Financial Analyst - School of Molecular & Cellular Biology

Financial Analyst - School of Molecular & Cellular Biology

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Job Summary
Under the direction of the Associate Director of Business and Administration, the Financial Analyst performs professional level financial and administrative duties that support the business operations of the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology (MCB). This role is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and documenting business transactions in a high-volume environment. The Financial Analyst ensures financial accuracy, compliance with university policies, and effective communication with stakeholders across the school and campus. Duties & Responsibilities

Business/Financial Operations
* Oversee and assist with the school's internal accounting and perform reconciliation of monthly statements, assuring transactions are accurate, complete and in compliance with University policies and procedures.
* Conduct periodic reviews of open encumbrances across all fund types; collaborate with the school purchasing staff to close outdated purchase orders and maintain accuracy in projected balances.
* Investigate, correct, and document charges posted to incorrect CFOPs ("rogues") on all fund types to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
* Review and approve expenditures in the Emburse system, evaluating transactions for complete business justification, proper CFOP usage, and adherence to policy; effectively communicate required revisions to end users. Serve as a point of contact for resolving payables issues or errors.
* Monitor the HR application for appointments charged to non-grant funds, and review and approve based on appropriateness and availability of funds.
* Assist the Associate Director for Business and Administration with service rate calculations. Gather historical expense and user data and other information requested to complete the rate calculation and review.
* Gain and maintain basic proposal-preparation skills to provide backup support to the MCB grants team during peak submission periods.
* Collect, analyze, and compile financial data to prepare ad hoc reports for the Associate Director and School leadership.
* Assist with reconciliation, auditing, and maintenance of payroll transactions.
* Develop, run, and maintain a repository of recurring financial and operational reports for use by the School Business Office and departmental partners.
* Assist in maintaining updated guidance on fund usage, internal procedures, and business-office resources for both the School and MCB departments.

Administrative Operations
* Stay current on university business, finance, and administrative policies; effectively communicate relevant updates to faculty, staff, and departmental stakeholders.
* Assist with donor intent reviews and NACUBO function code assessments for gift funds.
* Coordinate and support special projects at the direction of the Associate Director, including process improvements, data assessments, and operational initiatives.

Other Duties
Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission and operational effectiveness of the MCB Business Office.

Required 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

• Demonstrated financial analysis and or accounting experience.
• Experience entering and approving transactions in Emburse/Chrome River.
• Experience with BANNER, iBuy, and university financial reporting systems (EDDIE, My-UI-Financials, etc.).
• Familiarity with university fund types (state, ICR, self supporting, grant, and gift).
• Experience processing university accounting transactions, including journal vouchers and labor redistributions.
• OBFS Journal Voucher Processing Certification.
• Experience calculating service activity rates, or related training certification.
• Experience in grants management or sponsored programs administration.
• Illinois Certified Research Administrator (Illinois CRA) credential or progress toward certification.

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles used for determining allowability, reasonableness, and allocation of costs.
• Organizational and multi-tasking skills with an ability to meet deadlines with accuracy, including prioritization of tasks where some are deadline-driven and others are on-going/continuous.
• Knowledge of OBFS policies and procedures, as well as University administrative operations, policies and procedures.
• Independent decision-making ability and resourcefulness.
• Customer service and communication skills.
• Extensive working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Outlook. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases.
• Knowledge acquired in a higher education environment, preferably the University of Illinois.
• Ability to foster an inclusive, collaborative environment and be dedicated to supporting the success and growth of those they work with.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

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 after the deadline date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $45,000-56,000. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on May 1, 2026 . To apply for this position, please create a candidate profile at use the Apply Now button on the posting and upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names/contact information for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your application materials, including all relevant experiences.

In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through 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 [email protected] . 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.

Champaign-Urbana

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.

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 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 [email protected] .

Requisition ID : 1034123

Job Category : Professional and Administrative

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