Accounting Technician

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; Bemidji (MN); On-site; USD 49,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Pension plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Tax-free expense accounts for health/d

Training and professional development

Job summary

Minnesota State Bemidji campus seeks a Temporary Student Payroll and Travel Clerk to oversee student employment, payroll, and travel expense administration. Responsibilities include auditing expenses, processing reimbursements, and ensuring compliance with state policies and bargaining agreements. The role covers payroll deductions, reporting, and ACA/FLSA implications.

Working hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday.

Qualifications

• GAAP knowledge to analyze financial information and reports.
• Strong customer service skills with confidentiality.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Auditing and processing BSU/NTC business expenses for compliance.
• Reviewing travel authorizations and expense docs for accuracy and policy compliance.
• Entering payroll deductions and generating biweekly payroll reports.
• Administering and managing student payroll to ensure timely payments.
• Managing payroll-related ACA and FLSA implications and liaising with stakeholders.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Customer service

Excel

Word processing

Education

Associate degree or 2-year certificate in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ISRS

SWIFT

SEMA4

Workday

Job description

• Telework Eligible: No

Working Title: Accounting Technician - Student Payroll & Travel Clerk

Job Class: Accounting Technician

Agency: Minnesota State

• Job ID: 98075
• Location: Bemidji
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/02/2026
• Closing Date: 12/01/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: MN St Colleges & Universities / Bemidji State Univ-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: MnSCU Bemidji SU / MnSCU BSU Classified Union
• Appointment Type: Temporary, Full-time
• Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $23.31 - $32.94 / hourly; $48,671 - $68,778 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Business Services at Bemidji State University
• Anticipated Start Date: January 11, 2027
• End Date: June 30, 2027
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Bemidji State University (BSU) and Northwest Technical College (NTC) invite applicants to join our team as a Temporary Student Payroll and Travel Clerk. The Student Payroll and Travel Clerk directs the operations of student employment, student payroll and business expense reimbursement, and administration of travel policies. This position provides fiscal and accounting services, analysis, and reporting for the efficient operation of principal responsibilities. Working under limited supervision, the incumbent prepares, processes, audits, and analyzes student payroll to ensure that all BSU and NTC students are paid timely, and reports are completed in a timely manner in accordance with state and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities rules and regulations. The incumbent coordinates the financial aspects of all BSU and NTC faculty, staff, and student travel including preparing, verifying, entering, processing, and auditing expense reports for payment. The incumbent in this position is responsible for accounting, analysis, and reporting for Imprest Cash Fund with its main activity being athletic team travel, employee travel, and employee payroll advances. The incumbent also serves as auditor for all purchasing card (p-card) transactions.

Responsibilities of the Temporary Student Payroll and Travel Clerk include:

Auditing and processing business expenses for BSU and NTC to ensure compliance with travel policies and procedures, as defined within multiple bargaining agreements and the State of Minnesota regulations.

• Reviewing travel authorizations, business expense forms, and expense documentation for accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness. Verifying reimbursement requests are in compliance with state travel policies and bargaining agreements of the respective employees.
• Collaborating with employees and supervisors to clarify any reimbursements that do not comply with applicable policies and procedures and resolving discrepancies by obtaining additional documentation as needed.
• Reviewing and processing advance payment requests and ensuring recuperation of the advance funds within specified timelines.
• Collecting pre‑approved spend authorization forms and reviewing for accuracy.
• Entering employee expenses in SEMA4 for payment processing each pay period under the correct employee record number. Settlement is created in Workday.
• Maintaining all posted forms and information regarding travel and business expenses on the university website are accurate and up to date. Informing staff and faculty of new forms and updates as needed.
• Reviewing travel‑related purchasing card charges to ensure that p-card expenses are not submitted as part of business expense reimbursements and reviewing all other p-card charges.

Coordinating student employment with BSU and NTC supervisors to ensure student employee rosters are accurate, and federal and state regulations are enforced.

