Wilmette, IL – Accounting Manager

Benefits Summary

The Wilmette Park District offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with life insurance (basic and voluntary), a pension plan (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund), 457 Defined contribution plan and Section 125 Flexible Spending Account in addition to paid holidays and vacation time, facility discounts and usage benefits.

Benefit Summary link:

The Accounting Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day accounting and monthly close functions of the Park District. This role will oversee financial operations, accounting systems, budgeting, maintaining financial integrity, payroll, accounts payable and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. The position is also responsible for communicating with the Superintendent of Finance, ensuring compliance with the Park District’s policies and procedures, contributing to the completion of projects and assisting with the year-end audit process.

• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise and evaluate one full-time staff, Accounting Specialist.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Park District’s policies, procedures and applicable laws.
• Participate in and attend District-wide meetings to keep all levels of employees within the supervision apprised of agency business, including opportunities for communicating operational updates, feedback and questions.
• Actively support the professional development of department staff.

• Manage the monthly close process.
• Review payroll and accounts payable processing.
• Participate in the month-end closing meeting.
• Provide support and guidance to the accounting staff as needed.
• Have discussions of accrual levels with the accounting staff.
• Identify accounting issues and recommendations for resolution and review of large or critical entries.
• Manage the balance sheet accounts for the Park District in accordance with policies to include review of all account reconciliations including bank reconciliations.
• Follow-up on issues and problem resolution.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the business unit’s numerous revenue streams.
• Document process flow and controls and ensure appropriate revenue recognition.
• Ensure that policies and appropriate internal controls and processes are followed and functioning as designed (segregation of duties, timely account reconciliations, etc.).
• Work closely with the business unit supervisors and managers to stay current with the business and identify matters that may have accounting implications as well as the escalation of those matters. Provide relevant accounting training to the business units.
• Supervise the annual audit process, prepare financial reports and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Contribute to the annual budget process.
• Ensure all mandated financial filings are completed timely.
• Actively uphold and contribute to the Wilmette Park District Comprehensive and Strategic Plan, including the Guiding Principles and Strategic Priorities.
• Actively contribute to the Park District’s sustainability goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Actively support the safety program that will effectively control and reduce accidents.
• Obey all Park District and departmental safety rules, regulations and procedures established by the Wilmette Park District safety program that are pertinent to the activities conducted at the facility and property.
• Promptly report all unsafe actions, practices or conditions to the immediate supervisor.
• Attend and participate in required safety training.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum of four years of progressively responsible financial experience.
• An…