Accounting Representative-(Hybrid) University Payroll and Benefits

System Office positions, such as this position, are not eligible for the employee referral program.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Job Summary

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. CMS analysis and Resolution Processing and Training using Deduction Not Taken Reports (DNT), Benefit Category Report (BCAT), Return to Work Report (RTW), SDE Field Report for UIUC, UIC, and UIS for one monthly report and two bi-weekly reports. [NOTE: Deduction Not Taken report is generated by AITS using a customized program to determine those employees going on, and returning from, leaves]

2. Responsible for facilitating the in-house paycheck deduction adjustment (DA) notification program for all three campuses. Ensure compliance with internal check-and-balance system. Process related verification and approval activities to sustain the accuracy and timeliness of operations and services administered by UPB including: compiling and analyzing data/information obtained from CMS reports; initiating/approving paycheck deduction adjustments; performing complex data entry into Banner and/or verifying the accuracy of Banner information; and analyzing data/information contained in multiple databases (e.g., CMS Membership, BDMS, Ariel, BSCAC, and others) to ensure the accuracy of paycheck adjustments. Verification of Deduction Adjustment forms supplied by Benefits Counselors. Deduction Adjustment statistics worksheet (UIUC, UIC, UIS) as requested.

3. Assist Manager with cross-over fiscal control tasks on the payroll side of the FCM. These tasks will include calc related reconciliations, tax reporting/filing, deduction maintenance, etc.

4. Assist FCM Manager with coordination of both internal and external audits and corresponding requests related to University Payroll and Benefits.

5. Responsible for keeping Direct Pay current with member information for all members on leave that have UI Plans. Bill UI plans monthly and post to the Direct Pay Program.

6. Responsible for Banner monthly and bi-weekly payroll data entry that is accurate and performed in a timely manner for deduction adjustments.

7. Represents UIUC Fiscal Control and Management Group during meetings when FCM Manager is not able to attend. Gives backup and support to the FCM Manager. Knowledgeable on departmental operation funds.

8. Serve as a liaison with tax-shelter annuity (TSA) company Fidelity that entails extensive contact to address/resolve issues including problems related to: funds sent for an employee who does not have an application on file with the TSA; register discrepancies; and electronic files sent to Fidelity. Responsible for reconciling negatives affecting TIAA-CREF. Notify UAFR by email of negative(s) and all pertinent information. Keep Excel records and hard file regarding negatives. Extensive contact with TIAA-CREF. (UIUC, UIC, UIS)

9. Assist FCM Manager with budget related reconciliations related to numerous UPB funds, accounts, etc.

10. Responsible for training new and existing personnel on most tasks in the Fiscal Control and Management Group on the benefits side.

11. Produce Excel spreadsheets, which include University of Illinois insurance plan payments collected on a monthly basis, and transmit electronic data transfer for Prudential and UI Life. Responsible for reconciling Payroll Deduction Registers and data files for UI AD&D, UI Life, and LTD. Responsible for monthly disbursement of payment/accompanying spreadsheet to each University of Illinois plan vendor, which includes monthly and bi-weekly contributions for UIUC, UIC, UIS campuses, and Allied Agencies.

12. Act as a primary back up for various payroll related processes (Stat In Arrears, Calc Balancing, etc)

13. Answer incoming customer calls via Touchpoint.

14. Import files into BSCAC for the Deduction Not Taken report. Import files into BSCAC for tracking deduction adjustments outside of the system. Responsible for working with BIS on changes/updates to BSCAC.

15. Perform other duties appropriate for a Business Administrative Associate.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position. 2. 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.) 3. Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in an area of specialization inherent to the position may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred:
1. Two years of professional level accounting, managerial and/or business experience, one year of which was at an administrative level.
2. Master's Degree in Accountancy.

Certifications
Preferred:
1. American Payroll Association Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Self-motivation and initiative to identify and recommend new, and/or enhanced, policies and procedures that contribute toward improving the overall efficiency of UPB Fiscal Control and Management Group operations and services. Ability to work independently and to exercise good judgment and discretion in the performance of all work assignments.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills to effectively interact with departmental officials/staff and other persons seeking assistance from the UPB Benefits.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work accordingly to meet stringent deadlines while staying on task with other assigned duties and responsibilities, and appropriately responding to matters of urgency.
• Knowledge of sound accounting practices, University accounting and data processing policies and procedures, and State of Illinois financial reporting guidelines.
• Extensive knowledge of Banner, BSCAC, CMS Membership Database, MyBenefits (Ariel),TEM Application, knowledge of utilizing Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Access, Internet Explorer.
• Demonstrated experience working with CMS and UPB Fiscal Control and Management Group. Understanding about the interrelationship between CMS and UPB Fiscal Control and Management Group operations and services to achieve University and departmental objectives and goals in meeting overall employee insurance needs.
• Knowledge about, and ability to interpret and apply, University policies and procedures set forth in the following publications/resources: UPB Benefits manuals/handbooks; The General Rules Concerning University Organization and Procedure; Business and Financial Policies and Procedures Manual; Campus Administrative Manual; state of Illinois financial reporting guidelines; and Handbook for Good Ethical Practice for Faculty and Staff at the University of Illinois.
• Knowledge and proficiency with database programs/applications to ability to analyze information and perform specialized data entry applications including: BDMS, Ariel, BSCAC, NESSIE, Mobius, Document Management Program, Direct Payment Program, and others.
• Proficiency with office equipment including calculators, photocopiers, printers, digital scanners, and facsimile machines.
• Strong keyboarding and proofreading skills to perform complex data entry functions/calculations accurately and efficiently, which requires comprehensive knowledge about departmental data entry standards, and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work accordingly to meet stringent deadlines while staying on task with other assigned duties and responsibilities, and appropriately responding to matters of urgency.