Department

Provost Charter School Finance

About the Department

The University of Chicago is distinguished among its peers by its firm commitment to academic excellence in all its forms. Among its many strengths, the University operates numerous entities and initiatives focused on excellent elementary and secondary education. Central to the University’s commitment to public education is the UChicago Charter School (UCCS), a non-profit entity governed by a Board of Directors and operating as a University affiliated unit under the Office of the Provost.

UCCS began in 1998 with a group of committed educators, who, working in partnership with the University of Chicago, founded a prekindergarten to fifth grade charter school on the North Kenwood/Oakland campus. Today, UCCS operates two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school in three buildings, all within 10 minutes of the University of Chicago campus. Approximately 200 staff members across the three campuses offer over 1300 neighborhood children on Chicago’s South Side a PK-12 superhighway that empowers students to achieve excellence at every level, cultivating critical thinkers and leaders for success in college and in life.

Job Summary

The Accounting and Finance Specialist will provide comprehensive accounting support to the Director of Finance at the University of Chicago Charter School Corp (UCCS). The role encompasses global budget-to-actual analysis, ledger review, account administration, corrections, and fiscal closings. The Accounting and Finance Specialist will prepare various accounting entries, perform monthly reconciliations, and generate quarterly and annual financial statements. They will also assist with audit preparations, grant financial reporting, fixed asset depreciation, and cash receipts auditing. Other key responsibilities include submitting reimbursement requests, supporting payroll functions, and resolving discrepancies related to purchasing and payroll.

Responsibilities

Provide global analysis of budget-to-actual for UCCS.

Support accounting activities including ledger review, account administration, corrections, and fiscal closings.

Complete grant, program, or activity-based reporting.

Prepare accounting entries, analyses, and reconciliations.

Generate monthly budget-to-actual reports and quarterly and annual financial statements.

Assist with preparation of audit schedules for annual external audits and other applicable audits.

Prepare grant financial reports for Chicago Public Schools, State of Illinois, Federal agencies, and private foundations.

Assist in preparation of Form 990.

Complete monthly bank reconciliations.

Maintain fixed asset depreciation schedules and expenditure tracking ledgers for federal funds.

Audit cash receipts.

Submit reimbursement requests to CPS and other funding agencies.

Assist with financial forecasting for grants and proposals.

Perform budget-to-actual analysis and year-end projections.

Manage and post Pension Employer and Employee Contributions for CTPF.

Support payroll functions as needed.

Facilitate resolution of problems, discrepancies, and emergencies in purchasing and payroll processing functions.

Performs a variety of routine operating or cost accounting activities which require basic knowledge of accounting theories and principles.

Examines accounting records for the purpose of determining gains and losses, receipts and disbursements, and inventory.

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Associate’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.

Experience:

Accounting/finance experience.

Experience items: Federal Grants, Audit, CPS Compliance.

Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing software.

Proficiency with accounting and budgeting software, Oracle strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

Clear and concise communication of accounting and financial information.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Attention to detail.

Analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.

Capability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Ability to work independently.

Strong interpersonal skills.

Exceptional organizational skills.

Working Conditions

Office environment.

Ability to bend, crouch, or stoop.

Ability to carry or lift loads of up to 25 lbs.

Ability to use computers extensively for 4 hours to 6 hours.

Ability to stand for 2 hours to 4 hours.

Ability to Use Standard Office Equipment.

Application Documents

Resume (required)

References (3)(required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$77,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.