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Final salary offers are dependent upon candidate qualifications.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office of Early Childhood Education (OECE) works to ensure all children in Chicago have access to excellent early learning experiences that lead to future success in early grades and beyond.

Job Summary: 
Reporting to the Fiscal Monitoring Manager, the Fiscal Monitoring Specialist conducts financial, operational, performance, compliance and other monitoring related to the Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG) and Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) as assigned. Under the supervision of departmental management, this work will include planning, fieldwork, testing and data analysis, interviewing, evaluation of internal control processes, identification of observations, and preparation of reports in accordance with policies and procedures set forth under grant guidance.  This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Fiscal Monitoring Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

Monitor the use of ECBG and related funds to ensure compliance with allowable use requirements, fiscal policies, and program guidelines; Execute ECBG financial, operational, and compliance monitoring activities to ensure funds are used appropriately and in alignment with program expectations; Ensure all monitoring engagements are completed in accordance with business requirements and within established timelines

Review budget submissions, expenditure reports, and invoice documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with funding requirements

Prepare monitoring reports, summaries, and documentation for assigned projects and participate in communication with management regarding findings, recommendations, and follow-up actions

Assist in identifying activities subject to monitoring, evaluating their significance, and assessing risk related to cost, compliance, and operational impact

Lead discussions with internal and external stakeholders to obtain a detailed understanding of business processes, financial systems, and documentation related to grant-funded activities

Provide technical assistance and best-practice guidance to community-based organization partners based on findings from fiscal monitoring and invoice reviews, including recommendations to strengthen fiscal controls, documentation, and compliance processes

Utilize CPS financial systems, enterprise tools, and project management processes to track monitoring activities, manage tasks, and maintain accurate and current project documentation

Process invoices for receipting and payment in accordance with contract requirements, CPS timelines and procedures to support timely and accurate payments

Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Fiscal Monitoring Specialist must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required: 
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, business, finance, economics, or related field

Experience Required: 
Minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience in budget and grants management, government or education finance, or related professional finance experience required; Three (3) or more years of relevant experience preferred
Experience in education and/or the public sector preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
Understanding of financial concepts and practices
Ability to create clear, accurate financial reporting
Ability to quickly learn and implement knowledge of grant management, compliance, and district policy
Ability to quickly learn and apply knowledge of grant management, fiscal monitoring, and compliance requirements.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail.
Familiarity with enterprise financial management systems and ERP platforms, including Oracle Enterprise Business Suite and related reporting tools, or the ability to learn these systems quickly.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate findings clearly to stakeholders.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with management and cross-functional teams.
Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and manage work with minimal supervision.

Benefits:
Health Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Dental
Vision
Behavioral Health EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
Paid Leave
Sick Leave
Vacation Days
Parental Leaves
Short-Term Disability
Religious Holidays
Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.ry/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.