Accountant

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest school district in the United States, serving over 340,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers.  CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life.  In order to fulfill this mission we make three commitments to our students, their families and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability and integrity.  Six core principles are embedded within these commitments – student centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

With supervision, assist the Office of the Controller in the timeliness, accuracy and daily, monthly and annual maintenance of the general ledger. This position will support the processing and recording of payables and payroll accounts, cash and other bank accounts, as well as other revenue and expense transactions. The role also requires the individual to provide support for the annual financial audit and other regulatory audits, to prepare various audit schedules and workpapers and assist in the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and the Annual Financial Report (AFR).

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare daily and monthly bank reconciliations for large complex bank accounts, with supporting schedules and narrative notes/explanations.  Investigate and resolve variances. 
• Support the District’s Cash and Investment operation by completing the assigned Daily and Monthly processes, i.e. Monitor items being processed by our check voids and/or replacement processes. Communicate item/issue status with other CPS Offices, Departments, and Divisions. 
• Prepare monthly general ledger account reconciliations and analyses, and/or subledger processes that support the financial and operational activity posted to the general ledger. 
• Timely and accurate preparation and submission of various cash, property tax, payables and/or payroll related journals.
• Identify transactions within bank statements/electronic extracts and other documents and develop journal entries to correct and/or adjust balances.
• Perform accounting duties to properly allocate revenues and expenses to the correct and appropriate units, funds, accounts, programs, grants and/or fiscal year within the general ledger.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly and quarterly financial statements, the CAFR and the Annual Financial Report submitted to ISBE.
• Assist in the annual external audit and internal audits by preparing assigned PBC (prepared by client) audit schedules. Follow-up/resolve any review notes of the workpapers and schedules you prepare. 

Education and Experience:

• Education Required - Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration (must have an Accounting concentration).
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of Accounting, Auditing and/or Financial Reporting experience. 
• Experience preferred: Bank, G/L account, and fixed asset reconciliations.

Computer Skills:

• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint; Oracle Financials, SQL programming language is a plus.  Documented Oracle ERP system or similar experience is required.
• Experience with the Google Office Suite is a plus

Language Ability:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, websites, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, procedure manuals, and emails.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, school personnel, and the general public.

Computation Ability:

• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.  Inquire with your supervisor or manager if unsure of a task. 

Certificates and Licenses:

• None required, however, a valid CPA license is a plus

Residency Requirement:

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.