Accounting Manager, Capital Fixed Asset & Revenue

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office of Finance develops and manages CPS’ annual operating and capital budgets and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, prepares long-term financial projections, secures both short-term and long-term resources to provide adequate liquidity, and provide data, information, analysis, knowledge and methods for our leaders to anticipate and respond effectively to the challenges facing Chicago Public Schools. Within the Office of Finance, the Office of the Controller is responsible for the financial operations of Chicago Public Schools, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Internal Accounts, and Corporate Accounting.

Job Summary\:

Reporting to the Assistant Deputy Controller, the Accounting Manager (Capital Fixed Asset & Revenue) assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of professional accountants engaged in the management of financial accounts. This position will design and implement computerized accounting systems and internal controls to ensure operational efficiency within the Office of Controller. This position will use current industry technology to ensure the integrity of all data processes throughout the financial systems for the recording of property tax distributions, capital and fixed assets, payables and payroll accounts, cash and other bank accounts, as well as other revenue and expense transactions; as well as monitor payroll.

The Accounting Manager, Capital Fixed Asset & Revenue will be held accountable for the following responsibilities\:

• Manage and supervise the Capital Fixed Asset and Revenue Team.

  • Ensure the staff follows established policies and procedures in the performance of their duties, application of accounting principles, and various system validations on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.

  • Review and approve all journal entries prepared by staff.

  • Provide leadership, develop goals, objectives and performance standards for the Capital Fixed Asset and Revenue team and conduct performance evaluations.

  • Organize, develop, and schedule ongoing training and development for staff.

• Prepare complex financial calculations and audit-related work papers and schedules.

• Ensure the various Prepared by Client (PBC) work papers prepared by staff, as well as the fiscal data compiled for inclusion in the Annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (ACFR) are completed accurately and within the established deadlines.

• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements e.g., Annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (ACFR), Annual Financial Report (AFR), and the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR); as well as, present the District’s position to auditors, external parties in regards to accounting issues and financial statement presentation.

• Enhance and strengthen internal controls and increase process efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Oversee the financial reporting system implementation, migration, testing, conversion, automation, and upgrades of the various financial modules; review and analyze the effectiveness of system controls at each process stage for the end user.

  • Manage special ad hoc projects and technology endeavors to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations as assigned.

• Review Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statements, Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Best Practices and Advisories, U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Guidance, and other Federal, State and Local regulatory directives.

• Review interpretations, concept statements and technical bulletins to ensure the timely and proper application of the standards, as well as implement the early adoption of new standards when necessary and beneficial to the Board.

• Maintain and update the Accounting Manual, as necessary, with approved changes in policies, procedures, and business processes related to the assigned area of responsibility for property tax, payroll, pensions, benefits, as well as, capital and fixed assets.

• Understand and communicate the School Districts’ complex property tax, payroll, pension, capital and fixed assets business requirements, cycles, processes, activities, and controls.

  • Function as a liaison on accounting-related issues with various departments such as Grants Management, Payroll, Budget, Facilities, and Treasury.