Student Finance Assistant (Student Position)

Ferris State University College of Business; Big Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 16,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

Ferris State University invites applications for a Student Finance Assistant position in the Finance Division. The role supports Treasury, Purchasing, Accounting, Budgeting, and Accounts Payable through daily financial processes and internal controls.

The intern develops hands-on experience with institutional financial systems, reports, and cross-departmental coordination while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Finance, Accounting, or Business-related degree program.
• Basic knowledge of GAAP and strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time to meet deadlines.
• Willingness to learn and follow departmental policies and internal controls.
• Confidentiality of sensitive financial information.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily cash management activities, including monitoring bank activity and cash positioning.
• Support bank and general ledger reconciliations by reviewing transactions and organizing documentation.
• Assist with ACH payments, wire transfers, and electronic payment activity.
• Review invoices, purchase requisitions, and supporting documentation for completeness and policy compliance.
• Support vendor onboarding and collection of tax/compliance docs.
• Assist with journal entries under supervision.
• Support month-end and fiscal year-end closing processes and verify data accuracy.
• Maintain accurate financial records in enterprise systems.
• Assist with preparing financial reports, budget summaries, and variance analysis.
• Track budget-to-actual expenditures and maintain documentation.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Written and verbal communication

Time management

Data entry

Confidentiality

Customer service (preferred)

Education

Finance/Accounting/Business degree (enrolled)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job no: 498088

Work type: Student Employment - General

Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307

Categories: Student Employment - General

Position Title: Student Finance Assistant (Student Position)

Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307

Department: Finance

Advertised Salary: $14.00

Summary of Position: The Student Finance Assistant will gain hands-on experience within the Finance Division, supporting operations across Treasury, Purchasing, Accounting, Budgeting, and Accounts Payable. The intern will assist with daily financial processes, internal controls, reporting, and cross-departmental coordination while developing an understanding of institutional financial systems and compliance standards.

Position Type: General Student Employment

• Current enrollment in a Finance, Accounting, or Business-related degree program at Ferris State University.
• Basic knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Analytical thinking with the ability to interpret data and solve problems accurately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Capable of accurate and efficient data entry and retrieval from financial systems.
• Willingness to learn and follow departmental policies, procedures, and internal control standards.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial information.
• Previous office or customer service experience is preferred but not required.
• Availability to work during summer terms is required. Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
• Assist with daily cash management activities, including monitoring bank activity and supporting cash positioning processes.
• Support bank and general ledger reconciliations by reviewing transactions, identifying discrepancies, and organizing supporting documentation.
• Assist with preparation and processing of ACH payments, wire transfers, and other electronic payment activity in accordance with established internal controls.
• Review invoices, purchase requisitions, and supporting documentation for completeness, proper approvals, and policy compliance.
• Support vendor onboarding processes, including collection and maintenance of required tax and compliance documentation.
• Assist with preparation and entry of journal entries under supervision.
• Support month-end and fiscal year-end closing processes by compiling documentation and verifying financial data accuracy.
• Assist in maintaining accurate financial records within enterprise financial systems.
• Support preparation of financial reports, budget summaries, and variance analysis.
• Assist with tracking budget-to-actual expenditures and maintaining organized budget documentation.
• Respond professionally to internal department and external vendor inquiries regarding payment status or financial processes.
• Maintain organized electronic and physical financial records in accordance with record retention guidelines.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and documentation updates related to financial procedures and internal controls.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of financial, vendor, and organizational information.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Finance Division operations.
• Number of Positions Available: 1 Documents Needed to Apply: Resume, Class Schedule Job Close Date: September 7, 2026 EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affir... is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.

Advertised: 10 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 07 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Ferris State University, an Affir... is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.