Master’s degree in Accountancy or a related field.Preferred QualificationsThree years or more of professional level accounting experience.

Experience and aptitude in reconciling financial accounts.

Demonstrated proficiency in advanced data extraction techniques (such as ODBC, SQL, etc).Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the theories, principles, methods, and procedures of professional accounting.
• Ability to prepare, review and interpret complex accounting records and reports.
• In-depth knowledge of financial forecasting and allocation methodologies.
• Ability to deal tactfully with customers and stakeholders.
• Advanced Excel skills, including proficiency with pivot tables, vlookup, xlookup, sumif, countif, and filters.
  
  

Appointment InformationThis is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5000 - Accounting Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 5/12/2025. Salary is commensurate with experience. The budgeted salary range for this role is $60,000 to $75,000. 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 InformationApplications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on April 20, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. 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 Lance Oliver at oliverl@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.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 accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.