BAA Payment Operations-Univ Payables (Hybrid)

$48,000 - $52,000/Yr

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL - Urbana, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Urbana, IL

Educational Services

About the position

Under the general supervision of a designated supervisor, independently perform a variety of complex technical and functional duties in University Payables. This position requires the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment where new challenges arise every day. Problem solving, the ability to adapt and respond in a timely and professional manner, high attention to detail, and exercising good judgement are some of the skills that will lead to success. This is a team-oriented position that works collaboratively with a variety of units and departments both within University Payables and the University of Illinois, as well as with customers outside of the university. Providing quality customer service, the willingness to continuously improve, as well as a professional attitude and a willingness to learn should be demonstrated while working in the best interests of the University of Illinois. Incumbent is expected to at all times observe standards of professional conduct and strive for excellence in customer service including, but not limited to: accepting accountability and ownership of actions; adaptability in accepting new challenges and responsibilities; focusing on customer needs and prompt, accurate resolution of customer issues; exhibiting professional, quality, value added communications skills; working collaboratively with customers, employees and units to improve University Payables.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-pay audit of invoices/expense reports and related data entry functions in the University's ChromeRiver (CR), accounts payable (Banner), financial reporting (Banner) and document management (BDM) systems to ensure compliance with University, State, and Federal policies and regulations.
• In conjunction with the Coordinator, participate directly in the daily operations of University Payables. Schedule and prioritize daily work assignments; monitor progress of daily activities to ensure that operational needs are met; monitor for, research, and resolve transactions requiring rework ('rejects').
• Maintain a professional working relationship with University units on all campuses by serving as a subject matter expert and liaison between campus customers and University Payables to promote understanding of accounts payable policies and procedures.
• Actively identify, investigate and with appropriate approval and direction, implement Payables process improvements.
• Contribute to the development of written procedures for both internal and external training needs.
• Participate in the formulation and implementation of policies/procedures related to Payables functions.
• Conduct research and analyze transactional data in the University's CR, financial reporting and document management systems and in University Payables' operational reports and databases to monitor payment transactions for departments and vendors.
• Oversee research performed by personnel outside University Payables.
• As required and directed, actively participate in system testing for University Payables' system upgrades.
• Analyze vendor account statements and assess the extent that invoices are in arrears.
• Conduct research of accounts and invoices in various systems and databases as necessary, and consult with vendors, departments, and/or Campus Purchasing Divisions to determine a course of action.
• Perform other duties appropriate for a Business/Administrative Associate classification, such as representing University Payables in cross-functional meetings and/or serving on various committees.

Requirements

• 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.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and accounts payable best practices.
• Familiarity with the Business and Financial Policies and Procedures Manual of the University of Illinois, and State of Illinois and University procurement statutes, regulations and procedures.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach to develop and maintain effective work relationships.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and One Note.
• Prefer experience with Banner Finance, Banner Document System (BDS), iBuy, P-Card, T-Card and Chrome River applications.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment and discretion in the performance of all work assignments.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents