Lead Accountant

Position Summary

Grant and Project Accounting Division
Annual Starting Salary: $90,144

Under general supervision, performs professional accounting work of the most complex nature, typically requiring the application of advanced accounting knowledge, and/or functions as a working supervisor over a small accounting staff while maintaining own accounts, and performs related duties.

Location: Department of Finance, City Hall 121 N. LaSalle, Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60602.

Shift: Monday‑Friday
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (shift may vary due to the needs of the operation)

• Performs and supervises the work of professional accountants engaged in financial management, compliance, and reporting for grant‑funded projects.
• Provides financial oversight and monitoring to track grant expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets. Monitors budget‑to‑actual performance for each grant.
• Maintains financial records and documentation for audit readiness.
• Ensures grant compliance by checking adherence to grant terms and conditions, including federal (e.g., Uniform Guidance – 2 CFR Part 200) or donor‑specific rules.
• Reviews financial transactions for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness.
• Communicates compliance requirements to departmental staff.
• Prepares and submits financial reports to funders (monthly, quarterly, annually).
• Works with departments to compile budget justifications.
• Supports external and internal audits related to grants.
• Develops grant proposal budgets in collaboration with departments.
• Forecasts future expenditures and funding gaps.
• Prepares re‑budgeting or no‑cost extension requests if needed.
• Serves as the liaison between finance, departmental staff, and grantors.
• Trains or guides staff on grant‑related financial processes.
• Attends grant‑related meetings and provides financial insight.
• Utilizes accounting/ERP systems (Oracle) to manage transactions.
• Ensures documentation is organized for funder audits and internal reviews.
• Maintains grant files and ensures backup documentation is properly stored.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with one of the following qualifications is required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting plus three (3) years of professional accounting experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a directly related field of Accounting with 15 semester hours in Accounting, plus three (3) years of professional accounting experience.
• Master’s degree or higher in Accounting plus two (2) years of professional accounting experience.
• Master’s degree in a directly related field of Accounting with 15 semester hours in Accounting, plus two (2) years of professional accounting experience.

• Experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Governmental Accounting Standards.
• Professional accounting experience in grants management.
• Experience with leading and managing a team.
• Experience with annual audits and financial schedules.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Outlook.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.