Title: Financial Operations Manager
Division Name: Student Affairs
Department: Event Management, Dining and Hospitality

Job Summary

The Department of Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality is one of 15 departments within the Division of Student Affairs. It provides the campus community and guests with high-quality, efficient, and innovative event services and dining options in a variety of settings dedicated to accentuating and enhancing the campus experience in a diverse community.

The Financial Operations Manager oversees, and imparts specific expertise to all department financial reporting, account reconciliation, internal controls, and compliance. Duties are complex in nature and include, but are not limited to, the preparation of financial statements and budgets, assisting with the development of the departments Business Intelligence initiatives, functional configuration of the business and financial software, participate in audits, and researching and resolving payment inconsistencies or discrepancies.

Position provides strategic oversight and expert guidance for all financial and administrative operations within the Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality (EMDH) unit. This position leads complex financial reporting, account reconciliation, internal controls, and ensures compliance with University policies and accounting standards. It supervises staff and student employees, develops and refines business procedures, and serves as a key liaison with University partners to support operational alignment and efficiency.

The role includes the preparation of financial statements and budgets, functional ownership of departmental financial and business applications, and active participation in audits. It plays a critical role in advancing the department’s Business Intelligence initiatives by identifying key financial metrics, integrating data from disparate systems, and developing accessible reporting tools to support data-driven decision-making. The position also investigates and resolves payment discrepancies, recommends policy and procedural improvements, and contributes to the department’s strategic planning efforts.

Whether it’s to find a place to study, gather with friends, enjoy a bite to eat, or plan a large event, the Department of Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality takes great pride in providing welcoming and inclusive spaces, high-quality food services, and experienced and professional staff who care about making every experience individualized and extraordinary. It is our philosophy to recruit, inspire, and retain talented team members and promote wellness and foster their development. It is our goal to promote a more fully diverse and inclusive campus community.

Additional Information

University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

For more University Benefit information: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Information regarding eligibility for participation in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program can be reviewed here https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/insurance/

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$5,150 - $5,500 per month

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Management, Accounting, or a field related to the position.
2. Seven (7) years of professional business or financial work experience in a higher education setting overseeing complex business processes.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Possession of a current registration as a Certified Public Accountant or a valid License to practice Public Accounting.
2. Advanced level knowledge of business and/or financial policies and procedures of the University.
3. Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, projections.
4. Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations.
5. Knowledge of automated data processing systems, including accounting software applications.
6. Ability to exercise professional judgment and help ensure the department's compliance with state, university, and department policies and procedures, Knowledge of management principles, practices, methods, and techniques.

Work Hours

Core work hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Hours may vary based on operational need.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.

Proposed Starting Date

August 2025

Required Applicant Documents

Resume
Reference List

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Optional Applicant Documents

Certification of Retirement Annuity

Please Note: These documents may be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Please fully complete the entire application including, but not limited to, the education and work history portions. Be specific on your work history, including employment dates (if part-time you must list the number of work hours) and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Please do not put "see resume" in the duties and responsibilities section of the work history. This will be considered an incomplete application and incomplete applications will not be considered.

College or university transcripts (may be unofficial) must be submitted prior to the application deadline to receive full consideration. Transcripts can either be uploaded with your application or submitted via the options listed below.

To be eligible for Veteran's Preference points on the exam, appropriate military service documentation such as a DD-214 must be submitted prior to the application deadline.

Transcripts and/or military service documentation may be faxed or mailed to Human Resources by the application deadline:

Fax: 309.438.0011, Attn: Breanna Crippen
Address: Illinois State University
Human Resources
Campus Box 1300
Normal, IL 61790-1300

The Civil Service examination for this classification is based on your application materials and responses to the supplemental questions. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from applicants that qualify to take the exam. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score calculated based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register by exam score. After the application deadline, the names within the top three scores will be referred to the department for interview. The active register for this classification will be voided when the position is filled.

Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois. If hired, out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days from the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois driver’s license or a valid State of Illinois ID card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

Applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the U.S. without ISU sponsorship. Sponsorship for work authorization will not be considered for this position.

Contact Information for Applicants

Breanna Crippen
Human Resources
309-438-8315
bcplese@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.