Finance Support Specialist

James Madison University • Harrisonburg, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The University Business Office (UBO) at James Madison University is accepting applications for a Finance Support Specialist. The University Business Office is responsible for processing and reconciling financial activity related to student accounts and university receivables. The office works closely with campus partners to support accurate financial reporting, audit compliance, and high-quality customer service for students, families, and university departments. At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of accounting principles, fiscal operations, and internal control practices.
• Demonstrated ability to reconcile financial records, analyze discrepancies, and assemble fiscal transactions for reporting and audit purposes.
• Practical experience using Microsoft 365 in a professional environment, with strong proficiency in Excel and Word for reconciliations, reporting, and documentation.
• Experience delivering effective customer service and communicating clearly with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and execute detailed financial work accurately.
• Experience collaborating as part of a team to support operational needs and ensure compliance with university and state standards.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, apply policies and procedures, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a higher education or public-sector financial environment.
• Familiarity with university financial systems and corporate accounts receivable processes.
• Experience supporting audit preparation or responding to audit requests.

Responsibilities

• Performs monthly reconciliation of multiple general ledger departments/accounts, ensuring balances are accurate, discrepancies are researched, and corrections are coordinated with appropriate staff or departments by established deadlines.
• Works closely with the University Business Office management team to ensure compliance with all audit and internal control requirements, including daily review of financial transactions and supporting documentation.
• Reviews daily financial activity prepared by UBO staff for accuracy and completeness and performs or oversees uploads of financial data into the university’s finance system.
• Responds to audit requests and inquiries in a timely, accurate, and professional manner.
• Maintains Corporate Accounts Receivable processes, including managing the corporate customer database and creating or updating customer records associated with invoices.
• Tracks and updates corporate accounts receivable activity, including issued invoices, recorded payments, and adjustments provided by invoicing departments.
• Prepares and distributes accurate monthly accounts receivable reports to campus departments.
• Provides operational support for cashiering functions, including assisting cashiers with in-person customer service and processing student and departmental transactions as needed.
• Scans and indexes financial forms into the university’s electronic document retention system in accordance with retention standards.
• Assists with bank runs and other operational tasks as needed to support daily business office functions.
• Adheres to Finance Division ethics standards and established internal controls, and contributes to a positive, professional, and service-oriented workplace environment.

Benefits

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees