Senior Accounting Clerk - Student Services

About the Role

Performs general accounting and clerical functions including posting and reconciliation of finance processes, implementation of related policies and procedures, and oversight and coordination of the work activities of student service accounting to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial transactions, with minimal guidance and direction.

Responsibilities

• Reconciles and balances accounts and provides complex problem resolution of student accounts.
• Researches, analyzes, and corrects financial transactions in the finance system and/or other applicable database systems.
• Assists with the implementation of business processes.
• Provides assistance to department staff; trains, guides, prioritizes assignments, and reviews the work of staff.
• Functions as technical resource regarding accounting principles and procedures and the application of federal and state rules and regulations.
• Compiles summary reports with analysis and recommendations.
• Performs production and maintenance of control reports; prepares and utilizes exception reports to resolve issues and interpret data.
• Oversees reporting and transmittal of information to external agencies in area of responsibility.
• Consults with and provides assistance to management regarding policies and procedures related to area of responsibility.
• Assists in researching, developing, and interpreting administrative policies and procedures for district-wide finance processes; develops documentation as required.
• Applies knowledge of multiple federal and state rules and regulations to maintain compliance.
• Assists with year-end closing for area of responsibility; monitors dates and ensures staff awareness and compliance with closing timelines.
• Assists auditors with annual audit.
• Uses computer and various software programs to input, maintain, research, and retrieve information.
• Interprets programming scripts and performs testing of systems to determine reliability of relational databases; searches for anomalies in programs and coordinates edits/changes with appropriate personnel.
• Makes recommendations for improvements to systems and processes.
• Maintains integrity of data through frequent monitoring and adjusting of balances in various forms and tables.
• Communicates technical and confidential student and financial information to college staff, student employees, vendors, and outside entities; responds to and resolves internal and external questions and concerns.
• Performs cashier duties, including processing payments using cash, debit/credit cards, and checks; issues receipts, manages refunds, and balances cash drawers on a daily basis.
• Assists students with payments, payment plans, financial aid status, verification of awards, class schedules, and other student services-related assistance.
• Maintains updated knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures affecting area of responsibility.
• Performs regular accounting functions as assigned in areas such as contracts and grants, payroll operations, financial aid, treasury, receivable and payable, and general accounting.
• Validates and reconciles computer printouts of financial data against source documents; makes computations, verifications, and journal entries.
• Verifies the accuracy of journal entries and account coding to ensure proper relationships throughout the accounting structure; enters and posts journal entries into computerized ledger system.
• Maintains an accurate history of records in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Reviews and processes general accounting, accounts payable, or receivable transactions, including travel or bond expenses that may be contested or complicated.
• Designs, coordinates, and maintains operations specific to the department’s financial functions; may serve as subject matter expert in development of new processes.
• Prepares and submits billings and maintains records on payments related to particular area of responsibility.
• Enters and monitors data related to area of assignment such as scholarships and financial aid, accounts payable or receivable, contract payments, etc.
• Coordinates, monitors, and reconciles accounting processes performed by subcontractors, department clerks, and other college staff.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships and responds to requests for financial information from administrators, auditors, departmental clerks, other accounting staff, contractors, outside agencies, and other entities.
• Performs general office duties including logging materials and data, filing, and other record-keeping functions.
• Compiles and sorts documents, such as invoices and checks, substantiating business transactions; prepares and sends invoices as necessary; receives and verifies invoices.
• Verifies and posts details of business transactions, such as funds received and disbursed, and totals accounts.
• Prepares vouchers, invoices, account statements, reports, spreadsheets, and other records.
• Ensures the security of the College’s funds by keeping monies and financial records recorded, locked, and secure from unauthorized access.
• Promotes a positive image of the College when handling customer/client problems by treating each individual with respect and resolving concerns/complaints professionally.
• Conducts general administrative duties such as answering phones, greeting visitors, assisting employees, and responding to phone calls; assists students via website, email, telephone, and one-on-one.
• Handles sensitive and extensive confidential information.
• Attends the workplace regularly, reports to work punctually, and follows a work schedule to meet the demands of the worksite.
• Completes duties and responsibilities in compliance with college standards, policies, and guidelines.
• Promotes positive morale and teamwork within the functional unit and provides exceptional customer service to students, faculty, and the community.
• Uses interpersonal skills and makes sound judgments to decide how duties and responsibilities are completed among coworkers, the supervisory chain, faculty, staff, students, and customers.
• Completes all required training and professional development sessions sponsored by Texas Southmost College (TSC).
• Supports the values and institutional goals as defined in the College’s Strategic Plan.
• Assists with the process for systematic review and evaluation of the planning unit per the model adopted by the College, including the development and monitoring of outcomes and plans of action for improvement based on the assessment of those outcomes and plans.
• Serves on committees as appropriate and as appointed by supervisor.
• Performs duties and responsibilities within a high-tech all-digital environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to stand.
• Occasionally required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Schedule

Working hours may include evenings, holidays, or weekends depending on deadline requirements and special events.