Accounting Assistant

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Flexible work arrangement

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking an Accounting Assistant to join the Payments and Reconciliation Team in a full-time role. The position focuses on posting and reconciling payments, managing refunds, and supporting the student account processes.

The successful candidate will handle multiple tasks with professionalism, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly. Experience with SIMBA and campus systems is preferred, and a flexible work arrangement combines remote and on-campus work.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required
• 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365

Responsibilities

• Process, post, deposit, and reconcile a high volume of check payments to the Bursar student account in LionPATH
• Reconcile transactions including eCheck/ACH, credit card payments, international payments, and refunds
• Review and process student account refund requests from Bursar staff, departments, and students
• Administer the Payment Plan
• Record journal entries and non-purchase order invoices in SIMBA
• Provide in-depth analysis of student accounts and collaborate to resolve issues
• Correspond with students, parents, and staff via phone and email regarding these functions

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft 365

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

SIMBA

LionPATH

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft 365 applications is also required. Experience with student and business systems/software is highly desirable.

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.

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.

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 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