Staff Accountant

Erikson Institute•Chicago, IL

11d

About The Position

The Staff Accountant performs general accounting functions related to accounts receivable, student activities, reconciliations, cash flow, banking transactions, and contract and service revenue. The role collaborates with finance, student bursar, and financial aid staff, and provides financial analysis and performance reports to support organizational management and decision-making. The position also supports student account administration, including processing charges and payments, recording financial aid, billing students, analyzing balances, handling collections, processing Title IV loan funds, and completing annual 1098-T reporting. The Staff Accountant provides direct support to students with account concerns and ensures compliance with Erikson, federal, and state requirements, including Title IV rules, IRS filings, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and FERPA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business.
At least 5 years of experience in accounting and accounts receivable.
Strong knowledge of accounting and GAAP, including the accounting process from data entry through financial statements.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; high proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, is required.
Excellent organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to multitask, follow up effectively with internal staff and external organizations, meet deadlines, and maintain strong attention to detail.
Ability to work discreetly and diplomatically with internal staff and outside vendors.
Outstanding interpersonal and team communication skills, with the ability to foster and maintain relationships with department staff, students, and banking contacts.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or CPA.
Experience with higher education or a nonprofit organization.
Experience with nonprofit accounting software systems, including Financial Edge or Sage Intacct.
Database knowledge and experience using Blackbaud, Sage Intacct, and Core Campus Student software.

Responsibilities

Manage daily cash flow needs by reviewing banking and cash flow reports and processing required bank transfers.
Bill, record, and manage collections of contract and other services revenue.
Review and reconcile pledge and donor activity generated by the Development department.
Provide departments with financial analysis and performance metrics using financial modeling and database management.
Interpret accounting data, prepare reconciliations, analyze reports, and recommend actions.
Design and implement business process improvement initiatives.
Assist with monthly financial close and monthly account reconciliations.
Assist with annual audit schedules.
Provide backup for other Finance Department functions.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
Manage processing of student charges and payments and ensure financial aid is properly recorded in student accounts.
Issue student billing statements, analyze student balances, and complete annual 1098-T reporting.
Analyze the Account Aging Report and implement collection efforts in accordance with Erikson’s collection policies.
Process and reconcile Department of Education Title IV loan funds.
Provide direct support to students regarding account concerns and ensure satisfactory resolution.
Manage the interface with student enrollment, financial aid, and accounting systems, including reconciling data and creating required journal entries.
Comply with Erikson, federal, and state regulations, including Title IV aid and refunds, IRS 1098-T filings, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and FERPA.