ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST (OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER) AFSCME 3696

Cook County Offices

Under The President

Administrative Hearings

Auditor

Bureau of Administration

Bureau of Economic Development

Bureau of Finance

Bureau of Human Resources

Bureau of Technology

Facilities

Office of the President

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer, performs a variety of accounting functions of variable scope and complexity for the Public Defender's Office. Assists on fiscal and budgeting matters impacting the Office. Assumes responsibility for the processing of invoices and maintenance of specific accounting systems, books, records and ledgers, including the use and application of various accounts payable, general ledger and financial applications like Oracle EBS. Prepares financial reports, spreadsheets, revenue/cost projections, budget analysis, contract drawdowns and proposals. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) Test Certificate -AND- six (6) years of full-time work experience performing a variety of financial, accounting or payroll functions IS REQUIRED.
• Experience utilizing Oracle EBS IS REQUIRED.
-OR-
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree in accounting or finance -AND- four (4) years of full-time work experience performing a variety of financial, accounting or payroll functions IS REQUIRED.
• Experience utilizing Oracle EBS IS REQUIRED.
-OR-
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance -AND- two (2) years of full-time work experience performing a variety of financial, accounting or payroll functions IS REQUIRED.
• Experience utilizing Oracle EBS IS REQUIRED.

Candidates who are contacted will be required to produce original required documents (e.g., current driver's license, diploma, school transcript, certifications, etc.) listed on the Notice of Job Opportunity within five (5) days of being extended an offer, in writing, by the Bureau Chief of BHR (or designee). Candidates will be notified of how to submit required documents.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

*Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States territories and Canada, must be credentialed by either the World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Knowledge of Oracle EBS or similar financial reporting systems. Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and procedures. Knowledge of federal, state, County and other legal regulations, laws, limitations, policies and processes as they affect various aspects of auditing, accounting and reporting. Skilled in identifying possible errors or inconsistencies in the accounting record. Experience in maintaining control over the expenditure of funds and working within the restrictions of a line-item budget. Good communication and writing skills. Ability to apply acceptable accounting practices in compliance with audit requirements and standards and to fulfill the specific needs and applications of the agency. Ability to organize the work of clerical and related support staff in procedures relative to the implementation and maintenance of financial controls. Ability to consult with and advise senior staff and effectively communicate information critical to the sound financial management of the department. Ability to understand and apply current financial reporting systems. for purposes of preparing spreadsheets, reading and manipulating financial and other data, generating reports, etc. Ability and willingness to assume a variety of accounting and related administrative tasks pursuant to ensuring the smooth operation of the office.

Physical Requirements
Sedentary Work
Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

*This position requires successful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen and medical examination.

Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the County's Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. For current County employees, such falsification may result in discipline, up to and including termination, and placement on the County's Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. See Cook County Code of Ordinances, Article II, Sections 44-54 Unlawful Practices Relating to Employees and Employment - Penalty , 44-56 Political Discrimination ; Cook County Employment Plan, Section V.N. Pre-Interview License and Certification Verification ; Supplemental Policy No. 2014-2.13 Ineligible for Rehire List ; and Cook County Personnel Rules 3.3(b) (7) (d)

EEO Statement

Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute or ordinance as further defined in Chapter 44. Human Resources, Article II. Personnel Polices, Section 44-53 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 42. Human Relations, Article II. Human Rights, Section 42-35 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances.

NOTE: As an internal candidate, should you be offered the position, salary allocations shall abide by the Cook County Personnel Rules.

*Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Social Media Disclaimer

The County's hiring process is governed by the Cook County Employment Plan which prohibits employment actions from being influenced by any Political Reasons or Factors for Non-Exempt Positions. The advertisement of this position by any individual does not constitute an offer or promise of employment, promotion, or any other employment action and shall not influence the County's hiring decision. Cook County officials and employees who become aware of or receive a complaint that involves an allegation of Political Reasons or Factors being considered in the hiring process of Non-Exempt positions are obligated to refer the complaint to the Cook County - Office of the Inspector General. If the Cook County Inspector General sustains allegations of Political Reasons or Factors being considered, Cook County will disqualify the Applicant or Candidate from consideration for employment and disciplinary action will be imposed on any involved Cook County employees, if applicable.