Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant - Grants

Compensation Range: $64,069-$91,042. This salary range reflects full-time, 12-month assignments. Salary offers for part-time roles or assignments of less than 12 months will be prorated based on the assignment scope and duration. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance Voluntary life insurance Paid Sick and Personal time Paid holidays Paid vacation Membership in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) or Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) Optional 403(b) plan Employee assistance program (EAP)

Purpose Of The Position

The Senior Accountant - Grants supports District Management by providing accounting/technical support to District management, participates in the month end close process, and monitors monthly financial transactions.

Duties And Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In addition to the requirements listed below, regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

• Ensures that all actions are in concert with the Board policies as well as the mission statement, beliefs, objectives, and parameters found in the Board's strategic plan.
• Participates in job training and professional growth opportunities in order to enhance ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.
• Creates month-end journal entries, gathering appropriate data and performing any required calculations.
• Analyzes general ledger accounts for trends, inconsistencies, and accuracy.
• Reconciles balance sheet accounts as needed.
• Participates in year-end closing and audit activities, monthly budget-to-actual analyses, preparation of current-year forecasts, and completion of required schedules for both the District's financial close and SEFA compliance under Uniform Guidance.
• Ensures that all grant actions are in concert with Board policies, the mission statement, and parameters found in the Board's strategic plan.
• Monitor grant budgets for all assigned state, federal, and local programs.
• Prepares grant expenditure reports, Medicaid Outreach and Cost Settlement reports, Out-of-District Special Education tuition billing, ISBE transportation claims, and GATA-compliant year-end financial reports in accordance with all state, federal, and agency requirements.
• Compiles necessary data and prepares the mandated Excess Cost report for ISBE.
• Serves as the fiscal liaison to the Special Education (SPED) department, utilizing specialized knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grant to provide financial guidance and ensure compliance.
• Works closely with the Early Childhood (EC) department to provide fiscal support for Pre-School Grant applications, budget modifications, and financial reporting.
• Creates grant-related month-end journal entries, gathering appropriate data and performing required compliance allocations.
• Analyzes grant general ledger accounts for trends, budget inconsistencies, unallowable expenses, and reporting accuracy.
• Reconciles grant receivable and deferred revenue balance sheet accounts monthly.
• Assists with the preparation of workpapers for monthly financial statements and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Investigate, recommend, and implement innovative, more efficient ways to accomplish accounting and financial activities within the District.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting required. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in governmental fund accounting, public school district finance or complex state and federal grant administration preferred.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Ability to demonstrate qualities aligned to our core values of Character, Communication, Collaboration and Continuous Improvement. Excellent communication skills to effectively convey technical financial rules and grant guidelines to non-financial District staff and department heads. Working knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), general knowledge of GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) pronouncements/regulations, Government accounting, preparation of financial statements, and Financial Software system. Knowledge of grant reporting, Medicaid Outreach/Fee-for-Service and Uniform Guidance for grant compliance. Technical literacy required with mastery of spreadsheet software (e.g., advanced Excel macros, VLOOKUPs, pivot tables) and state reporting portals. Ability to manage multiple grant deadlines simultaneously and focus on the meticulous completion of regulatory filings. Ability to demonstrate creative and innovative problem-solving skills in addressing financial issues.

Work Calendar

12 Months

Working Conditions

Moderate in-district travel as well as intermittent in-state travel. Intermittent prolonged and irregular hours of work.