Assistant Director of Finance for Research Partnerships

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation

As one of the nation’s leading research institutions, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been shaping the future since 1867. Our research enterprise drives student experiences and community engagement, powering innovation and positive change locally, nationally, and globally. The University’s Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (OVCRI) seeks an Assistant Director of Finance for Research Partnerships to manage the financial activities, fiscal controls, and participate in related policy development for Illinois Global Gateway LLC (IGG), a university related organization, and entities that report to this parent company including but not limited to the Illinois Advanced Research Center at Singapore Ltd (Illinois ARCS) , the University's affiliated Singapore enterprise, including complex and unique business and financial functions related to execution of the Services and Management Agreement for Singapore Operations between the University of Illinois (University/Campus), Illinois ARCS and IGG. The vast majority of financial management activities are in support of Illinois ARCS. Serve as the financial manager for Innovate Illinois activities coordinated by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Execute effective and efficient operations and management of financial and business-related functions, including recordkeeping, fiscal/administrative controls, quarterly and annual budget development and analyses, budgetary control, cash flow management, and the expenditure of Illinois ARCS funds. Perform a central role in analyzing expenditures and planning budgets for submission to Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF), its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) and other funding agencies/sponsors and making requests for disbursement of grant funds. Provide fiscal guidance and oversight in support of the Chancellor’s Office, University Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, and the Office of the Provost as it relates to the fiscal management of Illinois ARCS and IGG. Coordinate and serve as the principal point of transactions review for referral to University Cash Management requesting the transfer of funds from/to Illinois ARCS bank account(s). This responsibility may require the preparation and processing of a variety of business office transactions including, but not limited to, purchase orders, travel and miscellaneous reimbursements, contract development, payroll submissions and related disbursement requests. Provide leadership in establishing, implementing, and continually monitoring Illinois ARCS financial processes, procedures, and transactions for and ensuring appropriate and adequate interface with University and Campus administrative and business systems.
• Monitor and manage intercompany activity across the University, IGG, and Illinois ARCS accounting and financial records providing ongoing oversight of Singapore fiscal operations to ensure compliance with relevant laws and business practices, procedures, and policies, including auditing and taxation, as required by all affected institutions, and governing bodies, including NRF CREATE, the University, State of Illinois, United States, and Republic of Singapore. This includes assisting with Illinois ARCS voucher preparation, review and approval processes as requested, monthly reconciliation of individual grant awards, bank balance tracking against monthly bank statements, and monthly reconciliation of Illinois ARCS management accounts, including analysis of account balances and follow-up with Singapore accounting service provider to resolve posting errors, accounting inconsistencies and other questions as needed. Develop quarterly, annual, and other financial reports as necessary for the Illinois ARCS Board of Directors and IGG Board of Managers (including the boards’ officers) and other bodies as necessary, making use as needed of relevant expertise, within university business affairs, Campus administration, and contracted Singaporean agencies. Interact regularly and provide similarly related financial reports for the Illinois ARCS Executive Director and Managing Director, and core program director(s), and other Illinois ARCS administrative staff.
• Develop all necessary data, reports and other information required by the VP-CFO/Treasurer and other offices. Provide financial presentations at board meetings of IGG, Illinois ARCS and other meetings as needed. Coordinate annual year end closings of IGG and Illinois ARCS. Serve as chief liaison for independent auditing firms for the annual audits of IGG and Illinois ARCS (including a Singapore-based auditing firm), responding to external auditor requests, providing various working papers and other documents as requested by the auditors. Work closely with University Accounting and Financial Reporting for the audits process, timeline, etc. Manage the process for agreed-upon procedures conducted by Singapore audit firm for selected sponsored core and non-core programs. Collaborate and interact with the business offices of other academic units regarding program activity, support with designated funds, faculty incentive tracking, and in other areas, as needed. Occasional travel to Singapore and flexible work schedule to accommodate time difference with Singapore for video conference, teleconference, and like meetings as needed.
• Serve as financial manager for OVCRI Strategic Priorities and new Initiatives including Innovate Illinois, a statewide coalition with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign being a lead partner. Monitor and manage multiple gifts from Innovate Illinois donors, create and submit annual financial reports in compliance with the terms of each gift, provide OVCRI leadership with periodic and on-demand activity reports, serve as the liaison between the Innovate Illinois Project Manager and units such as University Payables and Purchasing and complete other duties as assigned.

Travel Requirements

5% Travel to Singapore occasionally.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or similarly related field
• Minimum of five years relevant experience including demonstrated ability to perform complex accounting/financial analyses
• Experience that demonstrates proficiency in query and reporting tools with special consideration to software such as QuickBooks (Reckon), SharePoint, Excel, Visio, and Access.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certificate and/or master’s degree in accounting, business administration, or similarly relevant field or CPA
• 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 and a basic knowledge of the University’s core business applications, including the Banner system.

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. Strength in written and oral communication and organizational development. Excellent knowledge of accounting principles and guidelines. Demonstrated analytical skills to perform complex financial analysis of business transactions. Ability to produce 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. Demonstrated problem-solving skills.

Preferred: Excellent knowledge of US Generally Accepted Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards. Financial/business experience working with global organizations.

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. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The salary range starts at $90,000.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by November 27, 2023. Apply for this position by visiting https://go.illinois.edu/AsstDirFinResPartnerships and upload cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Incomplete applications and applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Leslie Lewin Reinhart at 217-333-0034. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, 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. 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.