Accountant II - Student Accounts

Company Description:

Bristol Community College is an exciting place to work, learn, and grow! Bristol is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment with a rich diversity of beliefs, cultures, languages, abilities, and lifestyles. Committed to enriching its educational experience through a supportive community, Bristol actively encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply and achieve our vision of advancing a vibrant, diverse community through education, learner by learner. If you share a passion for helping students succeed and enjoy working in a community of innovative, inclusive, and collaborative colleagues, Bristol is the place for you!

As a Commonwealth of Massachusetts employer, Bristol offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including health, dental, life, long-term disability, retirement and paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and holiday pay). We also offer tuition waiver discounts at the Commonwealth's public higher education institutions. More information can be found on our Benefits website.

Job Description:

POSITION TITLE: Accountant II - Student Accounts Office
DEPARTMENT: Student Accounts Office/ Administration & Finance
PRIMARY LOCATION: Fall River, MA
REPORTS TO: Bursar
POSITION STATUS: This is a full time, state funded, AFSCME, Unit 1, Grade 16, unit-classified position with benefits.
WORK SCHEDULED: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm, some nights and weekends may be required.
CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION: http://www.mass.edu/shared/documents/classificationspecks/specspers/AccountantSeries.doc
SALARY: $57,834.92 Appointments from outside the bargaining unit begin at Step 1. *

STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Accountant II is responsible for assisting the Student Accounts Office with duties such as, but not limited to, responding to inquiries regarding student account balances, refunds, and other college information; collecting student payments and processing refunds; retrieving information from files and filing documents according to established procedures; working within a fast-paced, team environment; and providing high-quality customer service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Discuss and educate students about their accounts using strong customer service skills.
• Answer student inquiries and questions, referring to appropriate parties for action, when necessary.
• Receive cash, checks, and credit card payments related, but not limited to, tuition and fees, applications, registration and parking fines.
• Input payments into Banner and reconcile cashier drawer.
• Notify and process bills for students with outstanding balances.
• Process student bills to third parties, including grants and workforce development; reconcile third party accounts.
• Works closely with third party companies to process bills and payments for students with an applicable voucher
• Process and enter tuition waivers in Banner for National Guard and state employees.
• Answer emails, phones and voicemails, assist students in person at the counter.
• Receive and deposit funds from grants, clubs, and college events. Prepare and submit journal vouchers.
• Process all financial aid refunds after a financial aid disbursement
• Assist students with Bank Mobile refund preferences; reconcile and record refund reports
• Assist with departmental projects as needed.
• Communicate with students regarding semester bill due dates
• Work closely within a team environment with a common goal in mind.
• Provide backup coverage to other Accountants within the Student Accounts Office.
• Work actively with other areas of the college to ensure a spirit of college-wide collaboration, collegiality, civility, and teamwork.
• Understand and adhere to the values, mission, and vision of the college.
• Adhere to all college and department policies, including FERPA.
• Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Requirements:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in accounting or auditing, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below:

Substitutions:

1. An associate degree with a major in accounting, business administration, or business management may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience. *
2. A bachelor's or higher degree with a major in accounting, business administration, or business management may be substituted for the required experience.

*Education toward such a degree with the prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office software applications, including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Teams.
• Strong and effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate written and verbal instructions in a precise and understandable manner.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting practices and procedures, generally accepted accounting principles, and state and regulatory compliance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Work independently and in a team setting in a muti-tasking, time-sensitive work environment.
  • Maintain accurate records, including excellent proofreading/editing skills related to financial reports.
  • Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
  • Work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student body.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of an Associates degree in business administration, accounting, or related field.
• Minimum of two years' experience in a front-line customer service position.
• Minimum of two years' experience in a cash management position.
• Demonstrated experience with Ellucian Banner software applications, including Banner Student, Accounts Receivable, and Finance modules.
• Ability to speak a language in addition to English.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The employee must meet the physical demands and work environment of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action:

Bristol Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, TitleVII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and college policies. The College prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or sexual violence shall be referred to the College's Title IX & Equity Compliance Officer, Emmanuel Echevarria at diversitytitleix@bristolcc.edu or 774.357.2682; the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination; the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Right.

Application Instructions:

TO APPLY: Please complete our online application by clicking on the "Apply" button. The position will be open until filled. Review of applications will begin 10 calendar days from the posting date.

REQUIREMENTS TO COMPLETE APPLICATION PROCESS:

1) A completed Bristol Community College Employment Application.

2) A current resume/curriculum vitae.

3) A cover letter that demonstrates how your skills and experience meet the desired and required qualifications of the position (not limited in length).

All candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States. Bristol Community College is an institution that does not sponsor work authorization.

A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted for all positions.

The college will independently verify education credentials as provided on the application. For certain positions that require a college degree, the hired candidate must supply official transcripts upon hire. Transcripts must include your name and degrees conferred.