Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant Location:

Champaign, ILJob Type:

Full-timeClassification:

Accounting AssociateReports to: Chief Financial OfficerSURS is seeking a Staff Accountant as a resource in the finance department, with a focus on tax reporting for SURS benefit recipients.

What Youll DoThe responsibilities involve preparing, coordinating, and distributing timely and accurate financial, statistical, tax, or qualitative information as needed to SURS employees, external auditors, members, vendors, other designated agencies of the State of Illinois or the U.S. Government, or other persons to ensure SURS remain compliant with relevant laws and regulations.

Main DutiesOversight of the SURS Excess Benefit Arrangement (EBA):

Perform 415(b) eligibility testing for finalized benefit claimsCoordinate EBA benefit payments/schedules with other SURS departmentsIssue written communications to EBA benefit recipientsProcess monthly and one-off EBA benefit paymentsRecord EBA-related journal entriesPerform annual 415(b) eligibility re-testing for existing benefit recipientsPrepare Forms W-2 for EBA benefit recipientsDevelop expertise in Internal Revenue Code 415(b) and related regulationsAnswer questions from members and other SURS departmentsForm 1099-R annual preparationReconcile year-to-date benefit payment and withholding dataResearch and fix potential 1099-R errors and inconsistenciesCoordinate 1099-R preparation responsibilities with multiple departmentsInvestigate issues and answer questions from members and other departmentsForm 1042-S annual preparationReconcile year-to-date benefit payment and withholding dataResearch and fix potential 1042-S errors and inconsistenciesInvestigate issues and answer questions from members and other departmentsPreform testing related to areas of responsibility in the new pension administration system scheduled to go live in 2028.Other duties as assigned.

Although the main duties of this position focus on taxation, experience with taxes is not necessary if the candidate has a strong accounting background and willingness to learn.

Required QualificationsBachelor's degree with a major in Accountancy or a related field AND two (2) years of professional level accounting experience. ORPossession of current registration as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant, or a valid license to practice Public Accounting (LPA). ORMaster's degree in Accountancy or a related field. Preferred QualificationsExperience with taxation is helpful but not necessary.

Certified Public Accountant designation is a plus, but not necessary.

GAAP and/or GASB accounting experience. Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesAbility to research complex accounting, financial, and tax reporting matters.

Strong problem-solving skills, a curiosity of how systems/processes work, and a desire to improve systems/processes when appropriate.

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including comfort with analyzing and manipulating large data sets.

Ability to learn new computer systems quickly.

Self-driven with the ability to work independently as needed.

Strong time management skills with a deadline-oriented focus.

Ability to work in a continuously changing environment with numerous filing deadlines. Excellent verbal, analytical, organizational, and written skills, including ability to read and write technical material with specific terminology. Work Environment & CompensationFull-time position based in Champaign, ILFully in-office during initial training; potential hybrid schedule available afterwardThe starting salary range for this position is $68,393 - $75,233. This is a competitive salary, taking into consideration experience and internal equity.

Standard 37.5-hour work week Benefits That MatterState of Illinois insurance benefits including medical, dental, and visionParticipation in the SURS retirement planPaid vacation, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays2 floating holidays after 6 monthsPaid parental leave after 6 monthsFlexible, professional work environmentFree parkingFind more details regarding the benefits SURS offers at: SURS Employee Benefits - SURSAbout SURSThe State Universities Retirement System (SURS) administers retirement, disability, survivor, and death benefits for over 255,000 members across Illinois public higher education institutions. Founded in 1941, SURS manages more than $30 billion in assets and is committed to delivering accurate, timely, and compassionate service to members throughout their careers and lives.