Senior Staff Accountant - Contracts

Senior Staff AccountantThe Senior Staff Accountant serves as the primary lead for assigned Contracts and Grants-related accounting functions, while maintaining working knowledge of the Finance Department's broader accounting operations. This position performs accounting, reconciliation, reporting, and financial analysis activities to support accurate and timely financial operations.The Senior Staff Accountant is expected to actively participate in cross-training, develop and maintain working knowledge of functions outside of assigned primary responsibilities, and provide backup coverage and support across the Finance Department as operational needs require.Essential Functions and ResponsibilitiesManage financial administration of assigned contracts and grants, including monitoring financial requirements, funding parameters, reporting obligations, and compliance requirements.Manage and support billing and claims processes to promote timely, complete, and accurate submission and recording of revenue.Maintain accurate and complete financial records, files, and supporting documentation related to contracts, grants, billing, and claims.Prepare and perform financial reconciliations related to contracts, grants, claims, and billing activity, researching and resolving discrepancies as identified.Prepare financial reports, schedules, journal entries, and analyses associated with assigned contracts, grants, billing, and claims activity.Monitor financial activity against applicable contract or grant requirements and communicate identified concerns, discrepancies, or potential compliance issues to Finance leadership.Coordinate with program and administrative staff as necessary to obtain financial information and documentation needed for billing, reporting, reconciliation, and compliance.Support financial reporting and documentation required for audits, monitoring reviews, funder requests, and other compliance activities within assigned areas.Identify discrepancies, trends, or financial issues within assigned areas and work with team members on improvements that enhance accuracy, efficiency, internal controls, and compliance.Actively participate in cross-training across Finance Department functions and maintain sufficient working knowledge of accounting responsibilities to other accounting functions as operational needs arise providing additional coverage and hands-on support.Collaborate with other Finance team members to promote knowledge sharing, consistency, continuity of operations, and timely completion of departmental responsibilities.Assist with journal entries, reconciliations, financial reporting, analysis, audit preparation, and other accounting activities outside of assigned primary areas when needed.Identify opportunities to strengthen accounting processes, internal controls, documentation, accuracy, and efficiency and participate in implementation of approved improvements.Perform other duties as assigned.Qualification RequirementsWorking knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and standard accounting practices applicable to assigned responsibilities.Ability to analyze financial information, research discrepancies, identify errors, and complete or recommend appropriate corrective action.Ability to prepare and maintain accurate financial records, reconciliations, reports, schedules, and supporting documentation.Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments and complete work within established deadlines.Ability to communicate financial and accounting information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with employees, management, and other stakeholders.Ability to work independently within assigned areas of responsibility and collaboratively with Finance team members and other departments.Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling financial, employee, client, and agency information.Ability and willingness to participate in cross-training, develop working knowledge of accounting functions outside of assigned primary responsibilities, and provide backup coverage and support across Finance Department functions as needed.Ability to adapt to changes in accounting processes, systems, regulatory requirements, and departmental priorities.Ability to identify and recommend opportunities to improve accounting processes, documentation, internal controls, accuracy, and efficiency.Ability to provide accounting guidance, share knowledge, and support other Finance team members within the scope of the position.Must complete required annual and job-specific training, including training applicable to federally and State of Illinois-funded programs.Must meet DCFS/CANTS Clearance Requirements.Must be at least 21 years of age.Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and maintain proof of automobile insurance.Education and/or ExperienceBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field with a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience required.Experience working in a nonprofit or similarly complex accounting environment preferred.Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains), SmartList, Management Reporter, Sage Intacct, or similar financial management systems required.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required.Experience in general ledger accounting and financial reconciliations required; experience with contract or grant accounting, billing, claims, fiscal grant reporting, or government-funded programs required.Care and TCIHoyleton has adopted the CARE (Children and Residential Experience), developed by Cornell University, to guide our culture and practice. CARE is grounded in six core principles: Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed.Completion of CARE and TCI training is an internal requirement for all staff and must be completed upon hire. Ongoing application of these principles is expected and essential to successful job performance.TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention). Employees must:Pass the written test annuallyPass the physical test every six months (if applicable to their role)Consistent participation and application of both CARE and TCI principles drive company culture and are essential to job performance.Working ConditionsThis position operates in a professional office environment and may require travel to agency sites based on role responsibilities.The role involves periods of walking, standing, or sitting, and may occasionally require climbing stairs, bending, kneeling, or lifting materials up to 25 pounds, depending on job duties.Minimal exposure to environmental factors such as noise, dust, or varying indoor/outdoor temperatures may occur depending on program needs and client-related activities.BenefitsMedical insurance with company funded Health Savings Account (HSA)Dental and vision insurancePaid vacation, sick, and personal days10 company holidays and 1 floating holidayMonthly cell phone reimbursement6 weeks paid parental leave403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer matchEmployer-paid life insuranceOptional supplemental benefits including: voluntary life, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, and critical illness coverageEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and their household members for additional supportTuition reimbursement to encourage continued learning and growthBenefitHub Perks Program offering valuable employee discounts