Accounting Assistant

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a detail-oriented Accounting Assistant for the Payments and Reconciliation Team. You will post payments, reconcile accounts, and handle refund requests from students and departments.

The role requires strong Excel skills and the ability to work independently in a high-volume environment. The position includes administering the Payment Plan in SIMBA, handling journal entries, and communicating with students and staff to resolve issues.

Qualifications

• Professionalism and ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Meet deadlines and ability to work independently.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Adapt to changes in systems and procedures.
• Complete reconciliations timely; perform moderate adjustments; refer complex issues.

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, international payments, and refunds.
• Review student account refund requests from staff, departments, and students.
• Administer Payment Plan Record in SIMBA; manage journal entries and related invoices.
• Provide in-depth analysis of student accounts and collaborate with staff to resolve issues.
• Correspond with students, parents, and staff by phone and email.

Skills

Multitasking

Deadline management

Clear communication

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Adaptability

Education

Associate Degree

4+ years experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft 365

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.

• 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

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.

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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There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.