Staff Accountant

State Universities Retirement System of Illinois•Champaign, IL

14h•$28 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

SURS is seeking a Staff Accountant to join our team as a resource in the finance department. This position plays a critical role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial processing within the organization. This position is responsible for processing accounts payable, maintaining strong internal controls, supporting audit activities, and assisting in broader accounting operations. The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, organized, and proficient with accounting systems. This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

Requirements

Any one or any combination of the following, totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below: A. Work experience and/or training in Accounting or a closely related field B. College course work and/or training in Accounting or a closely related field (including 12 semester hours in accounting) 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months) Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months) 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months) Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
Problem-solving (Ability to tell when something is wrong; inclination towards solving problems)
Math skills (Ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem and to efficiently solve mathematical problems)
Organization and time management (Ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order according to a specific set of rules)
Computer knowledge (Working knowledge of computers, computer systems, and accounting software)
Teamwork (Ability to work well with others)
Independent decision making (Ability to exercise independent judgment)
Communication skills (Ability to relay information in speaking so others will understand and to understand what others say)
Broad accounting knowledge (Up-to-date knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, as well as relevant laws and regulations; ability to apply accounting theory to routine accounting problems)
Clerical knowledge (Knowledge of word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, managing inventory, etc.)
Customer service orientation (Ability to assess customer needs, meet quality standards for service, and evaluate customer satisfaction)
Written composition (Ability to compose complex written material; knowledge of grammar and punctuation, spelling, etc.)

Nice To Haves

Accounts Payable processing experience is a plus.
Proficiency with accounting software and strong skills in Excel.
Knowledge of internal controls and specialized payment systems.
Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
Strong time‑management skills and ability to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

Process accounts payable transactions, including invoice review, approvals, and timely disbursements.
Monitor the AP inbox daily, respond to vendor inquiries, and request missing invoices or credits.
Prepare and distribute checks, process check requests, and complete stop‑payments as needed.
Perform Positive Pay exception reviews and track long‑outstanding checks; reissue payments when required.
Verify the propriety of disbursements and completeness of information needed for government reporting.
Complete quarterly and annual compliance reporting.
Prepare annual 1099‑NEC forms.
Assist in the preparation of monthly journal entries.
Reconcile general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Support the development and editing of the annual financial report.
Assist with budget preparation.
Process daily transfers to the third-party administrator.
Upload data between SURS pension system and the accounting system.
Gather reports and documentation for internal and external audits.
Work with Procurement on various assigned tasks.
Provide administrative and clerical accounting support as needed; contribute to special projects.