Staff Accountant

Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging fosters an inclusive community for students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds. As a private university with a public mission, AU values innovation, continuous improvement, and positive community impact, particularly in Illinois, where over 80% of our students live and work post-graduation.

About the Role

The Staff Accountant supports learning by providing comprehensive accounting, financial reporting, and analytical support for the Business Office. This versatile role performs a wide range of accounting responsibilities while supporting Aurora University's financial operations, reporting, compliance, and internal control environment. The Staff Accountant demonstrates adaptability by learning all aspects of AU’s accounting operations, cross-training across functional areas, and ensuring continuity of Business Office services. Through collaboration and continuous learning, this position contributes to accurate financial reporting, operational excellence, and exceptional service to the Aurora University community.

Core Competencies

• Represents Aurora University positively with students, clients, suppliers, and the community.
• Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and vendors.
• Upholds the mission of empowering students to achieve personal and professional success through an inclusive, teaching-centered community.
• Handles confidential information with discretion.
• Supports learning through essential job functions and voluntary participation in university activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform general accounting functions, including journal entries, account reconciliations, financial analysis, and month-end/year-end closing activities.
• Maintain assigned general ledger accounts, ensuring accurate recording and reconciliation in accordance with AU policies and GAAP.
• Develop a broad understanding of AU’s business operations and accounting workflows, providing support across cash management, payroll, accounts payable, student accounts, financial aid, grants, fixed assets, treasury, and other areas as needed.
• Serve as a backup for payroll processing and maintain knowledge of payroll procedures, tax reporting, and compliance.
• Assist with financial reports, account analyses, regulatory filings, and audit documentation.
• Maintain strong internal controls through accurate documentation, reconciliations, and adherence to policies and standards.
• Collaborate with colleagues to resolve accounting issues, improve processes, and provide responsive customer service.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, controls, and service.
• Demonstrate flexibility by learning new functions, cross-training, and providing coverage during peak periods or staff transitions.
• Contribute to a culture of excellence through professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to AU’s mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• One to three years of progressively responsible accounting experience preferred (equivalent education/internships considered).
• Working knowledge of GAAP, general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Commitment to confidentiality and strong internal controls.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CPA candidate.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit accounting.
• Experience with Colleague ERP.

Skills

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• High accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Willingness to learn new accounting functions and support cross-functional operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Office applications.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move about campus and other locations.
• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods.

Pay

The pay range for this position is the budgeted amount the university reasonably expects to pay. The final pay rate will not be below the lowest pay rate listed.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Choice of HMO or PPO through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois.
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Two dental plans and vision insurance through Blue Cross BlueShield.
• Life Insurance and AD&D: 1.5 times annual salary (dependent on age); additional coverage available for self, spouse, and children.
• Long Term Disability: 60% of salary (taxable and nontaxable options).
• Retirement: 403(b) plan through TIAA with matching contributions (eligibility begins first day of employment).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Available for medical and dependent care costs.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, personal, and sick leave for eligible employees.
• Holidays: Nine observed holidays with university closure.
• Tuition Assistance:
  • Undergraduate courses: 100% tuition assistance for eligible employees and family members after one year of full-time employment.
  • Graduate programs: 60% tuition assistance for employees following Senior Leadership approval.
• Tuition Exchange Programs: Eligibility for tuition assistance at over 600 universities nationwide through the Tuition Exchange (TE) and Council of Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP) after one year of full-time employment.