ACCOUNTANT

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

1d•$5,127 - $7,135•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the postings to the SERS (State Employees Retirement System) member accounts. Specifically, the earnings, time worked, contributions, and service credit that make up an active member account posting are processed, analyzed, and reviewed by the staff of the Accounting Division. Errors made in the withholding of employee or pick-up contributions by payroll offices are audited by Accounting Division staff who then take the appropriate action of billing the member for underpaid retirement contributions or refunding the member (or agency) for overpaid retirement contributions. The ideal candidate should have an eye for detail, skill in mathematics and basic accounting principles, and exercise sound logic with strong problem-solving skills. SRS is conveniently located on the west side of Springfield with free parking on-site.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, with courses in business administration and accounting; or four years of technical accounting experience.
Qualifying state employees in the employee Upward Mobility Program, may complete combinations of specific proficiency tests and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the stated requirements of this position.

Nice To Haves

Prefers work experience performing accounting functions including evaluating accounting problems of moderate difficulty and analyzing and interpreting less complex accounting records and reports.
Prefers work experience in accounts receivable or with the billing process.
Prefers work experience using Microsoft Excel.
Prefers ability to perform detailed work involving written or numerical data and to make arithmetical calculations rapidly and accurately, either manually or by machine.
Prefers ability to function as part of a team.
Prefers ability to communicate complex and controversial topics effectively.

Responsibilities

Reviews the retirement contributions, time worked, and wages subject to retirement contained on the incoming payroll files from various agencies for accuracy and completeness.
Audits the financial and related data contained within the membership accounts.
Prepares billings to members for retirement contributions owed related to accounting arrearages, military differential pay, unpaid 1404 contributions, etc.
Reviews and verifies the classifications of payroll miscellaneous deductions related to lump sum payouts, installment payments, and accounting arrearages for accuracy and completeness.
Documents and prepares the transactions necessary to complete member refunds of excess contributions due to error, as necessary.
Performs follow-up and review on all member billings prepared including, if necessary, second and third notices and income withholding orders to the Comptroller’s Office.
Calculates the cost and interest for the purchase of qualifying and short periods, military service repayment of refunds, recission of waiver, overage, contractual service, conversion of special formula and federal service.
Analyzes system reporting and payroll transactions to validate the amount of employer share of retirement contributions required by the agencies.
Performs other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Benefits

Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position).
10 -25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment).
12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
3 paid personal business days per year.
13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years.
12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System.
Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP).
Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.