ACCOUNTANT - UPWARD MOBILITY PROGRAM

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

3d•$5,127 - $7,135•Onsite

About The Position

The Central Management Services (CMS) Division of Vehicles Central Garage is hiring an Accountant to support its operations. Under general supervision, the position receives, reviews, processes, and approves invoices for payment, ensuring financial compliance with CMS procurement policies, contractual requirements, and accurate accounting codes for goods and services. The Accountant also assists the Contract and Obligations Manager with preparing obligation documents. The role independently examines and reconciles a high volume of complex vendor invoices, communicates with the Office of the Illinois Comptroller (IOC), agency bureaus, CMS Accounting, and vendors regarding vendor certification and payments, and maintains accounts payable and accounts receivable records. It also provides technical insights and recommendations for developing and improving accounting procedures and methodologies. This position is based at 4800 W Wabash Ave, Springfield, Illinois, and is fully in-office. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Overtime may be required, including evenings and weekends. Local travel is required, with overnight stays as appropriate.

Requirements

Knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, with courses in business administration and accounting, or qualifying UMP proficiency tests and training programs in lieu of the stated classification requirements.
Two years of professional experience in accounting, external auditing, budgetary planning and control, or public accounting, unless qualifying through the State employee Upward Mobility Program.
Complete a background check and disclose criminal history.
Ability to travel locally in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate, and possession of a valid driver’s license.
Ability to use agency technology and equipment properly in accordance with information security awareness policies and confidentiality guidelines.
Ability to attend seminars, conferences, and training relevant to job duties.
Ability to perform light work, including lifting up to 20 pounds at a time and frequently lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
Ability to work overtime when requested or required, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime that may require evening and weekend work.

Nice To Haves

One year of professional experience in governmental accounting working in accounts payable.
Working knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations relating to accounting or auditing procedures.
One year of professional experience independently performing detailed reviews of complex financial documents accurately and promptly to ensure compliance with Comptroller rules and guidelines and communicating deficiencies concisely.
One year of professional accounts payable experience using ERP software such as SAP, database management systems such as HANA, SAMS, or similar software.
Working knowledge of standard office accounting machines and software such as Microsoft Excel, word processing, Outlook email, or similar applications.
Two years of professional experience establishing and maintaining satisfactory working relationships and dealing tactfully with controversial problems.

Responsibilities

Independently examine and reconcile a high volume of complex vendor invoices before approval.
Review invoices for accuracy, process and approve them for payment, and ensure compliance with CMS procurement policies, contractual requirements, and correct accounting codes.
Communicate with IOC, agency bureaus, CMS Accounting, and vendors regarding vendor certification and payments.
Prepare and communicate financial information to others, distribute mail, and maintain accounts payable and accounts receivable records.
Assist the Contract and Obligations Manager in preparing obligation documents.
Provide technical insights and recommendations for developing, improving, and recording accounting procedures and methodologies.
Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the position.

Benefits

Competitive group insurance, including health, life, dental, and vision plans.
Flexible work schedules when available and dependent on position.
10–25 days of paid vacation annually, with 10 days for the first year of state employment.
12 days of paid sick time annually, carried over year to year.
Three paid personal business days per year.
13–14 paid holidays per year, depending on election years.
12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program supplemental retirement plan.
Optional pre-tax Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) and Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP).
Tuition Reimbursement Program.
Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.