Finance Specialist - NCSA

Job Summary

The Finance Specialist provides management of an NCSA portfolio of center funds (i.e. state, institutional/ICR, plant, and gift) and supports the general accounting, budgeting, and reporting functions of the NCSA Business office.

The Finance Specialist provides first-rate customer service to NCSA staff by serving as a financial professional in the management of the portfolio and the interpretation of law, policy, and procedures. He/she also works with other NCSA administrative staff to maintain expense and encumbrance data using Banner, BA4, and MIS Tools.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Administers the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures.
• Manages and oversees business, fiscal and/or administrative operations.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of programs, objectives, and/or long range planning.
• Assists with managing a portfolio of NCSA accounts.
• Performs monthly statement reconciliation within BA4.
• Processes the closing of center-level funds at fiscal year-end, including reviewing the appropriateness of existing expenses for the year, assisting staff with submitting final transactions, and resolving any issues before the year ends.
• Acts as a technical and administrative resource; represents a unit(s) at various meetings, conferences, and/or on committees.
• Oversees personnel functions such as interviewing, selecting, training, evaluating performance, and/or developing staff, work schedules, and assignments.
• Reviews transactions and account statements for accuracy and compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Serves as key resource for administrative and financial support to managers and staff on day-to-day fiscal matters.
• Identifies areas to improve fiscal activity on center funds, which includes recommendation and implementation of innovative organizational changes to improve financial operations.
• Manages NCSA’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) contracts working with stakeholders to ensure proper spending, compliance, and accuracy.

Reporting Activities

• Prepares financials for various funding sources, including state, institutional, and gift funds, ranging from zero-dollar new initiatives to several thousand-dollar existing programs.
• Provides detailed data analyses and comprehensive reports.
• Performs routine financial reporting and financial support tasks assigned by supervisor.

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

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or MBA/master’s degree with an emphasis in accounting, finance, business or related field.
• One to two (1-2) years of University accounting experience.
• Experience with University financial systems, including Banner, Mobius View, BA Central shadow system, MIS, and University General and Financial guidelines.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and automated database tools.
• The University of Illinois Certified Research Administrator certification.
• Ability to evaluate routine accounting problems and analyze/interpret complex accounting records and reports.