Accounting Manager, Capital Fixed Asset & Revenue

About the Role

Reporting to the Assistant Deputy Controller, the Accounting Manager (Capital Fixed Asset & Revenue) assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of professional accountants engaged in the management of financial accounts. This position designs and implements computerized accounting systems and internal controls to ensure operational efficiency within the Office of Controller. The role uses current industry technology to ensure the integrity of all data processes throughout the financial systems for the recording of property tax distributions, capital and fixed assets, payables and payroll accounts, cash and other bank accounts, as well as other revenue and expense transactions, and monitors payroll.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise the Capital Fixed Asset and Revenue Team.
• Ensure staff follows established policies and procedures in the performance of their duties, application of accounting principles, and various system validations on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Review and approve all journal entries prepared by staff.
• Provide leadership, develop goals, objectives, and performance standards for the Capital Fixed Asset and Revenue team, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Organize, develop, and schedule ongoing training and development for staff.
• Prepare complex financial calculations and audit-related work papers and schedules.
• Ensure the various Prepared by Client (PBC) work papers prepared by staff, as well as the fiscal data compiled for inclusion in the Annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (ACFR), are completed accurately and within the established deadlines.
• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (e.g., ACFR, Annual Financial Report (AFR), and the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR)), and present the District’s position to auditors and external parties regarding accounting issues and financial statement presentation.
• Enhance and strengthen internal controls and increase process efficiency and effectiveness.
• Oversee the financial reporting system implementation, migration, testing, conversion, automation, and upgrades of the various financial modules; review and analyze the effectiveness of system controls at each process stage for the end user.
• Manage special ad hoc projects and technology endeavors to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations as assigned.
• Review Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statements, Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Best Practices and Advisories, U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Guidance, and other Federal, State, and Local regulatory directives.
• Review interpretations, concept statements, and technical bulletins to ensure the timely and proper application of the standards, as well as implement the early adoption of new standards when necessary and beneficial to the Board.
• Maintain and update the Accounting Manual, as necessary, with approved changes in policies, procedures, and business processes related to property tax, payroll, pensions, benefits, capital, and fixed assets.
• Understand and communicate the School District’s complex property tax, payroll, pension, capital, and fixed assets business requirements, cycles, processes, activities, and controls.
• Function as a liaison on accounting-related issues with various departments such as Grants Management, Payroll, Budget, Facilities, and Treasury.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting or Finance is required.
• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting or Finance and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is highly preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of Accounting experience in accounting/financial reporting and auditing, including a minimum of two (2) years of Supervisory experience is required.
• Previous experience in Governmental Accounting and experience working with a Tier 1 ERP system and involvement in conversions/upgrades is preferred.

Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, websites, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Knowledge of financial practices at a large government organization.
• General knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to financial operations.
• General knowledge of financial internal controls.
• Ability to write basic procedures and policies.
• Ability to read and understand various policies and procedures.
• 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.
• Ability to identify problems and develop recommendations for resolution.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to use spreadsheets to view data and perform analysis.
• Ability to analyze data and document any issues or problems.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with Oracle Financials and SQL programming language.
• Advanced Oracle experience in a large government organization (preferred).
• Adept user of internet, email, and other office automation systems.

Benefits

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents, including:
  • Medical Plan Options
  • Pharmacy
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Days
• Parental Leaves
• Short-Term Disability
• Religious Holidays

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless approved for a medical or religious exemption. Employees must submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. "Up-to-date" on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.