Operations & Finance Manager

University Center is a unique 1700+ bed multi-use student housing complex located in the heart of downtown with academic year residents from 5 master leased universities along with individual leasing, a full-service on-site dining center and market, as well as retail tenants.  During the summer, the building transforms into a short-term stay and hoteling facility for interns, groups, corporate clients, and more.  With 150+ staff and several departments, University Center is truly a unique and rewarding experience with many areas to learn and grow!

About the Role

The Operations & Finance Manager plays a key role in supporting the financial and operational success of University Center. This position oversees key financial processes, including accounts payable and receivable, billing, delinquency management, reporting, and compliance, while supporting budgeting, audits, and other property operations. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, proactive professional with strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Business Expertise

• Proven track record of success in sales, finance, and/or management within the multi-family, student housing, or hospitality industries.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain exceptional customer service relationships with a diverse clientele.
• Proficient in a wide range of property management software systems, ensuring seamless management of property operations.
• Self-motivated and highly organized individual with a proven ability to take initiative, manage responsibilities, and lead projects to completion, both independently and as a collaborative team player.
• Adaptable and capable of prioritizing tasks effectively under pressure in fast-paced and ever-changing environments.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Process and record property charges and payments accurately and timely, maintaining complete and accurate records within the property management system.
• Manage accounts payable processes, including invoice entry, accruals, petty cash card administration, vendor compliance, and other required payment processes.
• Manage accounts receivable activities for master lease, retail, and other income accounts, including delinquency and account management, while providing oversight of residential accounts receivable.
• Prepare, distribute, and record university and client invoices accurately and timely.
• Track and manage leasing concessions and marketing expenditures to support effective resource allocation and cost control.
• Support the annual budget process, including contract renewals, contract tracking, and responses to annual audit requests.

• Prepare and deliver accurate and timely leasing, operational, and financial reports to property leadership, corporate stakeholders, clients, and other relevant parties.
• Complete required weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual corporate and property reporting, including lease file audits, risk analysis, billing reviews, delinquency audits, and other required financial and operational reviews.
• Maintain required state and local permits and licenses and monitor compliance with applicable requirements.
• Manage the implementation and administration of third-party renters insurance requirements and ensure compliance for individually leased residents.
• Maintain accurate retail tenant financial and compliance records, including ledgers and insurance requirements, and administer required notices and other actions in accordance with retail lease agreements.

• Partner with the Housing Team to maximize house bed occupancy while maintaining compliance with master lease agreements and supporting summer client needs.
• Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with retail tenants and other key property stakeholders.
• Support move-in, move-out, and large-scale property events to ensure efficient execution and a positive resident and client experience.
• Demonstrate responsiveness to the needs and objectives of residents, team members, clients, and investors while contributing to a collaborative and service-oriented work environment.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support property operations and business objectives.

• Availability to work evenings and weekends during peak move-in, move-out, and other high-demand operational periods is required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or high school diploma/equivalent with additional courses/experience. 
• Minimum two years full-time applicable experience in sales and leasing, property management, or finance/collections/customer service experience in real estate, hospitality, or retail industries.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills with a proven track record of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
• Must be willing to obtain required Illinois Leasing license within 120 days.

Physical Requirements

• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery (i.e., phone, copy machine, etc.)
• The person in this position frequently communicates with students and parents. Must be able to exchange accurate information.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and must be able to exchange accurate information with team members, residents, and more.  

*The anticipated pay range for this role is  $70,000–$75,000 annually, with final compensation determined based on experience, skills, and internal equity.