What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Accountant position at Carl Sandburg College?
Primary responsibilities
- Manage financial processes for the Carl Sandburg College Foundation, including, but not limited to, contribution revenue, investments, accounts receivable, interfund transactions, and financial reporting.
- Serve as the primary system administrator for Foundation financial systems, including, but not limited to, Blackbaud Raiser's Edge and related gift processing and payment systems.
- Lead and coordinate system updates, upgrades, patches, enhancements, and new module implementations related to Foundation financial systems.
- Manage construction project accounting processes, including transaction recording, reconciliations, reporting, and project closeout activities.
- Record College investment activity on a monthly basis and reconcile related accounts.
- Provide cash management oversight and monitor investment returns to support the achievement of optimal financial results.
- Coordinate and support the annual Carl Sandburg College Foundation audit process, including preparation of schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
- Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, including, but not limited to, cash, construction in progress, investments, and various liability accounts.
- Prepare journal entries, monthly financial reports, account analyses, and other financial documentation as required.
- Monitor and report on revenues and expenditures for various funds.
- Prepare and submit accurate and timely external financial reports in accordance with applicable requirements.
- Provide financial data, analysis, and support to College departments and administrators.
- Serve as a backup to the Financial Reporting & Grants Accounting Coordinator.
- Provide guidance and support to departments regarding payment procedures, budget codes, and related financial processes.
- Maintain the confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of financial information and records.
- Maintain accurate, organized, and complete financial records and supporting documentation.
- Perform accounting activities in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and guidelines, Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) regulations, and the ICCB Fiscal Management Manual.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Assist with:
- Internal and external audits by preparing schedules and documentation.
- Annual budget building processes for both the college and the Foundation.
- Financial closing and reporting processes.
- Grant and restricted fund accounting as needed.
Risk-management and loss-prevention activities
- Maintain a working knowledge of the college’s emergency procedures and actively participate in the college risk-management program.
- Monitor conditions, events and circumstances that present risk to the college community. Intervene and/or report as specified in the college’s risk-management plan.
Minimum necessary education, skills and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance required.
- Two years of related experience with fund accounting, general ledger, or financial reporting required.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
- Effective communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Familiarity with procurement and travel reimbursement policies preferred.
- Experience in a community college, higher education, or public sector setting preferred.
- Familiarity with Ellucian, Colleague, or similar ERP systems preferred.
- Knowledge of project and grant accounting preferred.
- Spanish or French proficiency preferred.
Physical requirements to perform job functions
- Basic dexterity skills (computer work, telephoning, and other office equipment).
- General physical effort required includes sitting, bending, reaching, and some lifting (20 lbs. or less) and the ability to place a work order for anything over that limit.
Salary : $54,470 - $63,870