Financial Specialist

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Maintain, reconcile and analyze accounting records, consisting of a cash receipts journal, registry fund and deposit fund as well as subsidiary ledgers for allotments and other fiscal records while complying with the Guide to Judiciary Policy, applicable Administrative Office policies and procedures, and internal controls guidelines. Perform accounts payable and accounts receivable duties and have responsibility for the accuracy and accountability of monies received and disbursed by the court. Prepare, update, analyze and submit a variety of regular and non-standard reports as requested by court units, Administrative Office, US Treasury, financial institutions or other organizations or agencies. Maintain spreadsheet formats and programs for analyzing financial information for the court. Performs reconciliation of monies deposited, transferred and disbursed by the court unit. Coordinate travel and review and process travel authorizations and vouchers. Check figures, postings and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy and proper codes. Communicate with individuals to respond to questions, problems or insufficiencies with voucher submissions and the status of payment of vouchers. Maintain court unit's travel guidelines. Use automated programs (JIFMS, JFinSys, and ECF) to record, store and track information. Adhere to appropriate internal controls for disbursement, transfer, recording and reporting of monies. Assist with the oversight of financial operations to ensure compliance with guidelines, procedures and policies established by the Administrative Office and court unit. Assess requests for goods and services, ensuring they are allowable under limitations, restrictions and policies. Negotiate with vendors for the best price for contracted services and purchases. Prepare requisitions and purchase orders. Procure authorized supplies, equipment, services and furnishings from government and non-government sources through new contracts, competitive bids or existing government contracts. Maintain purchasing records. Check deliveries against purchase orders for type, quantity and condition to confirm accuracy and deploy goods as needed. Prepare receiving reports. Prepare spreadsheets and maintain databases to track expenditures. Adhere to the court's internal control procurement procedures. ***** OTHER EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: High school graduation or equivalent required. College degree in accounting, finance, business or related field preferred. Experience in accounting or finance, and knowledge of financial accounting principles required. Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Excel and Word, as well as the ability to adjust to ever-changing technology. Knowledge and experience using automated financial systems to perform day-to-day activities. Skill and accuracy in working with numerical calculations. Ability to understand relationships among accounts and how financial procedures relate to the overall business of the court unit. A familiarity with internal controls related to financial instrument handling. Self-starter with demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, professional demeanor, and ability to exercise sound judgment, act with diplomacy, and maintain confidentiality. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in communicating with various internal and external individuals, as well as establishing and maintaining good relationships with outside contacts. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with persons with varying experiences and backgrounds. Excellent organizational skills, including ability to manage multiple projects and priorities within strict deadlines. Ability to adjust priorities quickly as circumstances dictate. Ability to understand and accurately carry out detailed and complex instructions while managing tight deadlines and conflicting priorities. Minimum Qualifications and/or Educational Requirements For CL 26, the applicant must have a minimum of two years of specialized experience in addition to two years of generalized experience. General experience is progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates the possession of, or the ability to acquire, the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position. Education above high school may be substituted for general experience. Specialized experience is progressively responsible experience in at least one but preferably two or more of the functional areas of financial management and administration such as budgeting, accounting, auditing or financial reporting that provides knowledge of rules, regulations and terminology of financial administration. Court Preferred Attributes The ideal candidate will demonstrate personal characteristics that include: a professional demeanor, integrity, a strong work ethic, the ability to maintain confidentiality, and the ability to work as part of a team. In addition, the candidate is expected to be organized and detail-oriented; readily able to accept accountability for work product; flexible; and tactful. Government financial office experience is highly desired. ***** APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Apply Online: https://opportunities.ilnb.uscourts.gov/Employment/appform.cfm?ref=a417e91f&pos=26-13