• Administering and managing the completion of all documentation needed to enter students into the student payroll system. Informing supervisors of all pertinent records needed for various types of student employment, and ensuring compliance is maintained.
• Administrator for all Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) implications and liabilities pertaining to student employment. Retrieving and monitor reports to ensure accurate and prompt billing, contribution collection, and insurance payment. Informing management and supervisors of ACA and/or FLSA issues as they arise.
• Advising supervisors and students on pertinent policies and procedures for all types of student employment.
• Evaluating and keeping up to date on changes to regulations of student employment, recommending and implementing procedures accordingly, and informing all stakeholders of changes made.
• Consulting with stakeholders and gathering feedback to make recommendations for continuous improvement to the student employment process and procedures.
• Advising appropriate stakeholders on budgeting requirements, needs and procedures to ensure adequate funding for student employment.

Entering Payroll Deductions to accurately reflect employee selections and assignments.

• Entering all employee parking and charitable deductions in SEMA4, including refunds or additional charges as appropriate.
• Providing biweekly reports of payroll deduction activity, and producing ad‑hoc reports, for analysis and reconciliation of ledger activity.
• Modifying payroll deductions as requested by employees and terminating deductions upon separation from BSU and/or NTC.
• Coordinating and consulting with Safety and security on parking deductions scheduling, execution, and policies. Creating, reviewing and updating forms as needed.

Administering student payroll to generate paychecks for student employees.

• Managing payroll so that paychecks are generated, accurate records are maintained, and federal and state regulations are enforced.
• Reviewing e‑timesheet data for accuracy and completeness and communicating with supervisors when data is invalid or incomplete.
• Auditing student enrollment records each pay period to verify employment eligibility.
• Preparing student payroll check and direct deposit files and serving as the university contact to resolving all issues related to student payroll with MinnState, banking partners, and students and staff.
• Organizing and managing the retention of student payroll records and student personnel files in accordance with federal, state and Minnesota State guidelines. Ensuring safekeeping and securing document destruction of sensitive personnel files and data in accordance with MinnState policies and state and federal records retention requirements.

Performing other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

• Representing Business Services at employee trainings and various events to inform the campus community of business expenses and travel policies and procedures. Representing Business Services with students and supervisors in providing training and advice.
• Preparing and analyzing internal control documentation pertaining to student employment, business expenses, travel and payroll deductions.
• Other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications for this position include:

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) sufficient to analyze, interpret, and prepare financial information, records, and reports; locate errors; and recommend solutions to procedural or other fiscal problems.
• Customer service sufficient to explain policies and procedures, answer questions, and address complaints of customers, employees, and other individuals verbally or written while maintaining confidentiality.
• Word processing sufficient to create, format, edit, print, and save in Microsoft products (Excel, Word, and Outlook) and office equipment (calculators, etc.).
• Mathematics skills sufficient to calculate, prepare, review and reconcile data and balance accounts, issue bills, invoices, account statements, and other financial statements according to established procedures.
• Ability to design, interpret and explain work procedures and operations and provide advice on fiscal policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of document/records management systems sufficient to store, categorize, maintain and retrieve electronic files.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Associate degree or two‑year certificate in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Knowledge of the Integrated Statewide Records System (ISRS), Statewide Integrated Financial Tools (SWIFT), data warehouse retrieval, or other private or governmental accounting systems sufficient to query, compile and analyze records and reports, and assist with preparation and maintenance of spending plans, financial status reports and budget requests.
• Ability to interpret and explain expense reimbursement, travel and p‑card policies and procedures to faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Self‑motivation and the ability to work independently and meet crucial deadlines.
• Design work procedures and plan, organize and implement work assignments.
• Considerable knowledge of state payroll, personnel, and accounting system.
• Knowledge and ability to interpret state, federal, and Minnesota State guidelines, laws and policies pertaining to student employment, business expense reimbursements, and travel cards.
• Ability to monitor and remain informed regarding changes in U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations, IRS regulations, labor regulations, and bargaining agreements.
• A demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence, equitable opportunities, mutual understanding and respect, and the success of all students and employees.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Mary Miller at [e-mail] or 218‑755‑2084.

About Minnesota State

Minnesota State is making a difference. From the students we serve, to our business partners, to those we employ, chances are good you or someone you know has benefited from the work of your state colleges and universities. It is the core value of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to provide an opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

Other Information

Employment information for this position can be found in its collective bargaining agreement or its plan document at http://mn.gov/mmb/employee-relations/labor-relations/Labor/.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State is an equal opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.