Accountant I - Student Accounts

University of the West•Rosemead, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the CFO, this position is responsible for the administration and execution of student accounts and university-wide accounts receivable functions, including student billing, payment processing, financial aid and scholarship disbursements, collections, bank deposits, account reconciliations, auxiliary enterprise revenue accounting, financial reporting, month-end and year-end close activities, and compliance-related reporting and filling. This position provides customer service to students, faculty, staff, vendors, donors, auditors, and external agencies while ensuring compliance with applicable institutional policies and federal, state, and local regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
Minimum of three (3) years of responsible accounting, accounts receivable, or student accounting experience.
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Experience using accounting and financial management systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines while maintaining quality standards.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education accounting, student accounts, or financial aid operations.
Experience supporting annual financial statement audits.
Experience with QuickBooks, ERP or student information systems.
Experience with federal financial aid regulations and compliance reporting.

Responsibilities

Administer student billing, tuition and fee assessment, payment plans, scholarships, financial aid disbursements, refunds, and related student account activities.
Process student payments, deposits, refunds, and disbursements accurately and timely.
Receive, record, and reconcile incoming payments, including checks, electronic payments, wire transfers, donations, and other receipts.
Maintain and reconcile account receivable records and ensure accurate application of payments and account transactions.
Monitor overdue accounts and coordinate collection efforts in accordance with institutional policies and applicable regulations.
Serve as a liaison with external collection agencies regarding delinquent accounts and collection matters.
Process scholarship, stipend, refund, financial aid, and third-party funding disbursements in coordination with the Financial Aid Office and applicable program requirements.
Prepare IRS Form 1098-T and support tax reporting requirements, including applicable reporting related to international students.
Establish and maintain approved student payment plans and communicate account status information to students as appropriate.
Reconcile deferred and unearned revenue accounts and ensure proper revenue recognition in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
Record and reconcile revenues related to continuing education, auxiliary operations, housing, food services, bookstore, library, and other university enterprises.
Prepare and reconcile bank deposits and related account activity.
Review, analyze, and process accounting transactions using established policies, procedures, and accounting standards.
Assist with monthly and annual financial close processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
Provide responsive customer service and resolve account-related inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
Collaborate with departments including Financial Aid, Registrar, Residential Life, Student Services, and academic programs to ensure the accuracy and completeness of student account and revenue information.
Assist with monthly and annual financial close activities, account analysis, reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reporting.
Support the annual audit process by preparing schedules, documentation, and responding to audit inquiries.
Reconcile off-site housing, credit card, benefits, and other assigned accounts.
Assist with budget planning and analysis related to student accounts and revenue activities.
Prepare financial analysis, reconciliations and reports as assigned.
Provide backup support for other accounting functions and personnel, as assigned.
Participate in special projects and perform other accounting and finance-related duties as assigned by the CFO.
Perform other job-related duties consistent with the nature, level, and responsibilities of the position and the operational needs of the University.