Staff Accountant

Job Type

Full-time

Description

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION

has an immediate opening for an

Staff Accountant

The University of Illinois Foundation (Foundation) is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving organization of the University of Illinois (University). It works closely with alumni and friends, faculty and staff, corporations and foundations, as well as campus development professionals to create fundraising programs and opportunities that benefit the University.

The Staff Accountant provides accounts payable and financial operations support for the Foundation by processing expense reports, corporate card transactions, and vendor invoices; ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures; maintaining accurate financial records; and preparing tax filings and reports. Supports day-to-day financial operations through timely and accurate processing of payments, reconciliations, and administration of expense management systems.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Review and process all expense reports, corporate card transactions, and vendor invoices in expense management software, ensuring compliance with policies, accurate coding, and valid business purposes
• Administer the corporate card program including user management, training, and processing host-to-host payment files weekly; log all travel expenses to prevent duplicate payments
• Manage contracts and vendor files by uploading documents into contract management software; perform quarterly reviews of donor visit travel to ensure proper call reporting in TED
• Track and report taxable fringe benefits annually to payroll, including coordination of employee substantiation forms for personal vs. business use of social clubs and other benefits
• Handle all tax compliance and reporting including annual IRS forms 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1098-C, 1098-INT, W9 updates, 501(c)3 determination letters, sales tax exemptions, and state filings
• Maintain fixed asset records with monthly updates for additions and disposals; respond to biennial physical inventory requests and reconcile annual UIF inventory findings
• Administer ECRU corporation activities including check issuance, deposits, and 1099 reporting; coordinate annual administrative allocation letters to UI President and Chancellors
• Perform monthly agency fund reconciliations, process quarterly travel transfers via Banner to University advancement units, manage departmental mail, and complete special projects as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively and foster cooperative relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders
• Proficient with accounting systems and Microsoft Office products

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Experience in not-for-profit accounting
• Experience with Emburse Enterprise

Application Deadline:

March 8th, 2026

The starting salary range for this position is projected to be $50,000 - $55,000 per year. While our job postings include salary ranges, your compensation will be based on your specific experience and qualifications—we're not limited by these posted ranges.

You'll be inspired daily in our state-of-the-art, environmentally conscious workspace - a stunning LEED-certified building featuring contemporary amenities including an on-site wellness center and café with healthy dining options. We encourage work-life balance through our hybrid schedule for many positions, combining in-office collaboration with up to 2 days of remote work flexibility.

Your comprehensive benefits package includes medical, vision, and dental coverage, company paid life insurance, generous vacation time including 24 days annually, and more. Generous pension benefits are also included. We invest in your present and future wellbeing, providing the support you need to succeed.

Application Process: For full consideration for the role, all candidates must complete an online application and include a cover letter and resume. Candidates may create a profile through For further information regarding application procedures, contact Foundation Human Resources at [email protected].

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER