Accountant

City of Highland Park, IL; Highland Park (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Pension Programs

457(b) Deferred Comp.

Employee Wellness Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Longevity Pay

Paid Vacation Time

Paid Personal Time

Paid Sick Time

Job summary

The City of Highland Park, IL is seeking a municipal accountant to maintain the general ledger, prepare financial reports, and provide analytical support for decision-making.

Under the supervision of the Accounting Manager, you will reconcile bank accounts, manage fixed assets, support GASB 87/96, and assist with audits. A degree in accounting/finance and 1–3 years municipal accounting experience are required; CPA/CPFO preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance; CPA/CPFO preferred.
• 1–3 years of municipal accounting experience; proficiency with MS Office and municipal ERP or accounting software.
• CPA and/or CPFO preferred.

Responsibilities

• Reconcile bank accounts and coordinate the monthly financial closing process.
• Maintain fixed asset records and equipment schedules; prepare audit documentation.
• Oversee 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 month- and year-end closings across accounts payable, receivable, payroll, utility billing, and general ledger systems; reconcile subsidiary ledgers.
• Assist with annual audits and preparation of workpapers and schedules; monitor grant activity.
• Recommend and support 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.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Govt accounting

Internal controls

Financial reporting

Data analysis

Organization & time mgmt

Attention to detail

Discretion & confidentiality

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Accounting/Finance degree

CPA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Municipal ERP software

Accounting software

Job description

Salary: $65,000.00 - $93,883.05 Annually

Location : City Hall; 1707 St Johns Ave.; Highland Park, IL

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 2026-30

Department: Finance Department

Opening Date: 10/26/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

Description of Primary Purpose

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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 and Experience

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.

Supplemental Information

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.

Full-time employees are entitled to a host of wide-ranging benefits including:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Pension Programs
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Longevity Pay
• Paid Vacation Time (80.00 hr year one accrual rate)
• Paid Personal Time (40.00 hr annual, prorated in year one)
• Paid Sick Time (96.00 hr year one accrual rate)

Required Question

1. 01

   Please describe your experience with general ledger accounting, account reconciliations and month- or year-end closing processes. Include the accounting systems you have used and your level of responsibility in these functions.

2. 02

   Do you currently hold a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or are you actively working toward obtaining one? If working toward certification, please briefly describe your progress and anticipated completion date.