JULIAN Jackson Jr
Park Forest,IL
Summary
Accounting leader with extensive experience in higher education, manufacturing, and nonprofit sectors. Proven ability to enhance reporting accuracy, ensure grant compliance, and streamline financial processes, resulting in stronger internal controls and efficient month-end close operations.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager of Accounting Services
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights, IL
01.2025 - Current
- Led audit preparation, ensuring accuracy of work papers and schedules for effective oversight.
- Prepared SEFA, ensuring compliance with federal and state grant regulations.
- Reconcile grant activity and monitor receivables.
- Perform budget-to-actual and variance analysis for leadership.
- Improve reporting processes and support cash/bank reconciliation.
- Drafted policies to enhance compliance and strengthen internal controls.
Staff Accountant
Wind Creek Casino
Hazel Crest, IL
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Prepared monthly account reconciliations for bank accounts, credit cards, and other balance sheet accounts.
- Compiled and prepared journal entries to support accurate general ledger records.
- Investigated discrepancies to enhance general ledger accuracy.
- Supported compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
Staff Accountant
PurposeBuilt Brands
Gurnee, IL
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Facilitated month-end/year-end close processes and reconciled key accounts to ensure accuracy in financial reporting.
- Managed fixed assets, depreciation, accruals, and prepaids.
- Developed financial analyses and management reports to support informed decision-making.
- Oversaw corporate sales tax filings and maintained audit documentation for compliance and transparency.
Staff Accountant
Paris Presents Incorporated
Libertyville, IL
01.2014 - 01.2021
- Reconciled domestic and international bank accounts with intercompany activity.
- Managed fixed assets and sales tax records while leading audit preparation.
- Facilitated monthly/annual close by preparing accurate journal entries.
Finance Manager
General Converters & Assemblers Inc.
Racine, WI
01.2006 - 01.2012
- Managed cash flow, billing processes, reconciliations, and tax filings to maintain financial integrity.
- Produced financial statements, forecasts, and board packages.
- Directed accounting operations and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Operated Microsoft Dynamics GP for efficient financial management and reporting.
Education
M.A. - Accounting & Financial Management
Keller Graduate School of Management
Chicago, IL12-2006
B.S. - Business Administration – Accounting
Chicago State University
Chicago, IL05-1995
Skills
- Audit Preparation
- Financial Reporting
- Regulatory Compliance
- SEFA Preparation
- Month-end closing
- Reconciliations
- Sales Tax
- Budgeting
- Asset Management
- Process Improvement
- Microsoft Excel
- Financial Software Management
- GL systems
- Bank reconciliation
- Internal Policy Compliance
- Ledger maintenance
- Team Leadership
Personal Information
Title: Accounting Manager | Financial Reporting | Audit & Grant Compliance
Affiliations
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Timeline
Manager of Accounting Services
Prairie State College
01.2025 - Current
Staff Accountant
Wind Creek Casino
01.2024 - 01.2025
Staff Accountant
PurposeBuilt Brands
01.2021 - 01.2024
Staff Accountant
Paris Presents Incorporated
01.2014 - 01.2021
Finance Manager
General Converters & Assemblers Inc.
01.2006 - 01.2012
M.A. - Accounting & Financial Management
Keller Graduate School of Management
B.S. - Business Administration – Accounting
Chicago State University