Business and Finance Symposium
We are excited to announce the 2025 Business & Finance Symposium, proudly sponsored by the Office of the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and University Outreach. The symposium is offered for departmental business managers and administrators with business and finance responsibilities across the University of Illinois System. The mission of the Symposium is to provide its audience with knowledge and resources to enable them to manage the challenges they face and pursue excellence in their roles at the university.
The sessions chosen for the Symposium were selected with recommendations and input from the business and finance advisory committees at all three universities.
Please join us for this in-person symposium, hosted at each university on the dates below. A complimentary hot breakfast and refreshments will be served.
Time and Location
UIUC—Monday, September 22, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon| iHotel and Conference Center, Illinois Ballroom
UIS—Tuesday, September 30, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon | UIS Student Union Ballroom
UIC—Tuesday, October 21, 8:00 a.m.–12 noon | Student Center East, Room Illinois AB
Schedule and Session Description
(Applies to all locations)
8:00am–9:00am—Registration/Check-in & Breakfast
9:00am–9:30am—Welcome Remarks
Ginger Velazquez, Executive Director for Business and Finance
Paul Ellinger, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Comptroller
9:30am–10:15am—University Payables Challenges, Tips & Tricks, University Payables
Session Description: Explores some of the most common challenges that Payables staff encounter while conducting daily business. Learn some helpful tips and tricks for interacting with our office and streamlining processes.
10:15am–10:30am—Break
10:30am–11:15am – Card Exceptions, University Payables
Session Description: Take a deep dive into how the card exception process works, how to avoid the need for exceptions, and when to request a necessary exception.
11:15 am- 12:00pm—Electronic Invoicing & Digital Mailroom, University Payables
Session Description: Discuss how technology is changing the invoice processing world. Learn about the options provided to vendors to move to an electronic invoicing format and how DMR will positively impact the University.