Accounting and Payroll Manager

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Finance, the Accounting and Payroll Manager is responsible for directing and managing the System’s accounting/finance functions to assure compliance with state and federal requirements. This position establishes and administers internal controls to assure compliance with Board directives, generally acceptable accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards board (GASB). The incumbent is responsible for designing an accounting comprehensive analysis and reporting structure, maintaining internal controls and providing agency support while working as a liaison between all TRS departments and Accounting.

Essential Function

• Responsible for the day-to-day management of the accounting department.  Assign and review subordinates work, prepare performance appraisals, and assist in the development of staff.
• Supervise the maintenance of the general ledger including summarizing investment transactions and the preparation and review of financial reports detailing the System’s financial status.
• Supervise the collection, deposit and reconciliation of member and employer contributions.
• Supervise the processing of disbursements from the System’s operating funds and petty cash account.
• Coordinate and oversee the TRS budget process. Maintain the administrative budget for the Accounting and Procurement Departments.
• Create, manage, and review departmental processes and procedures.
• Review and approve monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations and financial reports including GAAP package. Complete TRS Board and annual reporting.
• Act as liaison, coordinating accounting activities throughout all TRS departments.
• Oversee and coordinate compliance and financial audits, including internal and external. Develop and maintain productive relationships with TRS’s external auditors, outside vendors, and internal staff. 
• Act as subject matter expert for accounting, including testing new initiatives.

Essential Functions (Continued)

• Manage and oversee the employee payroll process. Assure the payroll system, processes and controls are in place for essential functions. 
• Complete financial statements and narratives for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Complete the costs and staff by activity portion of the CEM benchmarking survey.
• Mentor accounting team, structuring individual goals and objectives.
• Lead and/or assist in various TRS projects, including system implementations and enhancements.
• Apply change management methodologies to facilitate system and organizational transitions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires thorough knowledge and understanding of accounting principles, methods and procedures and the ability to interpret statutes governing the Teachers' Retirement System and its’ administrative policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of the regulations from the Illinois Office of the Comptroller to ensure compliance with the Statewide Accounting Management Systems (SAMS).

Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics, finance, or business administration is required.
• A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, auditing or financial analysis is required.
• Three (3) or more years of experience in a management or leadership role.
• Effective, professional communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with various internal and external stakeholders.
• Extensive knowledge and experience working in a governmental agency or public pension system is preferred.
• Experience implementing new systems is preferred.