Accountant

City of Highland Park; Highland Park (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Highland Park is seeking an Accounting professional to provide GAAP-based accounting and internal control services for municipal operations. You will maintain the general ledger, prepare financial reports, and deliver analyses to support decision-making.

Ideal candidates have 1–3 years in municipal accounting, proficiency in Microsoft Office and Municipal ERP software, and CPA/CPFO preferred. This position is eligible for IMRF and involves year-end and audit support.

Qualifications

• Degree in accounting or finance; CPA preferred.
• 1-3 years of municipal accounting experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Municipal ERP or accounting software.
• CPA and/or CPFO preferred.

Responsibilities

• Reconcile bank accounts and coordinate monthly close.
• Maintain fixed asset records and schedules; prepare audit documentation.
• Assist with parking permit administration.
• Perform daily cash balancing and reconciliation.
• Support GASB 87 (Leases) and GASB 96 (Subscriptions) compliance.
• Coordinate timely month- and year-end closings across ledgers and subledgers.
• Assist with annual audits and preparation of workpapers.
• Support internal control improvements and procedural updates.
• Investigate accounting discrepancies.
• Coordinate special projects as assigned.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Internal controls

Financial reporting

Data analysis

Time management

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Written and verbal communication

Cross-department collaboration

Customer service orientation

Education

Accounting/Finance degree

CPA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Municipal ERP / Accounting software

Job description

Primary Purpose:

Provides accounting and internal control services in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Maintains the general ledger, prepares financial reports and schedules, and delivers financial analysis to support organizational decision-making.

Supervision Received:

Works under the direct supervision of the Accounting Manager.

Expected hiring range: $65,000 - $80,500 dependent on qualifications.

2026 max of range: $93,883.05 (GRADE 10)

IMRF Pension Eligible Position

• Reconcile bank accounts and coordinate the monthly financial closing process.
• Maintain fixed asset records and equipment schedules. Prepare related documentation for audits and appraisal updates.
• Oversee and assist with parking permit administration.
• Conduct daily cash balancing and reconciliation.
• Support GASB 87 (Leases) and GASB 96 (Subscription-Based IT Arrangements) compliance.
• Reconcile liability accounts.
• Coordinate timely month- and year-end closings across accounts payable, receivable, payroll, utility billing, and general ledger systems. Reconcile subsidiary ledgers monthly. Assist in maintaining accounting procedure documentation.
• Assist with annual audits, including preparation of workpapers and required schedules. Support review of audit reports and management comments. Monitor grant-related financial activity.
• Recommend and support implementation of internal control improvements and procedural updates.
• Investigate and correct accounting discrepancies.
• Assist with internal audits of accounts and records as directed
• Coordinate special projects as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in accounting or finance; successful completion of Certificate in Public Accounting (CPA) is preferred.

Experience:

One to three years experience in municipal accounting and proficiency in computer software, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Municipal ERP or Accounting software.

Certification or License:

CPA and/or CPFO preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Proficiencies:

• Working knowledge of GAAP and governmental accounting practices.
• Understanding of internal control principles and fiscal planning.
• Proficiency in financial reporting, reconciliation, and general ledger systems.
• Ability to interpret and analyze complex financial data and reports.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Customer service orientation and professionalism.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is required to walk; use hands to finger motions, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to withstand prolonged periods of concentration, necessitated by activities such as proof reading, comparison analysis and data entry. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.