ACCOUNTANT ADVANCED

Position Summary

The Department of Central Management Services (CMS) is seeking to hire an Accountant Advanced position to serve as an experienced accountant for the Office of Finance and Management (OFM). Under general supervision of the Accounts Payable Supervisor, this position performs detailed reviews of vendor invoices, serves as liaison between the Illinois Comptroller’s Office and Agency Bureaus regarding payment discrepancies and provides guidance and assistance to other staff. This position also performs complex detailed reconciliations of Agency obligation records against Comptroller obligations records. An ideal candidate will have a strong attention to detail, have strong written and oral communication skills, and have experience with the operating systems and software used by CMS. We invite all qualified individuals to apply.

Position Essential Functions

• Under direction of the Central Management Services (CMS) Office of Finance and Management (OFM) Accounts Payable Supervisor, independently analyzes and reconciles a high volume of complex vendor invoice before payment.
• Independently analyzes and reconciles Agency obligation records against Comptroller obligation records.
• Communicates with Comptroller’s Office, Agency Bureaus, and vendors regarding vendor certification and payments.
• Prepares, analyzes, and maintains fiscal internal statements, reports, and schedules using various automated and manual accounting systems.
• Develops and improves accounting procedures and methodologies.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of college, with courses in business administration and accounting.
• Requires two (2) years of professional experience in accounting, external auditing, budgetary planning and control, or public accounting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or finance with four (4) years of professional experience in Governmental Accounting working in Accounts Payable.
• Prefers extensive knowledge of laws, rules and regulations relating to accounting or auditing procedures.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience performing a detailed review and reconciliation of a high volume of complex financial documents, including written or numerical data, in a timely and accurate manner.
• Prefers extensive knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software such as Systems Applications Products (SAP), database management systems such as HANA, Statewide Accounting Management System (SAMS), Excel spreadsheet development, word processing, Outlook email, or other comparable software.
• Prefers intermediate knowledge of office methods, procedures, standard office accounting machines and equipment.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience establishing and maintaining satisfactory working relationships and dealing tactfully with controversial problems.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires the ability to use agency technology/equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.) properly in accordance with information security awareness policies and confidentiality guidelines.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

Central Management Services (CMS) is the State of Illinois’ central operational support agency, the team that keeps government running smoothly behind the scenes. We provide the essential services that enable more than 80 agencies, boards, and commissions to serve the people of Illinois effectively. As the backbone of state operations, CMS delivers high‑quality, reliable, and forward‑thinking services that help government programs work efficiently and meet the needs of residents statewide.

Our vision is to be the trusted partner dedicated to the success of the State of Illinois through service, optimization, and inclusion. Our mission is to be the accessible agency that delivers essential, effective, and efficient services to State agencies and the people of Illinois. Our core values are: Trusted, Strategic, Effective, Innovative, Responsive, and Inclusive. Through strategic leadership CMS plays a vital role in strengthening the effectiveness of Illinois State government.

CMS provides a broad portfolio of statewide services through specialized bureaus such as: Administrative Hearings • African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission • Statewide Benefits • Communication and Information • Diversity and Inclusion • Fleet Administration • Labor Relations • Operational Excellence • Statewide Personnel • Property Management • Strategic Sourcing • Surplus Equipment Control.

CMS also operates internal service bureaus that support our agency’s own effectiveness and efficiency, including: Internal Audit • Finance and Management • Government Affairs • Human Resources • Legal Services • Strategic Transformation.

Professionals who join CMS become part of a mission‑driven organization committed to continuous improvement and public service excellence. CMS offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful statewide initiatives, collaborate with skilled and talented colleagues, shape strategic improvements across Illinois government, and support the operational foundation that allows state agencies to better serve the residents of Illinois. CMS is a place for people who want their work to matter; where innovation, service, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.

State of Illinois Benefits

As a State of Illinois employee, you receive a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position).
• 10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment).
• 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
• 3 paid personal business days per year.
• 13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System.
• Deferred Compensation Program - voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
• Optional pre-tax programs - Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP).
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.

For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx