SENIOR GRANT ACCOUNTANT

Position Overview

The senior grant accountant role within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is integral in the obligation of nearly one billion in annual financial assistance to local governments, small businesses, and non-profits throughout Illinois. Across the state, low-income communities are receiving assistance, historical investments within the state’s infrastructure are being made, and small businesses are navigating their way to success due to the work of accounting professionals at DCEO. Join our team and be part of the difference in Illinois!

Essential Functions

• Establishes and maintains financial records/ledgers using standard automated and manual systems for assigned programs.
• Evaluates and approves grant establishments and modifications to ensure compliance with federal regulations and applicable policies and procedures.
• Prepares and assists the cash unit by generating routine reports, as well as posting and updating financial transactions into the Systems Applications & Products (SAP) system.
• Reviews for approval cash requests entered in the computerized accounting system.
• Serves as back-up to cash accountant, maintaining knowledge of standard operating procedures and standards for separation of duties.
• Trains internal and external users in proper use of DCEO grant and accounting systems.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Specialized Skills

• Prefers one (1) year of experience reviewing and certifying financial information within grant or loan agreements.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience coding grant or loan payment information into an automated accounting system.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers one (1) year of experience reviewing and certifying financial information within grant or loan agreements.
• Prefers one (1) year of experience coding grant or loan payment information into an automated accounting system.
• Prefers two (2) years of public accounting experience.
• Prefers two (2) years of cash management experience.
• Prefers an advanced level of expertise in use of electronic spreadsheet software.
• Prefers the ability to type at the speed of 40 words per minute.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.  
• Overtime is a condition of employment and 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.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

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

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.