To be considered for this position, interested applicants must apply online to Shepherd University's career portal - https://jobs-shepherd.peopleadmin.com/postings/18705
Established in 1871, Shepherd University is a premier public university, grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, offering a wide spectrum of academic programs to students in West Virginia, across the country, and around the globe. Thanks to our convenient location and affordable pricing, Shepherd is considered a second home to many residents of West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.
Shepherd University seeks an Accounting Assistant to join our team! Customer service is of the utmost importance. The position must be able to professionally communicate in a high volume customer service environment with a wide variety of customers, ranging from students, parents, vendors, businesses, universities and West Virginia State offices. The employee is also responsible for the monitoring and controlling systems necessary to provide the financial data required for accurately recording student receipts and inter-departmental deposits in the University accounting systems. The employee will enter data into the WV State Auditors accounting system and be the contact for correspondence with the WV State Treasures Office.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree in business, accounting, finance, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of one (1) year of customer service experience in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
- Experience handling professional communication with diverse customer groups, including students, parents, vendors, businesses, and government agencies.
- Basic knowledge of accounting, cash handling, financial recordkeeping, or related financial processes.
- Experience entering, maintaining, and verifying data in computerized financial or accounting systems.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately process financial transactions and deposits.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial and student information.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with university departments, state agencies, and external stakeholders.
- Ability to learn and apply State of West Virginia financial procedures, accounting systems, and reporting requirements.
Equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered as meeting the minimum qualifications, at the direction of the hiring supervisor.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Experience working in higher education, banking, cashiering, or a governmental accounting environment.
- Experience with state accounting systems, ERP systems, or student financial systems.
- Experience reconciling accounts, processing receipts, and preparing financial reports.
Job Duties:
Responsible for the daily receipt of student payments as well as all departmental deposits and posting to the University accounting system and the State’s accounting system. Acts as a liaison for all day-to-day issues concerning student payments and departmental deposits. Daily processing includes but is not limited to the following: Posting student payment by cash, check, and credit card, adjustments private loans, scholarship checks, tuition deposits; Collecting and analyzing student account information Reviewing and analyzing student account information system reports to determine which accounts should receive refunds; Reviewing and analyzing student information and loan system reports to determine which accounts should have holds posted or lifted; Processing daily deposit of student accounts an inter-departmental revenue and preparing manifest for delivery to local bank account; entering documents into the WV State Auditors Office accounting system and updating Daily Cashbook; Responsible for receiving notification of NSF checks/EACH payments from the WV State Treasures’ Office. Processing NSF payments, posting NSF to student account, including the placement of holds if necessary; Responsible for making sure refund checks are processed through the third party vendor. Work with vendor when payments reject, stale date or student has concern with third party vendor; Responsible for reconciling EGOV payments on a daily basis. Working with the WVSTO on any discrepancies.
Serves students and parents by assisting in all levels of customer service either in person or through a communication device (i.e. telephone, answering machine, fax machine, e-mail, etc.). These activities include, but are not limited to the following: Collecting receipts; Disbursing funds; Analyzing student accounts Assisting with problems Providing guidance Recommending payment options. Interaction occurs in a high volume customer service environment and the subject matter can sometimes be sensitive or confidential. Customer confidence must be maintained in order to protect operations and keep all information confidential.
Responsible for and manage the following processes, but is not limited to the following; Review and analyze the zero balance report, release student holds when necessary ; Release all enrollment and damage deposits as requested by other student service areas; Manages and maintains the Nursery School billing system. Posting payments, invoicing, posts all private scholarships, Notifies Financial Aid for proper account posting and scans all scholarship checks into the database; Invoices for cash advance request, verifies cash advance deposit and assures checks are printed for disbursement to the athletic department; Manages the Study Abroad payment program, verifying payments, insurance and notifies trip coordinator of any discrepancies in payment.
Other duties as assigned by the Director of Business Office.
Appointment to this position will be contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
We believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. Shepherd University offers generous employee benefits, including:
o 13 paid holidays
o 15 days annual leave (vacation) per year
o 18 sick days per year and the flexibility to use that time to care for immediate family members
o Wide range of health insurance and other benefits
o 401(a) retirement savings with 6% contribution match; eligibility to continue health insurance post-retirement, and other retiree perks
o Tuition waivers for employees and their dependents
Pay: From $17.95 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
