Staff Accountant – University Student Accounts Office – Office of the Provost

Job Details

Carnegie Mellon is a global research university with more than 15,000 students, 124,000 alumni, and 5,000 faculty and staff. Recognized for its world‐class arts and technology programs, collaboration across disciplines, and innovative leadership of education in the fields of Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Public Policy & Information Systems, and Science, Carnegie Mellon is consistently ranked among the top 25 universities in the United States.

Carnegie Mellon University’s Student Accounts Office is searching for a Staff Accountant. This is an excellent opportunity if you thrive in an interesting and meaningful work environment. The Student Account’s Office is responsible for processing the university’s largest revenue source, tuition and fees, which totals 47% of the university’s revenue. Thus, this role is crucial to the university, as well as an integral part of the student experience at CMU. The Student Accounts Office processes more than $530 million in payments and more than $42 million in refunds annually. You will contribute to the department by assisting in the planning and processing of fiscal operations, performing accounting activities timely and accurately, and assisting with university compliance and process improvement requirements in accordance with GAAP and Internal Audit guidelines.

The Staff Accountant is responsible for performing accounting activities related to the maintenance of a complete and accurate general ledger, preparing account reconciliations and monthly journal entries, and preparing student data reports for various campus partners. This role also will support the university’s yearly audit procedures by responding to internal and external audit requests for the Financial Reporting team.

Additional responsibilities include managing processes related to student account transactions, including processing student account payments, admission deposits, loans, scholarships, and various other payments received through the Student Accounts Office. You will prepare corresponding deposits, scan and organize supporting documentation, and verify daily interfaces with external vendors, as well as process various other transactions onto students’ accounts. The Staff Accountant also researches student account transactions as necessary, resolves any inaccuracies, and communicates any impacts in a clear and concise manner.

In support of the department’s vision for excellent service, the Staff Accountant manages a shared departmental email account by providing clear and concise responses to students, their families, and campus colleagues. When necessary, the individual in this role will follow‐up in person or on the phone to resolve any outstanding issues or concerns.

Core responsibilities include:

• Accounting Support - Process monthly accounting activities that involve reconciling accounts and posting monthly journal entries. In support of the monthly reconciliation and refunding processes, research various transactions to ensure accuracy, resolve discrepancies, and/or provide additional information, as necessary.
• Transaction Processing - Ensure timely identification and processing of payments, admission deposits, loans, scholarships, and other transactions. Scan all supporting documentation for daily batches and store appropriately as backup support.
• Cash Management Support - Create deposits for all student payments, loans, and scholarships received daily. Audit HUB office transactions and create deposits for daily activity. Oversee and audit cash funds drawer housed within safe in the HUB.
• Reporting - Produce reports for the Student Accounts team to aid in decision making, as well as produce data reports for various other campus partners. Assist in yearly audits by providing data reports and supporting documents.
• Customer Service - Assist students, parents, and campus colleagues with payment and other inquiries, as needed. This includes monitoring, routing, and responding to inquiries received in general departmental email accounts.
• Verification of Vendor Interfaces - Monitor each of the department’s daily vendor interfaces to ensure the successful transfer and processing of all files. Research and resolve any issues in receiving or processing files.
• Strategic Initiatives - Analyze existing processes to identify areas of improvement and implement standard solutions.
• Documentation - Create and maintain documentation on processes and procedures to support and streamline Student Accounts Office processes.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should Demonstrate:

• Excellent verbal and written communication, problem‐solving, flexibility, and organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Attention to detail
• Ability to interact effectively with students, their families, external vendors, and campus colleagues
• Proficiency with standard email, word processing, and spreadsheet tools

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Three to five years of accounting experience, preferably in a higher education environment

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master of Business Administration or other advanced degree in a related field is preferred
• 3‐5 years of direct and progressively responsible experience in a student accounts office preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Google Mail. Working knowledge of a student information system preferred. Working knowledge of Oracle, Tableau, and SQL is preferable

Requirements:

• Successful pre-employment Background check

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location
Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function
Financial Planning, Analysis, Accounting and Reporting

Position Type
Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time
Full time

Pay Basis
Salary