Financial Operations Manager

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 pr