Accounting Director jobs in Chicago, IL

Overview

The faculty and staff of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) invite you to join them in shaping and implementing the next generation of innovative and engaging learning experiences.  IMSA is actively seeking applications for the full-time position of Director of Accounting.

The Director of Accounting is responsible for the maintaining the appropriate business and data records and general ledger accounting ensuring financial integrity of the Academy’s business and finance operations and procedures; manage the Academy’s general ledger including overseeing monthly, quarterly and annual reconciliations, fiscal year-end closing and opening. Prepare timely financial reports; supervise daily business office transactions and supervise periodic audits; assure compliance with policies and procedures; assist with payroll budget planning and guide and oversee payroll processing; and evaluate the effectiveness of accounting software, systems and processes. The Director of Accounting is supervised and evaluated by the Chief Financial and Operations Officer.

The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10-12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program. It also serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry (www.imsa.edu).

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning environment. IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential, and execute our mission to advance the human condition.

This Equity and Excellence work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.

This position will support IMSA's Diversity work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive constituent-centered support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Serve as a member of IMSA’s Senior Leadership team
• Assist the Chief Financial and Operations Officer in ensuring financial integrity and compliance of the Academy’s business and finance operations and procedures
• Assist the Chief Financial and Operations Officer with arranging and managing the Academy’s annual compliance and financial audits.
• Primary liaison with the Illinois Office of the Controller and Central payroll on all activities related to the voucher and warrant cycle, obligations and receipts.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reconciliations, compliance reports and financial statements
• Provide essential information to the Chief Financial and Operations Officer for the annual financial and compliance audit
• Assist in the preparation of the financial information for Board meetings
• Maintain accounting records, including general ledger and payroll
• Approve accounting entries to cash journals, general journals, accounts payable journals, accounts receivable journals, etc.
• Guide and approve payroll transactions, reconciliations and accounting entries, monitor payroll budgets, encumber salary and benefits and post all payroll expenditures to general ledger
• Supervise day-to day activities of accounting team
• Manage accounting software systems including fiscal year open and close, the planning and implementation of updates and upgrades, system configuration, report creation and staff training
• Provide and interpret reports of business operations including the formulation and maintenance of accounting policies, preparation of financial statements and operating data, coordination of systems and procedures, and special reports as required
• Supervise the bookkeeper and payroll positions and duties
• Report externally to all required agencies; report internally to Chief Financial and Operations Officer and appropriate administrative staff
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

The required skills and experience for this position include, but are not limited to:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
• Minimum of five years of accounting experience
• Minimum of three years of business operations or accounting experience
• Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and governmental accounting standards
• Demonstrated supervisory/management experience
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate clearly
• Ability to produce and communicate information in a professional manner
• Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities and meet deadlines and work independently as well as collaboratively
• Working knowledge of manual and automated accounting systems and well-developed analysis capabilities
• Proficient in Excel and all Microsoft Office applications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Fund accounting experience
• Masters of Business Administration
• CPA certification (preferred but not required)

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards.  Substantial time is spent working on a computer.  This role generally requires mobility, written and verbal communication, hearing and visual capabilities. However, reasonable accommodations, including assistive technology, may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform such requirements.

COMPENSATION

Salary for this 12 month position is no less than $90,000 and is commensurate with required formal education and experience. IMSA offers a comprehensive benefits package including health (medical, vision, dental, and prescription) and retirement benefits.  The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) is reciprocal with other Illinois retirement systems such as the Teachers’ Retirement Systems of Illinois (TRS).  

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, or national origin.  This policy also includes the handicapped and all disabled Vietnam era veterans.  IMSA utilizes only job-related criteria in making decisions concerning applicants and employees.