"DGCE Accountant / Accountant II"

DGCE Accountant / Accountant II

Campus Title: DGCE Accountant
State Job Title: Accountant II
Department: Student Accounts
Job Code: H16X11
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Funding: 7107-0029
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME
Job Type: Full-time Permanent
Timeframe: 52 Weeks
Shift: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from the Director of Student Accounts.
Supervision Exercised: Part-time and work study staff assigned to accounting assistance.
Salary: $2,224.42 Bi-Weekly

General Statement of Duties:
The DGCE Accountant II assists with the overall maintenance of the financial and business functions; including, DGCE student accounts, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and DGCE payroll. The Accountant II supports and maintains DGCE accounting records and works closely with Financial Aid and Administration and Finance Departments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:

• Assist with billing process related to student accounts including generating bills.
• Receive and process payments, including waivers, exemptions, and third-party payments.
• Respond to student inquiries related to the student financial accounts via phone, email and in-person traffic to resolve student account problems and facilitate solutions to their concerns and issues.
• Perform daily reconciliation of student account activity by constant monitoring of student balances to identify errors and resolution.
• Explain usage of delayed payment plan option for students in financial need.
• Prepare bank deposits and assist in the daily reconciliation process related to the banking report.
• In partnership with the Director of Student Accounts, analyze past due accounts and perform due diligence collection activity. Prepare and submit accounts for collection agency referral. Serve as office liaison to collection agencies.
• Coordinate student refunds due to overpayment and excess financial aid funds in accordance with federal and state policies.
• Follow up on uncashed third-party refunds to ensure deposit of the Title IV refunds.
• Assist students in setting up refund preferences with the third-party vender (BankMobile) to receive their refunds.
• Assist with the full accounts payable cycle from receipt of invoices to payment:
  • Prepare and monitor purchase order requisitions in Banner.
  • Obtain required vendor information and forms.
  • Complete Authorization to Pay forms upon receipt and/or Contract for Services as required.
• Assist with DGCE payroll; collect contracts, obtain necessary forms, prepare payroll summary and submit to the University's Payroll Office.
• Assist with record keeping and file maintenance following University, federal, and state regulations and policies.
• Ensure compliances with University policies and external regulations to include but not limited to: Payment Card Industry (PCI), Massachusetts state health insurance and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and follow up skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Qualifications Required at Hire:

• Requires detailed analytical skills and a high level of accounting skills and knowledge.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as financial reports, accounts, and ledgers.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of accounting data, to draw conclusions, and to make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations using formulas to solve accounting problems.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
• Ability to deal tactfully with others.
• Ability to be attentive to detail; ability to perform work with high level of accuracy.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.

Qualifications Acquired on Job:

• Thorough knowledge of University rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Familiarity with various University systems and forms.
• Working knowledge of the duties performed by other departments and employees throughout the University.
• Proficiency with the Banner software system.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

• Two years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in accounting or auditing, or any equivalent combination of the experience and the substitutions listed in the state job specifications.

Additional Information:
Salary:
Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may be found on the Department of Higher Education's webpage.
Employee Benefits:
Benefits are an important component of an employee's total compensation package.

• Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately.
• Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.
• Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.
• Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.
• Additional information regarding employee benefits is available on the University's Benefits & Wellness webpage.

Disability Accommodations
Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (413) 572-8809 or visit us in the Horace Mann Building, 1st floor.
Background Check
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.
To apply, visit http://westfield.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=197266