Senior Staff Accountant

Accounting Business Analyst

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Senior Accounting Manager, the Senior Staff Accountant will be primarily responsible for all aspects of fiscal management related to Federal, State, or private funded grants, with a larger hands-on role in a State-funded Cash Assistance program. Further, this position is responsible for general ledger accountability; reporting for all grant-funded programs; reconciling receipts, identifying and resolve any discrepancies in payments; must be familiar with the billing requirements of each program contract or grant; completing entry of receivables in accordance with good accounting practice. There is an underlying responsibility to ensure appropriate accounting control procedures and generally accepted accounting principles are strictly adhered to.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Grant Fiscal Management: Oversee all aspects of fiscal reporting to funders, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. Lead monthly discussions on the fiscal status of each grant, ensuring timely revenue recognition and system postings. Reconcile payments received against invoices and manage all grant budgeting processes, from operational budgets to renewals and new opportunities, in line with funder requirements.
• Budgeting and Auditing Assistance: Participate in the annual budgeting process, focusing on grant funding and supporting the annual fiscal audit. Take a lead role in fiscal monitoring and audits by Federal and/or State entities, aiding auditors and ensuring compliance with accounting policies and internal controls.
• Financial Analysis and Process Enhancement: Assist in maintaining an appropriate Indirect Cost Rate and develop process enhancements to improve productivity and manage risk. Conduct monthly variance analysis, maintain fixed assets schedules, reconcile payroll, and participate in significant projects like budget expansions and organizational planning.
• Cross-functional Support and Leadership: Provide backup support for accounts payable and check processing. Act as a finance department leader, guiding co-workers and contributing to a collaborative, efficient team environment. Ad hoc reporting and analysis as needed or upon request.

SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Must demonstrate a commitment and aptitude for timely delivery on all time-sensitive requests and reporting.
• Must be able to perform analytical thinking and analysis, and work with a great attention to detail and accuracy.
• Must have the effective skills needed to communicate, verbal and written, with management and coworkers at all levels of the agency.
• Must be able be highly productive, accountable, and dependable and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Must possess a customer service attitude, and display a professional and ethical manner at all times.
• Must be acceptable and willing to embrace change and improvement of ones- self, as well as for the Finance Department.
• Must seek and attend appropriate training sessions as it relates to governance and execution of Federal and Illinois funded programs, no less than annually.
• Demonstrate leadership qualities.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Must possess a Bachelor's Degree from an Accredited Institution in Accounting (preferred), Finance, or Business Management.
• Experience with a computerized accounting software system, preferably Microsoft Dynamics, Great Plains, with emphasis using Smartlist and Management Reporter and experience with automated payroll software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Minimum of two years' experience in a relevant Accounting position working as a full-cycle accountant. Minimum of two-years of directly working with fiscal grant reporting, preferably in a non-profit environment.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, courtesy and tact in dealing with public and other employees, in giving and obtaining information and in making proper disposition of problems as they may arise.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must have a valid Driver's License
• Must have and maintain auto insurance.

CARE & TCI

One of the essential job functions of any position within the agency is to align your performance with our overarching philosophy of CARE. All decisions, actions, communication, and performance should align with the six CARE principles (Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed). Not only must you complete the CARE training with satisfactory participation, but you must then put that training into practice in your everyday work.

Every employee must also pass TCI training with a satisfactory grade in written and/or physical testing. All employees must remain current on refresher training that is provided monthly at all locations. You will be tested every 6 months on the physical portion, if applicable to your position. You will be tested annually on the written portion regardless of your position. If you are not current on your TCI refresher training every six months, you will be required to retake the full course. If you do not pass either test, you may be required to retake the full course. Not only must you complete the TCI training with satisfactory participation, but you must then put that training into practice in your everyday work.

EQUIPMENT USED

Computer, Copy Machine, Calculator, Smart Phone, Fax Machine and Telephone

WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequency Options: Occasional: 0 - 15% of time; Frequent: 16 - 50% of time; Constant: Over 51% of time

Occasional - Exposure to noise, Exposure to heights, Exposure to temperature above 80 degrees, Exposure to chemicals, Exposure to hazards, Exposure to dust, Carrying approximately 10 feet, Pushing approximately 5 pounds, Lifting approximately 5 pounds, Climbing approximately 15 - 20 steps, Bending, Squatting, Kneeling and Physical Restraints.

Frequent - Walking approximately 100 feet and Standing

Constant - Working alone or independently