Staff Accountant

Erikson Institute; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Erikson Institute in Chicago, IL, seeks a Staff Accountant to handle accounts receivable, cash flow, and related finance duties in a collaborative environment with the finance, student bursar and financial aid teams.

The role oversees daily cash flow management, bank transactions and revenue recognition for contracts and services, and develops financial analysis and reports to support organizational decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business; master's or CPA preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in accounting and accounts receivable.
• GAAP knowledge and ability to multi-task with attention to detail.
• Experience with Blackbaud, Sage Intacct, and Core Campus Student software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily cash flow needs of the organization by reviewing banking and cash flow reports and processing any required bank transfers.
• Billing, recording and managing collections of contract and other services revenue.
• Review and reconcile pledge and donor activity to ensure proper recording.
• Provide departments with financial analysis and performance metrics.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Customer service

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or business

Masters or CPA preferred

Tools

Blackbaud

Sage Intacct

Core Campus Student software

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Staff Accountant

Full Time Technical Erikson Main Campus, Chicago, IL, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1213

Salary Range: $75,000.00 To $80,000.00 Annually

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Staff Accountant is responsible for general accounting functions related to accounts receivable, student activities, reconciliations, and related functions are performed in an accurate, timely, and compliant manner. This position works collaboratively with finance, student bursar and financial aid staff.

This position will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day cash flow management, banking transactions and management of contract and service revenue. The Staff Accountant will develop and provide financial data analysis and performance reports to aid in the management and decision making of the organization.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Manage the daily cash flow needs of the organization by reviewing banking and cash flow reports and processing any required bank transfers.
• Responsible for billing, recording and managing collections of contract and other services revenue.
• Review and reconcile pledge and donor activity generated by Development department to ensure properly recorded.
• Utilizing financial modeling and database management provide departments with financial analysis and performance metrics.
• Interpret accounting data, prepare reconciliations, analyze reports, and recommend action to be taken.
• Responsible for design and implementation of business process improvement initiatives.
• Assist in the monthly closing of the financial records and monthly reconciliation of accounts.
• Assist with the annual audit schedules.
• Provides back-up for other functions in the Finance Department.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Manage the processing of student charges and payments, ensure financial aid is properly recorded in student accounts, issue student billing statements, analyze current student balances and complete annual 1098-T reporting.
• Analyze the Account Aging Report and implement collection efforts in accordance with Erikson’s collection policies.
• Process and reconcile Department of Education Title IV loan funds.
• Provide direct support to students regarding student account concerns and ensuring satisfactory resolution.
• Manage interface with student enrollment, financial aid and accounting system, including reconciling data and creating required journal entries.
• The Staff Accountant will adhere to all compliances with Erikson, Federal and State regulations, including Title IV aid and refunds, IRS 1098-T filings, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the FERPA rules and regulations.

COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent organizational, communication and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated advanced competencies in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Experience with nonprofit accounting software systems, Financial Edge, Sage Intacct preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.

PREFERRED HUMAN RELATIONS SKILLS

This position requires the use of outstanding interpersonal and team communication skills. Expected to foster and maintain internal and external relationships (i.e. department staff, students and banking contacts).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business required, masters or CPA preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in accounting and accounts receivable. Experience with higher educational or non-profit organization desirable.
• Strong knowledge of accounting and GAAP including an understanding of the accounting process from data entry to financial statements.
• The ability to multi-task, provide effective follow-up with internal staff and external organizations, and meet deadlines with strong attention to detail .
• Must be a discreet, diplomatic individual who possesses the ability to work well with internal staff and outside vendors.
• A high level of proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Excel, is required, with database knowledge and experience using Blackbaud and Sage Intacct and Core Campus Student software a plus.

Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.

About Erikson Institute

We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.

Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.

Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).