STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Job DetailsJob Location: CORPORATE SHARED SERVICES - CHICAGO, IL 60606Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 SalaryTravel Percentage: NegligibleJob Shift: AnyJob Category: EducationSummary   The Staff Accountant supports the accounting function through a combination of accounts payable oversight, cash accounting, and month-end close responsibilities. This role acts as the primary liaison between vendors, internal operators, and the accounting team for payment inquiries and AP-related issues, allowing the AP Specialist to focus on efficient invoice processing. The Staff Accountant will also assist with cash recording, bank reconciliations, audit support, and other core accounting responsibilities, working closely with the Senior Accountant during monthly close.   Essential Functions   • Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor payment inquiries and internal questions regarding accounts payable • Research payment status, resolve discrepancies, and coordinate with internal teams and vendors to address issues • Monitor AP aging and identify potential issues requiring escalation • Ensure AP processes are functioning smoothly and payments are processed in accordance with company policies • Record daily cash activity and ensure accurate posting of receipts and disbursements • Prepare and maintain bank reconciliations across multiple bank accounts • Investigate and resolve reconciling items in a timely manner • Assist with monthly close procedures including journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules • Work closely with the Senior Accountant to ensure close timelines are met • Maintain documentation supporting account balances • Assist with audit requests and preparation of supporting documentation • Maintain organized accounting records to support internal controls and external audits • Identify opportunities to improve AP workflows, cash accounting processes, and close procedures Assist with documentation and implementation of accounting policies and procedures   Knowledge / Skills   • Experience in private-equity-backed, high-growth, or regulated environments • Experience in multi-entity environments • Experience preparing balance sheet reconciliations, audit workpapers, and other supporting documentation • Prior exposure to centralized AP models • Experience with audit support • Experience with Sage Intacct and ProcureDesk or similar procurement systems   Qualifications  Education and Work Experience   • High School diploma or GED required • Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance preferred • 2–4 years of accounting experience, including cash accounting and bank reconciliations required • Experience with accounts payable processes and vendor communications • Strong Excel skills and familiarity with accounting systems • Solid understanding of basic GAAP-basis accounting principles • Experience with Sage Intacct and ProcureDesk or similar procurement systems   Certifications, Licenses, Registrations   • No certification, license, or registration required   Supervisory Responsibilities   • There are no supervisory responsibilities   Physical Demands   The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Primarily sedentary work; requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and operating office equipment. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 15 pounds. Ability to view computer screens for extended periods. Minimal exposure to environmental hazards. Occasional travel between campus locations may be required. Work is normally performed in a typical professional campus/office work environment. Hybrid or remote work may be permitted on institutional needs. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger; and talk or hear.   AAP/EEO Statement   Spartan College provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated. In keeping with the above conviction, Spartan College is committed to assuring that: All recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and other employment related programs are provided fairly to all persons on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law; Employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action; and all personnel actions such as compensation, benefits, transfers, training, and participation in social and recreational programs are administered without regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.     Benefits   401(k) and Employer Match Medical Insurance HSA/FSA Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance Paid Time Off Employee Assistance Program Tuition Reimbursement/Employee Scholarship