VANESSA LOPEZ
Villa Grove
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in sponsored program-aligned financial administration at the University of Illinois System. Proven track record in policy interpretation and compliance, enhancing operational efficiency through process improvements. Bilingual communicator skilled in cross-functional collaboration, recognized for audit readiness and meticulous documentation.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Business Administrative Associate, CBA
University of Illinois System – University Payables
06.2023 - Current
- Provide post-award–aligned financial and administrative support across multiple university units, ensuring expenditures comply with institutional policies, internal controls, and sponsor-aligned regulations.
- Review and approve transactions, including iBuy purchases and travel reimbursements, for accuracy, allowability, and policy compliance.
- Interpret and apply University and federal-style regulations to resolve complex payment, procurement, and vendor-related issues.
- Reconcile accounts and prepare detailed documentation to support internal review and audit readiness.
- Collaborate with Analytics, UAFR, Cash Management, Purchasing, and Vendor Maintenance to research discrepancies, clarify policy application, and resolve compliance concerns.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for campus units, advising staff on proper documentation, policy requirements, and corrective actions.
- Maintain and manage high-volume workflows within Banner and iBuy while meeting strict deadlines in a time-sensitive environment.
- Train and mentor colleagues on fiscal procedures, system navigation, and compliance standards; provide backup support during high-volume periods.
- Recognized for initiative, accuracy, and process improvement; developed workflow enhancements adopted by Purchase Order Payables to improve efficiency and consistency.
Business Manager & Operations Coordinator
Pride Outdoor Services, LLC
09.2019 - 06.2023
- Managed financial operations including budgeting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, collections, and monthly financial reporting.
- Oversaw compliance documentation, internal controls, and recordkeeping to support audits and operational accountability.
- Coordinated scheduling, logistics, materials procurement, and staffing to ensure projects were completed on time and within budget.
- Served as administrative liaison between leadership, staff, vendors, and clients to resolve operational and financial issues.
- Acted as interpreter between English- and Spanish-speaking staff to ensure compliance with safety and operational requirements.
- Demonstrated independent judgment and leadership, enabling business growth with minimal oversight.
Embroidery & Printmaking Assistant
Gavina Graphics
01.2017 - 07.2019
- Supported production operations in a fast-paced environment, ensuring quality control and timely fulfillment.
- Maintained detailed records and collaborated with team members to improve workflow efficiency.
Education
MBA - Business Management
University of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, Illinois, IL05-2028
Bachelors of Fine Arts - Graphic Design
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, Illinois, IL07-2019
Skills
- Sponsored Program–Aligned Financial Administration
- Allowable / Unallowable Review
- Policy Interpretation & Compliance
- Post-Award Financial Support
- Banner, iBuy, Review
- Audit Readiness & Documentation
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Faculty / Departmental Support
- Process Improvement
- Bilingual Communication (English/Spanish)
Certification
Certified Business Administrator (CBA) - Certificate Program
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Business Administrative Associate, CBA
University of Illinois System – University Payables
06.2023 - Current
Business Manager & Operations Coordinator
Pride Outdoor Services, LLC
09.2019 - 06.2023
Embroidery & Printmaking Assistant
Gavina Graphics
01.2017 - 07.2019
MBA - Business Management
University of Illinois At Springfield
Bachelors of Fine Arts - Graphic Design
Eastern Illinois University