Senior Accountant

Department

F&A Accounting

About the Department

Accounting Services is a function of Financial Services, which provides critical accounting and finance support to the University. Faculty, staff and the various contracting parties of the University are considered customers of Accounting Services. Under that concept, Accounting Services seeks to provide the highest level of customer service.

Job Summary

Under general direction, performs a variety of senior level accounting activities, which require advanced professional competency of accounting theories and principles at the senior non-management level. Examines, analyzes, and interprets complex accounting records for the purpose of ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Prepares income and balance sheet statements, consolidated statements, and various other specialized accounting statements and reports. Advises others on accounting systems or other financial and budgetary data. May recommend methods for improved operations to management. May provide functional advice or training to other team members.

Responsibilities

• Performs all related accounting functions required to maintain the general ledger in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and University policies and procedures.
• Prepares and reviews of monthly reconciliation of balance sheet accounts as assigned. 
• Performs monthly analysis of income statement activity. 
• Leads the Self Insurance and Pension Accounting and Reporting.
• Records and maintains University internal loans and faculty loans, including the preparation of associated tax forms.
• Prepares various financial statements including but not limited tso elf- insurance program, benefit plans, and University consolidated financial statements.
• Prepares year-end workpapers for auditors.
• Participates in the implementation of new accounting standards applicable to the University. These activities may include analysis and interpretation of new standards, documentation of applicability and accounting impact to consolidated financial statements as well as drafting any required disclosures. 
• Manages external reporting for certain financial government surveys.
• Participates in overseeing the general accounting general inquiry ticketing system.
• Provides accounting support to campus units.
• Supports the annual tax reporting process. These activities may include preparing various supporting schedules.  
• Participates in the maintenance of the Accounting Software
• Develops income and balance sheet statements, consolidated statements, and various other specialized accounting statements and reports.
• Uses in-depth knowledge and experience to perform a variety of complex operating or cost accounting activities, incorporating accounting theories and principles.
• Guides others and acts as a resource on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting.
• MBA or CPA.

Experience:

• Implementation of a new ERP system.
• Training or supervising team members.
• Public accounting experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with Oracle Cloud and related modules.
• Proficiency with automated account reconciliation tools, specifically Oracle ARCS.

Preferred Competencies

• Communicate accounting and financial information clearly and concisely.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Attention to detail, strong analytical and problem solving skills. 
• Think strategically and translate into operational objectives. 
• Independently develop and analyze alternative solutions and make recommendations. 
• Establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels. 
• Flexibility to work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure on high visibility, high stakes projects.
• Intellectual versatility and creativity.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References Contact Information (3)(preferred)

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$80,000.00 - $100,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.