Accounting Manager

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package: 

• Hiring Range: $100,000 - $110,000
• Benefits
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification: Full-Time Salaried Staff
• Grade Level: 10

BASIC FUNCTION:                 

Supervises the accounting for Institute balance sheet accounts including, but not limited to, cash, investments, and property and equipment ensuring timely and accurate journal entry and account reconciliation preparation. Responsible for the management of capital project data and reporting. Partners with the Treasury department on the daily cash transfers and processes.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:       

• Directs the preparation of balance sheet account reconciliations and analyses. Analytically reviews reconciliations, trial balances, and reports.  Works with accounting staff to identify, analyze and resolve reconciling items on a timely basis.
• Oversees the accounting for the Institute’s diversified and complex investment pool, including the recording and reconciliation of all related accounts to the general ledger and custodian statement. Maintains relationship with the investment custodian in relation to accounting and recording investments and transactions. 
• Oversees the reconciliation of the Institute’s bank accounts and works with the Treasury department to identify any changes in the banking and account structures.
• Manages the Accountant, General Funds and Accounting Assistant in the daily cash transfer process. Partners with the Treasury department to ensure cash and endowment account transfer processes are completed timely and accurately.
• Oversees the accounting for capital projects, fixed assets, and leases, including monthly and quarterly journal entries and account reconciliations and quarterly debt compliance ratios.
• Ensures the maintenance of capital project data points in partnership with project managers. Prepares capital status reports for management and Buildings and Grounds Committee.
• Identifies and implements accounting processes and best practices to gain efficiencies and maintain proper segregation of duties within areas of responsibility. Documents processes and procedures as needed.
• Assists in the year-end audit.  Responsibilities include overseeing the preparation of audit schedules and footnotes relating to fixed assets, investments and other balance sheet accounts and assisting the auditors in their inquiries.
• Assists with the preparation and analysis of quarterly financial statements as directed by the Assistant Controller.
• Maintains a strong technical accounting understanding by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and/or participating in professional organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or closely related financial field required.
• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years investment and fixed asset accounting experience required. Industry experience including Not-for-profit and/or higher education highly preferred.
• Minimum three years supervising accountants required.
• Previous experience establishing and documenting accounting processes and procedures highly preferred.
• Must be currently advanced in Microsoft Excel.
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