Staff Accountant in Champaign, Illinois at University of Illinois Foundation

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.

This role is responsible for the processing, compliance, and reconciliation functions supporting UIF's annuity and life income programs, operating bank accounts, and endowment administration. The position serves as the primary administrator for charitable gift annuity and life income activity — spanning gift intake, beneficiary payments, tax reporting, and regulatory compliance — while maintaining accurate general ledger records. The role also ensures the integrity of operating cash accounts through daily and monthly bank reconciliations and provides backup support for endowment administration. Working closely with external administrator TIAA-Kaspick and internal Gift Planning staff, this position requires strong technical accounting skills and the ability to manage multiple recurring deadlines across a complex set of financial responsibilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review and approve gift contracts, cash transfers, liquidations, and beneficiary payments; maintain annuity payable balances and adjust reserves as contracts terminate. Post monthly journal entries and reconcile TIAA-Kaspick subsidiary records to the general ledger.
• Prepare annuitant tax packages; review 1099-R and Form 5227 filings and coordinate IRS responses. Support state CGA registrations, reserve filings, and quarterly regulatory reporting.
• Serve as day-to-day liaison between internal Gift Planning staff and TIAA-Kaspick on new gifts, contract amendments, and terminations.
• Reconcile all assigned operating bank accounts on a daily and monthly basis. Investigate and resolve outstanding items, posting errors, and unexplained variances promptly, maintaining clear workpaper documentation in support of internal controls and audit readiness.
• Develop and maintain sufficient familiarity with endowment processes — including distributions, spending allocations, investment activity posting, and fund-level reporting — to provide seamless coverage in the primary administrator's absence.
• Prepare assigned balance sheet and account reconciliations, which may include accrued liabilities, prepaids, or other general ledger accounts. Ensure all are completed accurately, on schedule, and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Contribute to special projects, process improvements, audit support, and other departmental needs as directed by management.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field or sufficient experience
• 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 Workday accounting software

Application Deadline: July 5, 2026

The starting salary range for this position is projected to be $52,000-$58,000 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 https://jobs.uif.uillinois.edu. For further information regarding application procedures, contact Foundation Human Resources at uifhrsearches@uif.uillinois.edu.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER