Payment Application Specialist

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 55,952 - 59,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefit program

Retirement plans with employer contrib

Health, dental, and pharmacy plans

Employee transit pass

Job summary

The University of Minnesota Accounts Receivable Services team is seeking a Payment Application Specialist to apply checks and EFT payments to invoices in PeopleSoft AR, research discrepancies, process refunds, and prepare reports. You will collaborate with customers and departments to ensure accurate postings and timely responses.

This hybrid role is located on the Twin Cities campus with in‑office expectations several days per week for metro area staff, occasional travel, and the opportunity to

Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least two years of professional work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years.
• Stellar customer service skills.
• Adherence to daily, weekly, monthly deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize work commitments to meet team goals.
• Ability to break down complex information to effectively solve problems, working with departments and customers to ensure understanding.
• Focus on continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Apply payments (check/lockbox), EFT, and credit card payments to customer accounts in PeopleSoft AR and process refunds as needed.
• Reconcile merchant/bank card payments with activity, research discrepancies, and coordinate with departments and customers.
• Participate in or support financial system improvement projects and ongoing staff development.

Skills

Stellar customer service

Deadline-driven

Prioritize work

Explain complex information

Continuous improvement

Education

BA/BS in related field

Job description

About the Job

Are you energized by the challenge of building strong relationships, and using your skills of persuasion and communication through compelling interactions with customers and University departments? The University of Minnesota Accounts Receivable Services team is seeking a strategic critical thinker to apply complicated payments and research payment issues, working with customers and departments to efficiently post funds correctly for the University. In this critical role, your clear communication skills will be fully utilized, ensuring consistent, impactful results that fuel and advance our mission.

The University of Minnesota's Accounts Receivable Services team seeks a Payment Application Specialist who is responsible for applying check and EFT payments from customers against the relevant invoices within the PeopleSoft Accounts Receivable module. The role is also responsible for resolving payment discrepancies, reconciling accounts, processing customer refund requests, and preparing reports.

Our ideal candidate is a self‑motivated professional – a problem solver, who enjoys researching and collaborating, and has great attention to detail. In this role, you will have an opportunity to learn about the unique products and services offered by the University and be a part of its mission to support world‑class education, groundbreaking research, and community‑engaged outreach.

Work Environment – This hybrid position is based on the Twin Cities campus. For those located in the metro area, a minimum of three days per week in the office is expected. Internal and external applicants located near other UMN system campuses and across the State of Minnesota may also be considered. Occasional travel to the Twin Cities campus may be required for events and all‑staff meetings. Out of state candidates must be willing to relocate to Minnesota at their own expense.

Job Responsibilities

Payment Application (75%)

• Apply cash/check (lockbox), EFT, and credit card payments to non‑sponsored customer accounts.
• Research unidentified payments with customers and departments, apply to customer accounts, and process customer refunds as necessary.
• Research and apply complex on‑account transactions that aren't automatically applied.
• Correspond with the bank to resolve lockbox deposit issues.
• Liaison and coordination with Sponsored Financial Reporting on related customer payments.

Reconciliation and Unit Support (15%)

• Reconciliation of merchant/bank card payments with sales activity, research and resolve discrepancies.
• Reconciling Accounts Receivable to General Ledger, other departmental reconciliations.
• Correspond with customers, departments and/or bank card processors regarding online credit card payment questions or issues.
• Compliance matters, including the annual external audit; internal audit recommendations; and departmental compliance with accounting policies and procedures.
• Special projects as assigned, including participation in or support of financial system improvement projects.

Professional Development (10%)

• Liaison, coordination with, and training of University departments on cash application issues, balance sheet account analysis, financial statement analysis, etc.
• Participate in staff development based on individual needs, including ongoing skills training, DEI development, professional learning, service & scholarly activity, and engagement & well‑being.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least two years of professional work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Stellar customer service skills.
• Adherence to daily, weekly, monthly deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize work commitments to meet team goals.
• Ability to break down complex information to effectively solve problems, working with departments and customers to ensure understanding.
• Focus on continuous improvement.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $55,952 – $59,500; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Ap appointment.

Position Type: Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented Staff.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• University HSA contributions.
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance.
• Employee wellbeing program.
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
• Financial counseling services.
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University of Minnesota is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu