Accounting Assistant

Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Accounting Assistant role at Penn State University Park is a full-time, hybrid position within the Office of the Bursar. You will ensure payment and refund transactions are posted accurately and timely as part of the Payments and Reconciliation Team.

Responsibilities include processing payments, reconciling multiple payment types, handling refunds, and maintaining student account integrity in SIMBA. Strong Excel and Microsoft 365 skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and 4+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent.
• Required certifications: None.

Responsibilities

• Process, post, deposit, and reconcile a high volume of check payments to the Bursar student accounts.
• Reconcile transactions including eCheck/ACH, credit card, international payments, and refunds.
• Review student account refund requests from 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 with staff to resolve issues.
• Correspond with students, parents, and staff by phone and email.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Microsoft 365

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

SIMBA

Job description

Accounting Assistant

Hybrid

Penn State University Park

Full time

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.

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

Candidate 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 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.