Senior Accountant | Village of Park Forest

Position Summary

This is an advanced accounting position coordinating the work of the finance department staff functions of payroll, accounts payable, general ledger and accounts receivable. Oversees the financial data interface from the utility billing and cash register modules. Position requires accounting functions of journal entry preparation, reporting, account reconciliation, data analysis and review of the work of subordinates. Position requires substantial work on the preparation of the annual budget and the annual audit and the oversight of internal control procedures. Communicates with village staff at all levels and participates in trade organizations pertinent to position. Work is performed with considerable independence and involves assisting personnel with questions or problems on accounting practices and procedures. Work is performed within the framework of established procedures, policies, rules, and regulations governing the recording and reporting of financial transactions.

Position Accountabilities

• Prepares journal entries, bank account reconciliations, balance sheet account reconciliations and various reports
• Prepares year-end accrual and adjusting journal entries
• Reviews schedules and reports prepared by subordinates and provides analysis to management as needed
• Verifies and reconciles pension reporting and quarterly earnings reporting; reconciles investment statements
• Assists the auditors by providing requested schedules, listings and journals
• Prepares various budget schedules including payroll summary schedules
• Maintains fixed assets system and prepares capital and fixed asset journal entries and related audit schedules
• Communicates financial systems software problems to software vendor and coordinates problem resolution
• Keeps abreast of accounting, IRS and payroll changes and shares knowledge with appropriate staff
• Coordinates general corporate bank reconciliation
• Operates various office machines including calculators, copiers and data processing/computer equipment
• Responds to information inquiries from the public, vendors and other departments
• Promotes and maintains responsive community relations
• Maintains safe work areas and equipment, promptly reports work hazards, as necessary   
• Reports all work related injuries immediately, complies with all safety rules and attends appropriate safety programs
• Performs related duties as assigned

Position Qualifications/Skills

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in accounting or finance
• Three to five years accounting experience
• Thorough knowledge of accounting practices, procedures and methods
• Thorough knowledge of automated accounting systems
• Knowledge of municipal fund accounting

Critical Mental/ Physical Requirements

• Ability to proficiently use data processing/spreadsheet programs
• Ability to lead and instruct others in matters of accounting or financial practices and procedures
• Ability to maintain complex accounting records and prepare related financial reports
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and to initiate and maintain necessary follow-up
• Skill in understanding and following oral and written instructions
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with subordinates and other Village employees
• Ability to make arithmetic calculations rapidly and accurately
• Skill in the operation of office machines, including a typewriter and computer terminal

Working Conditions

•  The majority of work is performed in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature, etc.
• At times, the job may require prolonged sitting, typing, monitoring of a screen, etc. The job incumbent should exercise common sense and take necessary breaks, practice proper body alignment and alert a supervisor of any discomfort, as necessary.

Salary

Starting for this position is the $75,889 - $81,292 per year, depending on qualifications. 

Benefits

Medical, dental, life insurance including employee paid life insurance, IMRF pension, wellness program