Accounting Operations Assistant Jobs in Elgin, IL

Who We Are:

For 140 years, National Louis University has been driven by one core belief: education changes lives. Since our founding, we've stayed grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity, and we've never wavered from the idea that education is the greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community built on continuous improvement and a genuine commitment to serving those we teach. Through education, we empower change and build stronger, healthier communities. Our hard-working team runs on collaboration and mutual respect, for one another and for every student we serve.

What You Will Do:

The Accounting Specialist supports core accounting operations, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records. This role performs general ledger activities, reconciliations, and month-end close responsibilities while assisting with cash management, compliance reporting, and departmental processes. The ideal candidate brings strong technical accounting skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Core Accounting & Reconciliations:

• Prepare and post journal entries in accordance with accounting standards
• Perform general ledger account reconciliations and resolve discrepancies
• Support month-end and year-end close processes

Cash Management & Banking:

• Assist with bank reconciliations and cash account monitoring
• Maintain cash activity records, including deposits and disbursements
• Ensure timely and accurate recording of all cash transactions

Compliance & Reporting:

• Manage unclaimed property reporting in compliance with regulatory requirements
• Process and monitor drawdowns from the U.S. Department of Education

Program & Fund Accounting:

• Oversee gift accounting, ensuring proper classification and reconciliation
• Manage and reconcile sales deposits and related activity
• Maintain accurate financial records for designated funds and accounts

Operational Support & Collaboration:

• Partner with internal departments to support daily accounting operations
• Provide general accounting support and contribute to process improvements

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum of two to three years of accounting experience/Experience with general ledger accounting and account reconciliations
• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Working knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP)

Preferred:

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or grant-funded environments
• Experience with fund accounting and/or restricted funds

• Familiarity with federal funding processes (e.g., Title IV drawdowns)

• Experience with ERP systems such as Banner

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued.  We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time staff benefits can be found here.

The salary range of the grade for this position is $51,966.00 to $75,351.00 annually. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.  Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to: budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity. 

Please Include the following along with your application:

• Resume (Required)
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Current NLU employees please also submit an Internal Posting Form