Job Posting

Under direction of the Accounting Manager, the Accountant – Finance and Reporting performs technical and analytical accounting duties relating to the analysis, control and documentation of the financial transactions of Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois.

Education Requirements: 

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, economics, finance, or business administration is preferred.  A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred. 

Experience: 

A combination of education and experience equivalent to three years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping or financial position is required. 

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: 

The incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of professional accounting principles, methods and procedures including an understanding of investment accounting principles and methods.  The incumbent must have a thorough understanding of and the ability to interpret statutes governing the Teachers' Retirement System and its administrative policies and procedures.  The incumbent must also have the ability to interpret governmental accounting standards.  This position demands a high degree of arithmetic skill and the ability to operate calculators, microcomputers and other office equipment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

The incumbent performs detail-oriented work.  The maintenance of the general ledger is a primary responsibility of this position as is the preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements. In order to complete projects and assignments accurately and timely, the incumbent must be organized, detail oriented and able to spot problems and inconsistencies. This individual must be proactive in detecting and correcting discrepancies, errors and inconsistencies.  Accuracy is imperative in order to avoid problems with internal and external auditors and to be in compliance with guidelines set forth by agencies and individuals for which reports are prepared.

Due to the variety of customers this position is involved with, the incumbent must be able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with TRS staff, the staff of various state agencies, employers and members. The incumbent must have the ability to communicate in a professional manner by telephone and through written correspondence.  

The greatest challenge of this position is to attend to a wide variety of details, assure a high level of accuracy and confidentiality.  A high degree of analytical skills and Excel proficiency is required.

Selection Criteria

Analytical Skills

Analyzes information and reviews problems thoroughly; determines the nature and relationship of situations.

Communication Skills

The ability to speak effectively in public situations to small groups or one-on-one, and to compose memorandums, letters, reports and specified documents in a clear, concise and well-structured manner.

Interpersonal Skills

Interacts with others in a positive, open and cooperative manner. 

Job Knowledge and Experience

Has completed specified amount of time previously performing essential duties of the job and/or has completed specified degrees, coursework, or training programs to perform the job. Possesses a body of information or level of understanding necessary to complete assigned responsibilities.

Problem Solving Skills

Ability to distinguish different types of problems requiring different methods for finding acceptable solutions. Ability to distinguish between symptoms and problems, to create alternative courses of action and to apply an effective decision making process to the selection of a course of action.

Technical Skills

Knowledge of internal accounting operations and generally accepted accounting principles.

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Job Description

Purpose:

Under direction of the Accounting Manager, the Accountant – Finance and Reporting performs technical and analytical accounting duties relating to the analysis, control and documentation of the financial transactions of Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois.

Nature and Scope:

The incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of professional accounting principles, methods and procedures including an understanding of investment accounting principles and methods. The incumbent must have a thorough understanding of and the ability to interpret statutes governing the Teachers' Retirement System and its administrative policies and procedures. The incumbent must also have the ability to interpret governmental accounting standards. This position demands a high degree of arithmetic skill and the ability to operate calculators, microcomputers and other office equipment.

The incumbent performs detail-oriented work. The maintenance of the general ledger is a primary responsibility of this position as is the preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements. In order to complete projects and assignments accurately and timely, the incumbent must be organized, detail oriented and able to spot problems and inconsistencies. This individual must be proactive in detecting and correcting discrepancies, errors and inconsistencies. Accuracy is imperative in order to avoid problems with internal and external auditors and to be in compliance with guidelines set forth by agencies and individuals for which reports are prepared.

Due to the variety of customers this position is involved with, the incumbent must be able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with TRS staff, the staff of various state agencies, employers and members. The incumbent must have the ability to communicate in a professional manner by telephone and through written correspondence.  

The greatest challenge of this position is to attend to a wide variety of details, assure a high level of accuracy and confidentiality. A high degree of analytical skills and Excel proficiency is required.

Principal Accountabilities:

1. Perform monthly, quarterly and annual accounting duties such as preparation of the general ledger and financial statements, as well as reconciliations with the Master Trustee, the Investment Department and the Office of the Comptroller.
2. Prepare the annual Service, Efforts and Accomplishments Report for submission to the Office of the Comptroller.
3. Work with the Accounting Manager to analyze new GASB statements, determine their applicability to TRS, and implement the requirements.
4. Monitor and maintain the fixed asset database. Submit required quarterly and annual reports to the Office of the Comptroller and CMS.
5. Develop and implement collection processes for delinquent account receivables. Monitor account receivables throughout the fiscal year. Serve as liaison with external collection agencies as well as state agencies used to collect delinquent accounts.
6. Provide analysis of monthly cash flow activity.  
7. Daily reconcile the cash receipts’ register with deposits entered into the STAR system.
8. Initiate a daily Fedwire to transfer health insurance funds and complete the necessary document; prepare a monthly THIS Fund revenue and expense reconciliation. 
9. Perform the monthly petty cash fund bank reconciliation.
10. Communicate with employers, members, staff and state agencies on accounting-related matters.
11. Prepare rollover acceptance letters for financial institutions or companies sending rollovers to TRS on behalf of a member.
12. Annually, prepare files for microfilming or disposal in accordance with the Office of the Secretary of State’s retention schedule.
13. Compose and revise job procedures as necessary.   
14. Supply information for FOIA’s, surveys, analysis and special requests utilizing spreadsheets and databases.
15. Perform other duties as required or assigned.