Department

F&A FIN - Financial Reporting and Accounting

About the Department

The primary goal of Financial Services is to support the core mission of the University through exemplary fiscal stewardship. Our services and programs are geared toward providing our customers outstanding response and service while fulfilling compliance and fiduciary obligations. Among many duties, Financial Services has responsibility for accounting and financial reporting; cash, endowment, and debt management; payroll; sponsored award accounting; and purchasing and paying for goods and services.

Job Summary

Reports to the Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting and has direct responsibilities for a staff of three individuals. Oversees the general accounting functional area within Financial Services including cash management which consists of bank, petty cash and unclaimed property; monthly balance sheet and income statement account reconciliations; accounting for University internal loans and specialty accounting areas; oversight of the general accounting inquiry ticketing system; and maintenance and oversight of the University’s Financial Accounting Systems.

Responsibilities

• Manages and oversees the general accounting functions and daily operations of the accounting staff.
• Ensures that reconciliations and financial reports produced by the accounting staff accurately reflect the financial condition of the University.
• Reviews and analyzes general ledger accounts and ensures that the University's financial records are accurate.
• Ensures timely and accurate reporting of all transactions.
• Administers generally accepted accounting practices throughout the University.
• Assists 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.
• Participates in the maintenance and oversight of the Financial Accounting systems.
• Assists in the preparation and distribution of timely and accurate quarterly internal financial statements and other managerial reports, as required, to both internal management and external users.
• Coordinates the compilation, verification and review of statistical accounting and financial reports and statements for internal and external purposes.
• Manages external reporting for certain financial government surveys.
• Participates in the planning and implementation of large projects and regularly interfaces with senior management.
• Supports the year-end external audit by coordinating and managing the audit request process and reviewing or preparing year-end audit workpapers.
• Key contact person for departmental and divisional administrators for questions relating to general accounting.
• Acts as liaison to other departments.
• Provides advice and counsel to the organization in all matters related to accounting.
• Interprets accounting policies and procedures to the University community.
• Ensures that University procedures are followed.
• Reviews established accounting practices and procedures and recommends changes in and additions to improve service delivery to the University community. Implements changes where applicable.
• Develops methods for improved operations.
• Oversees the general accounting general inquiry ticketing system.
• Works with department leadership to enhance the service delivery efforts of Financial Services.
• Plays a role in overall functional strategic planning.
• Performs duties inherent in all supervisory, professional, and administrative positions; instructs and trains employees in the performance of their duties; recommends hiring, promotion, transfer, discipline, or discharge of personnel.
• Manages professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
• Reviews accounting transactions, collecting and analyzing accounting data, analyzing business results, and/or developing management reports.
• Manages accounting and financial records and reports, including general ledger, financial statements, regulatory and management reports.
• Advises and monitors accounting policies and controls, fiscal controls, preparing financial reports and safeguarding assets.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

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Work Experience:

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

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of supervisory experience.
• Higher education experience.

Certifications:

• CPA.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Preferred Competencies

• Manage the day-to-day activities of a staff.
• Communicate accounting and financial information clearly and concisely.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail; analytical and problem-solving skills.

Application Documents

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

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

People Manager

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.

Staff 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.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

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.