• Medical Coverage, PPO or HMO
• Dental Coverage
• Prescription Coverage
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability (IMRF)
• Pension / Defined Benefit Plan (IMRF)
• 457 Plan / Defined Contribution Plan
• Paid Time Off & Paid Emergency Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Membership Dues Reimbursement
• Park District Facility Discounts and Usage Benefits

The Big Picture

Position Summary

Supervisory Relationships

Job Responsibilities

• Supervises purchasing activities below the Executive Director purchasing limit, including identifying legal and appropriate purchasing methods, contracts development and management, and enforcement of purchasing policies.
• Oversees purchasing card program, including establishing and maintaining employee purchasing limits, and handling credit card issues.
• Prepares monthly and annual treasurer’s and disbursement reports for Board of Commissioners approval and ad hoc reports as needed.
• Prepares standard monthly general journals for supervisor review, posting these when approved. Researches transactions for documentation of non-standard adjustments.
• Approves routine purchasing, cash receipt, and general journals for posting by purchasing and payroll assistant. 
• Ensures that purchasing activities are properly recorded and accounted according to applicable policy and generally accepted accounting practices.
• Prepares accurate and timely monthly reconciliations for financial institution statements. Investigates and reports discrepancies between financials and bank statements. 
• Ensures timely and accurate recording of deposits and billing for accounts receivable.
• Coordinates fixed asset inventories and recordkeeping with Planning Director. Processes all project/equipment transactions to ensure accurate fixed asset capitalization. Provides fixed asset reporting for annual audit.
• Reports problems with financial transaction processing promptly to vendors for resolution.
• Serves as member of internal committees as needed.
• Provide a high quality of internal and external customer service. Works to resolve vendor payment issues and to ensure timely delivery of goods and services for operations and projects.
• Assists with bank transfers, the preparation of financial estimates and projections, ensuring adequate and timely cash flow.
• Supports and serves as backup for the Business and Finance Director and others in their absence, including processing payroll, purchasing transactions, and check runs.

 Secondary Functions

• Provides accounting support to the Forest Preserve Friends Foundation, drafting monthly and annual financial reports as needed to meet federal and state reporting requirements.
• Identifies ways to improve processing efficiency in all accounting processes.
• Assists with development, training, and implementation of finance and business policies/procedures.
• Continues professional development to keep abreast of emerging technologies, methods and best practices in the field. 
• Assists with setting department goals in alignment with the Forest Preserve’s Strategic Plan.
• Attends meetings of the Board of Commissioners and other events as needed.
• Assists in the preparation of reports and implementation of special projects as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration with a major in accounting, or a closely related field of study desired.
• Must be experienced with computerized financial operations.
• Experience with local governmental accounting and budget operations desired.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office required.

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state procurement and finance statutes/regulations for local governments.
• Knowledge and ability to apply generally accepted accounting principles to Forest Preserve financial operations and transactions.
• Ability to use financial applications, including querying and using financial data.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships throughout the Forest Preserves.
• Ability to represent the Forest Preserves in a professional manner and to establish and maintain good public relations with all staff, Board, stakeholders and the general public.
• Ability to exercise confidentiality.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills; ability to work proactively and independently.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in solving problems and making decisions; ability to respond professionally to challenging or stressful situations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and concisely in a professional manner.
• Working knowledge of (or ability to gain) Forest Preserves ordinances, personnel and operational policies.
• Valid driver’s license is required within six months of date of hire.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands