Accounting Assistant
At a glance
Junior Accounting role at Penn State. Penn State University Park · full-time · $44,628–$64,668 base.
financeroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Post and reconcile check payments in LionPATH, then deposit them to the correct student accounts
- Match student account records against eCheck, ACH, card and international payments, along with refunds
- Review refund requests from students, university departments and Bursar staff, then process approved requests
- Maintain payment-plan records in SIMBA and prepare journal entries and non-purchase order invoices
- Investigate account issues, complete assigned adjustments and contact students, parents and staff by phone or email
What you bring
- An associate degree and at least four years of relevant experience, or an accepted equivalent mix of education and experience
- Working proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft 365 applications
- Clear written and verbal communication, careful organization and the ability to meet deadlines independently
Who this fits
This role suits someone who can manage several tasks, work independently and coordinate with teammates during busy periods. The position combines remote and on-campus work, though approval of that arrangement is not guaranteed. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; employment requires standard background checks and a credit history check.
From the employer
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Office of the Bursar is seeking a motivated individual to fill a full-time position as an Accounting Assistant. This position is part of the Payments and Reconciliation Team and is responsible for ensuring payment and refund transactions are posted accurately and in a timely manner.
The responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Process, post, deposit, and reconcile a high volume of check payments to the applicable Bursar student account in LionPATH
- Reconcile transactions recorded to the Student Account including, but not limited to eCheck/ACH payments, credit card payments, international payments, and refunds
- Research, process, and review individual student account refund requests from other Office of the Bursar staff, University departments, and students
- Administration of the Payment Plan
- Record in SIMBA (System for Integrated Management, Budgeting, and Accounting), journal entries, and non-purchase order invoices related to the functions above
- Provide a high level of in-depth analysis of student accounts and collaborates with other Office of the Bursar staff and University departments to resolve customer issues
- Correspond with students, parents, and staff over phone and email related to the functions above
The successful candidate for this position must:
- Maintain a high level of professionalism and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Must have the ability to meet specific deadlines and the ability to work independently
- Communicate clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing
- Possess strong organizational skills with an attention to detail
- Work both independently and as a member of a team and serve as an active backup to teammates during absences and high-volume periods to ensure continuity
- Must have the ability to adapt to changes in systems and procedures
- Ensure reconciliations are completed in a timely manner for assigned units; perform intermediate moderately complex adjustments and refer more complex problems to higher levels
- Have proficient knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft 365 applications
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with student and business systems/software.
Work Arrangement
This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Associate Degree
4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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