Associate Director, Business and Finance - Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park

Associate Director, Business and Finance - Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park

This position will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement but will require regular presence in Chicago.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) is a first-of-its-kind park for quantum scale-up and related quantum and advanced microelectronics research and development. Minutes away from downtown Chicago along Lake Michigan, this site will: 1) build on a track record of historic investment by the State in quantum information science and technology, and 2) further establish Illinois as a global hub for quantum. The park is designed to support the full ecosystem of companies, researchers, suppliers, end users and other partners working to facilitate the development and commercialization of quantum technologies, including the world's first fault-tolerant computers. For more information, visit our website.

Job Summary
The Associate Director for Business & Finance is responsible for managing and overseeing accounting and financial operations supporting the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP). This role ensures accurate financial reporting, effective fiscal controls, compliance with University policies, federal requirements, and efficient administration of procurement, contracts, grants, and audits. Under limited supervision, the position performs advanced financial analysis, prepares budgets and statements, manages accounting processes, and serves as a key resource for administrative and financial policy.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Analysis
  • Develop and present financial statements for IQMP leadership including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Board of Managers as requested, including annual budgets, year-to-date summaries, and forward-looking projections, reserve statements, debt obligations, and revenue/expenditure forecasts to date projections, reserve statements, debt obligations, and revenue/expenditure forecasts.
  • Perform financial analyses, account reconciliations, and budget reviews to support IQMP programs.
  • Monitor cash flow and initiate fund transfers for grant advances between the University and IQMP, LLC.
  • Manage preparation of monthly financial statements for IQMP operations, including allocation of expenditures by activity code and budget line, and classification of revenue in appropriate categories.
• Accounting Operations & Controls
  • Manage accounting functions including month-end and year-end Banner closing procedures, documentation, and preparation of year-end fact sheets.
  • Track and reconcile all IQMP funding sources to ensure accuracy, proper posting, and compliance with University policies.
  • Oversee property accounting records and serve as primary Unit Security Contact (USC) for IQMP.
  • Assist with establishment of accounts receivable processes and detail codes for IQMP within Banner.
  • Support preparation and submission of required financial surveys and reports (e.g., URO survey).
• Supervision and Management
  • Supervise finance and business staff, mentor and provide professional development; providing direction of job duties, review work and provide performance evaluation.
  • Monitor leave requests.
• Procurement, Cards, and Reimbursements
  • Serve as approver for P Card, T Card, and iBuy transactions.
  • Manage process for staff travel and expense reimbursements.
  • Oversee procurement procedures to ensure compliance with University policies.
• Audit Administration
  • Prepare schedules, worksheets, documentation, and correspondence for internal and external audits.
  • Manage the engagement of the external accounting firm that performs the annual IQMP, LLC audit.
• Grant & Federal Compliance
  • Coordinate grant accounting, reporting, and payment reconciliation for IQMP.
  • Serve as primary SAM.gov Point of Contact to maintain federal funding eligibility and coordinate DARPA related system access (including WAWF).
• Administrative & Contract Support
  • Serve as the primary contact for administrative policies, including procurement, ethics, and conflict management.
  • Coordinate creation of consultant contracts using established templates.
  • Implement and oversee contract management processes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5 or more years of professional accounting or financial management experience including demonstrated ability to perform complex accounting and financial analysis.
• Experience that demonstrates proficiency in query and reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certificate and/or master's degree in accounting, business administration or similarly relevant field or CPA.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience in use of computer-aided systems with demonstrated skills in modeling, development, maintenance, reporting and projecting financial information as well as experience with grant funding.
• Experience with enterprise financial systems (e.g., Banner), procurement platforms (iBuy, P Card/T Card), and reimbursement systems (e.g., Emburse).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Required
  • A proven self-starter who can work independently in a hands on environment with minimal supervision, relying primarily on personal skills and resources.
  • Knowledge of audit standards, grant accounting, and federal compliance requirements.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to provide complex financial reports and provide detailed information with accuracy and clarity.
  • Ability to propose, clarify and follow policies/procedures that improve and/or maintain the effectiveness of daily financial operations.
  • Accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Financial stewardship and integrity.
  • Understanding of GAAP and University fiscal policy.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Strong problem solving and systems thinking skills.
• Preferred:
  • Excellent knowledge of US Generally Accepted Accounting Standards.
  • Demonstrated experience in finance and business coordination and/or grant and contract administration experience in higher education and/or similar setting.
  • Proficiency with University of Illinois business-related software and relational applications.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $140,000 to $155,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Monday, March 30, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Qualified candidates must upload: 1) a cover letter which details qualifications noted above; 2) resume or CV; and 3) the names and contact information for three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 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 Sue Key at 217-333-0034. 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.

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.

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 : 1035389

Job Category : Professional and Administrative

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