ACCOUNTANT II

Job Summary

The Accountant II performs advanced professional accounting and financial analysis to support budgeting, payroll, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance across complex governmental and pension-related operations. This role prepares and contributes to GAAP and ACFR schedules, reconciles multi-system financial activity, manages receivables, and supports audit and Comptroller reporting with a high degree of independence and judgment. The Accountant II evaluates and resolves accounting issues, performs Workday and system validations, and ensures accurate posting, strong internal controls, and compliance with state and regulatory requirements. In addition, this position contributes to process improvements, system enhancements, and continuous strengthening of financial controls and reporting integrity.

Essential Functions

• Prepare components of the annual budget, compile departmental submissions, process budget transfers, and assist in monitoring expenditures throughout the fiscal year.
• Prepare benchmarking calculations and related analytical support.
• Prepare GAAP package schedules, supporting documentation, and assist with year-end ACFR reporting requirements.
• Coordinate and prepare audit support for external auditors, including pulling schedules, reconciliations, and documentation requests.
• Perform system testing and validation for semi-annual Workday updates, enhancements, and releases.
• Prepare and analyze accounts receivable reporting; monitor receivables, calculate allowances for doubtful accounts, manage involuntary withholding claims, and coordinate collection efforts for delinquent accounts.
• Process payroll in Workday and perform related reporting in the pension reporting system.

Essential Functions (Continued)

• Process account balance corrections and recommend or prepare system corrections.
• Prepare deposits for checks and state warrants received; review for accuracy, determine proper disposition, and ensure required supporting documentation is obtained.
• Reconcile and verify daily cash deposits between pension administration systems, reporting systems, and applicable custodians.
• Monitor and respond to internal and external accounting inquiries routed through the Accounting mailbox or phone system.
• Utilize the Illinois Office of the Comptroller (IOC) SAMS system to report required agency activity.
• Review travel vouchers for accuracy and compliance with IOC rules and internal policies.
• Analyze Supplemental Savings Plan (SSP) custodian reports, prepare related journal entries, and perform reconciliations of program activity, including refunded or rejected payments, coordinating resolution with internal and external stakeholders as needed.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting duties, including preparation and review of general ledger activity and reconciliations with the Custodian and the IOC.

Essential Functions (Continued)

• Maintain the listing of all bank account activity, reconcile balances with IOC records, and support cash transfer processing.
• Process cancelled warrants and ensure proper recording and reporting.
• Supply data and analysis for FOIA requests, surveys, internal analyses, and special information requests using spreadsheets and database tools.
• Exercise judgment in resolving accounting issues and escalating complex matters appropriately.
• Assist in identifying process improvements and recommending enhancements to accounting procedures, documentation, and system workflows.
• Maintain awareness of changes in accounting standards, state regulations, and internal policies, and apply them appropriately to assigned work.
• Maintain accurate documentation, workpapers, and audit trails for all assigned duties.
• Perform other related accounting duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Solid understanding of GAAP is required. Knowledge of governmental accounting standards and Illinois Comptroller reporting requirements strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and year-end closing processes.
• Skill in preparing financial schedules, analyses, and supporting documentation with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (Workday preferred).
• Effective analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills for working with auditors, vendors, and internal staff.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, apply accounting principles independently, and maintain audit-ready records.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of financial information.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.  Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 2-4 years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience; governmental accounting experience preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or progress toward CPA preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills preferred (e.g., pivot tables, lookups).