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Chicago Zoological Society

Location: BrookfieldIL 60513 Document ID: AB374-0J76 Posted on: 2017-10-2310/23/2017 Job Type: Regular

Job Schedule:Full-time
2017-11-22
 

Senior Accountant

The Chicago Zoological Society is a leading conservation organization and has an exciting, fast-paced work environment and a family friendly atmosphere. We are very customer focused, as we host over 2 million guests to Brookfield Zoo each year. We are committed to conservation in the broadest sense, and we take PRIDE in every aspect of our operation. Our employees enjoy a unique work environment in a beautiful park-like setting that is based on respect, openness, cooperation, and involvement. At Brookfield Zoo, we work hard and we play hard! Employees are proud to work for the Chicago Zoological Society and are committed to our important conservation mission. Our dedicated staff has a true sense of purpose and a strong commitment to animals and conservation.

The Senior Accountant contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by assisting the Controller in managing and maintaining the financial records of the organization.

The successful candidate will:

Responsible for day-to-day management of the Society's operational and programmatic grants:
  • Assist in the development of grant budgets prior to submission to the funding agency and coordinate budget amendments.
  • Work with the grant management team to ensure expenditures are appropriate to charge against grants, reconcile any inconsistencies, and assure spending meets donor requirements and deadlines.
  • Review all Independent Contractor Agreements associated with state, federal, and private grants to ensure relevant information pertaining to grants are contained in the agreement.
  • On a monthly basis, compare actual expenditures against grant budgets and collaborate with team members on grant projections and reforecasting efforts.
  • Maintain proficiency in the reimbursement systems of various agencies and grantors and submit reimbursement requests as needed.
  • Track deadlines and submit financial reports to granting agencies as required.
  • Responsible for the annual development, preparation and submission of the Chicago Zoological Society Grant Indirect Cost Rate Proposal to the U.S. Department of the Interior. Duties also include answering any questions and submission of additional support as requested by the agency.
  • Responsible for the annual preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards, preparing and providing to the auditors all related grant audit schedules and supporting documentation.
  • Responsible for interpretation and application of the Uniform Guidance as it relates to the Society's federal grants. Responsible for ensuring all transactions posted to the general ledger are in compliance with the U.S. Office of Management and Budget Compliance Supplement.
Manage the tracking of fixed assets, project costs, and associated use of related funding sources:
  • Ensure proper recording of new purchases, asset disposals, and depreciation.
  • Create fixed asset journal entries.
  • Investigate the potential obsolescence of fixed assets.
Responsible for planning and collecting data to determine costs of programs as required and provide analysis and reporting of costs.

Participate in the monthly, quarterly and annual closing process:
  • Perform complex accounting functions, including journal entries relating to fixed assets, accruals, prepaids, allocations, and other adjusting entries.
  • Perform complex account reconciliations.
  • Analyze financial records, including financial statements and other financial reports to assess accuracy.
  • Prepare regular management reports and analyses at the direction of the Controller or Sr. Vice President of Finance.
Support the successful management and completion of the annual external financial audit:
  • Prepare audit schedules.
  • Coordinate activity with auditors and Society staff as necessary.

Perform other accounting, financial, or administrative tasks as may be required from time to time, often on a short notice, for the
Controller or for the Sr. Vice President of Finance.

Other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications
This position includes the following requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
  • Three years of experience at a comparable level and with similar scope of responsibilities.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Must be highly proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
  • Experienced with automated accounting and budgeting systems.
  • Solid, demonstrated financial and analytical skills.
  • Must be able to work under pressure and juggle multiple priorities.
  • Must be able to deal effectively and tactfully with all levels of staff.
  • Requires an articulate, well-spoken individual, capable of effectively representing the organization to various audiences, both within and outside the organization.
  • Must possess strong organizational, follow-up and follow-through skills. Attention to detail, accuracy, completeness and commitment to meeting critical deadlines.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal, written, and listening required.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged information.
  • High integrity; strong work ethic.
  • Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
  • Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.
The preferred qualifications:
  • Five years of experience preferred.
  • Certified Public Accountant certification a plus.
  • Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Incumbent is required to gain an intimate understanding of the organization, its mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies, and how Finance activities impact the operation of the Society and individual departments. Individual has a high level of responsibility and accountability for compliance, monitoring and implementation of procedures both from a financial and operational standpoint. Position requires high level of attention to detail and accuracy and significant amount of follow-up. Must be self-motivated, confident, and have very strong people and leadership skills. Incumbent must enjoy a challenge, be passionate about his/her work, and have a commitment to excellence. Work weeks of 45+ hours are not unusual and may include some extended days or weekends to meet established deadlines or for special projects. Individual is expected to be present and visible at employee events and to assist in other areas of Finance as needed. Some local travel may be required.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer
     
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