Job Description

Job Requisition ID: 54099
Closing Date: 03/18/2026
Agency:Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois
Class Title: ACCOUNTANT - 60025
Salary: $65,075 - $101,517
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Merit Comp Code: Agency Excluded from Collective Bargaining Coverage

Please follow the directions below when applying for this position.

**DO NOT CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON**

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION PLEASE VISIT THE TRS WEBSITE:

Careers | Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois

The Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) is one of the largest public pension systems in the United States. We provide retirement, disability and survivor benefits to teachers, administrators and other public-school personnel employed outside the city of Chicago.

TRS serves over 456,000 members and manages a multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio for the exclusive benefit of the membership.

TRS is an agency of the State of Illinois governed by a Board of Trustees. Full-and part-time employees are eligible for the State of Illinois comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental and vision coverage. All employees hired after August 17, 2001 participate in the TRS retirement pension plan. Employees also have the option to contribute to additional State of Illinois deferred compensation plans. The TRS pension plan is a participating reciprocal system under the Illinois Pension Code Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act.

Learn more about careers at TRS: Careers | Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois

The Accountant II performs advanced professional accounting and financial analysis to support budgeting, payroll, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance across complex governmental and pension-related operations. This role prepares and contributes to GAAP and ACFR schedules, reconciles multi-system financial activity, manages receivables, and supports audit and Comptroller reporting with a high degree of independence and judgment. The Accountant II evaluates and resolves accounting issues, performs Workday and system validations, and ensures accurate posting, strong internal controls, and compliance with state and regulatory requirements. In addition, this position contributes to process improvements, system enhancements, and continuous strengthening of financial controls and reporting integrity.

Essential Functions

• Prepare components of the annual budget, compile departmental submissions, process budget transfers, and assist in monitoring expenditures throughout the fiscal year.
• Prepare benchmarking calculations and related analytical support.
• Prepare GAAP package schedules, supporting documentation, and assist with year-end ACFR reporting requirements.
• Coordinate and prepare audit support for external auditors, including pulling schedules, reconciliations, and documentation requests.
• Perform system testing and validation for semi-annual Workday updates, enhancements, and releases.
• Prepare and analyze accounts receivable reporting; monitor receivables, calculate allowances for doubtful accounts, manage involuntary withholding claims, and coordinate collection efforts for delinquent accounts.
• Process payroll in Workday and perform related reporting in the pension reporting system.

Essential Functions (Continued)

• Process account balance corrections and recommend or prepare system corrections.
• Prepare deposits for checks and state warrants received; review for accuracy, determine proper disposition, and ensure required supporting documentation is obtained.
• Reconcile and verify daily cash deposits between pension administration systems, reporting systems, and applicable custodians.
• Monitor and respond to internal and external accounting inquiries routed through the Accounting mailbox or phone system.
• Utilize the Illinois Office of the Comptroller (IOC) SAMS system to report required agency activity.
• Review travel vouchers for accuracy and compliance with IOC rules and internal policies.
• Analyze Supplemental Savings Plan (SSP) custodian reports, prepare related journal entries, and perform reconciliations of program activity, including refunded or rejected payments, coordinating resolution with internal and external stakeholders as needed.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting duties, including preparation and review of general ledger activity and reconciliations with the Custodian and the IOC.

Essential Functions (Continued)

• Maintain the listing of all bank account activity, reconcile balances with IOC records, and support cash transfer processing.
• Process cancelled warrants and ensure proper recording and reporting.
• Supply data and analysis for FOIA requests, surveys, internal analyses, and special information requests using spreadsheets and database tools.
• Exercise judgment in resolving accounting issues and escalating complex matters appropriately.
• Assist in identifying process improvements and recommending enhancements to accounting procedures, documentation, and system workflows.
• Maintain awareness of changes in accounting standards, state regulations, and internal policies, and apply them appropriately to assigned work.
• Maintain accurate documentation, workpapers, and audit trails for all assigned duties.
• Perform other related accounting duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Solid understanding of GAAP is required. Knowledge of governmental accounting standards and Illinois Comptroller reporting requirements strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and year-end closing processes.
• Skill in preparing financial schedules, analyses, and supporting documentation with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (Workday preferred).
• Effective analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills for working with auditors, vendors, and internal staff.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, apply accounting principles independently, and maintain audit-ready records.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of financial information.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 2-4 years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience; governmental accounting experience preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or progress toward CPA preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills preferred (e.g., pivot tables, lookups).

Work Hours: 8:30 - 4:30 M-F
Headquarter Location: 2815 W. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62702-3397
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: Christina Lonbom
Email clonbom@trsil.org
Phone #: 217-814-2226
Posting Group: Fiscal, Finance & Procurement

TRS is a non-code state agency.

**APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS**

Candidates must submit applications through the TRS Careers Website:

Careers | Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois

Please follow all instructions and include all required documents. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document in lieu of a Resume or CV.

TRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or completing any pre-employment testing, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources at (217) 814-2111, or HRServices@trsil.org. Hiring decisions are not based on or affected by political factors, including political sponsorship, affiliation, or support.