OVERVIEW

Reports to: Controller

Salary: Competitive Salary and Benefits

Location: Chicago, IL

WE ARE ACERO

Consistent with the strategic priorities of Acero Schools, the Senior Accountant will report directly to the Controller and assist with all accounting functions of the organization. Under the supervision of the Controller, the Senior Accountant will be responsible for general ledger maintenance, assisting and evaluating the effectiveness of the internal control systems, bank account reconciliation, payroll, reporting of special revenue funds, performing internal audits and assisting accounting staff with other responsibilities. The Controller directly supports the mission and vision of Acero Schools by directing the accounting team to deliver the services and fiscal responsibility necessary to sustain the organization over the long term.

JOIN OUR TEAM

• A team of problem solvers who find joy in developing solutions.
• A team of compliance-driven individuals who contribute to, respect and serve in our communities.
• A team who embodies the values of achievement, community, equity, resilience and optimism.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Chicago Public Schools accountability requirements and other applicable state and federal regulations.
• Post data to various ledgers, registers, journals and logs following established accounting techniques and procedures.
• Maintain the various ledger accounts including reconciliation of the general ledger, revenue accounts, expenditures, and cash balances.
• Prepare adjusting entries based on results from reconciliation and general ledger maintenance to complete month end and year end closing.
• Ensure proper account coding for all transactions according to the chart of accounts.
• Balance and reconcile all payrolls processed and interface into financial accounting system Maintain payroll tables to ensure accurate data and assist as payroll processing backup through cross training.
• Assist in performing monthly reconciliation and annual audits of student activity funds.
• Assist with monthly bank reconciliation to insure all items have been properly recorded in general ledger for all bank accounts.
• Manage Fixed Assets within the accounting system and communicate as necessary with departments such as IT and facilities on security of assets.
• Assist with external CPS reporting of enrollment, staffing, reimbursement and other required data in compliance with accountability standards of the charter contract.
• Assist and provide required data to districts independent auditors during annual audit process.
• Supervise staff accountants and assist in cross training within the department as well as training of other staff in relation to appropriate accounting processes.
• Exercise discretion and security in order to maintain confidentiality and protect access to electronic accounting, payroll, and banking systems.
• Believe in our ability to create the future we envision.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting (required) with CPA certification (preferred)
• At least three to five years of significant work experience with organizations as a General Ledger Accountant, Senior Accountant or Accounting Manager (or equivalent) with non-profit or education organizations (strongly preferred)
• Understanding of GAAP standards and FASB
• Understanding of fund accounting and accompanying accounting systems such as Blackbaud
• Proficiency in management accounting software, payroll systems and procurement systems from implementation to ongoing maintenance
• Strong Excel and database skills
• Strong analytical problem solving skills and strong organizational skills
• Extreme flexibility, with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate high level of responsibility and multiple priorities
• Ability to work effectively in a fluid environment and with a wide range of colleagues
• Must be authorized to work in the United States (required)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The nature of the work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files, and an ability to communicate and exchange information. Physical demands include the ability to stand, bend, reach high and low, stoop, and walk around 60% of the day. In addition, candidates must be able to lift and/or push and pull 15 to 20 lbs. for short periods of time.

Majority of work is performed in a general office environment. Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. Also requires participation and attendance at organization-sponsored events and meetings.

NOTE: The foregoing list of essential duties and responsibilities is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Acero Schools is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals. Acero Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.

www.aceroschools.org