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Job Title: Accounting Manager
Location: Chicago, IL 60637
Job Duration: 3 Month Contract Role (Possibility of Extension)
Position Summary:
This position supports the financial management and compliance activities of the Office of National Laboratories. This role is responsible for processing and reconciling day-to-day financial transactions, administering financial systems, and preparing budgets, forecasts, and financial reports. The analyst ensures compliance with University and Department of Energy (DOE) requirements and provides analysis to inform decision making. The position works closely with University partners to strengthen financial controls, support Board of Governors reporting, and contribute to audit readiness and process improvements.
Responsibilities:
- Process and review monthly invoices, partner billings, effort reconciliations, and cost corrections to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Review and approve Board of Governors payment and reimbursement requests, ensuring adherence to DOE and University budget guidelines.
- Manage reconciliation of all Board of Governors expenses and financial matters; prepare and submit formal fiscal year close-out reports to DOE.
- Prepare, analyze, and present monthly, quarterly, and annual ONL financial submissions, including budgets, forecasts, and ad hoc reports.
- Deliver clear, actionable financial analysis and recommendations to senior leadership to inform strategic decision-making.
- Ensure compliance with University, DOE, and other federal financial regulations, policies, and reporting standards.
- Strengthen internal controls, streamline processes, and enhance system functionality to improve efficiency and transparency.
- Support internal and external audits through data preparation, documentation, and timely response to information requests.
- Contribute to the development of financial policies, tools, and templates that support effective governance and compliance.
Performs basic to moderately complex accounting work for assigned department(s) requiring basic knowledge of accounting principles and practices. Prepares and inputs journal entries. May assist in budget preparation or work related to budget management (maintain budget summaries, changes, etc.). Maintains accounting records and basic accounting activities for department (i.e., salary advances, draft balances, dept. cash flow, etc.). Balances daily/month end work. Updates, maintains and utilizes computerized accounting programs/systems; performs data entry including online journal entries. Generates required reports, documentation, etc. Prepares and processes a variety of forms; reviews forms for completeness. Serves as liaison for departmental charges, requests for information, vendor inquiries, etc. Researches information as necessary and resolves errors. May provide guidance/direction to lower-level office staff regarding workflow and transactions. Performs special projects and miscellaneous office administrative support. Duties including answering phone, inventory and ordering, etc. to enable effective office operations. Performs other similar and related duties as required.
Job Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting plus a minimum of 10-15 years financial accounting and reporting experience.
Experience with higher education, government contracts, or grant administration a plus
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, Workday, Essbase) and reporting tools preferred
Knowledge of GAAP and compliance in government or nonprofit settings
Competencies:
Strong accounting principles and financial analysis skills with high attention to detail
Experienced in reporting, compliance and financial modeling with demonstrated problem-solving ability
Proficiency with ERP systems (Oracle, Workday), Excel and reporting tools
Ability to manage recurring financial processes while meeting multiple deadlines
Excellent communication skills and proven ability to build strong partnerships across teams
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