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SalaryColumbia Southern University
Job Description
Job Title: Accounting Specialist I
Department: Student Accounts
Reports to: Supervisor
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM (extended hours when requested)
Location: Hybrid / Orange Beach, AL.
Department: Student Accounts
Reports to: Supervisor
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM (extended hours when requested)
Location: Hybrid / Orange Beach, AL.
Compensation: $16.00 hourly
Job Summary
Maintain student accounting records and extends customer service internally and externally.
Essential Job Tasks Additional duties may be assigned.
Correspond with students via phone/e-mail to communicate requested information regarding account balance.
- Document student record with complete contact note/follow up need to provide proper information.
- Communicate accurate information regarding student accounts, externally and internally, by researching student record thoroughly to provide excellent customer service.
- Assist with return mail for correct mailing information by contacting the student to complete the refund/correspondence.
- Collect personal and confidential documents for student records by scanning information to record for future reference/research for the student’s account.
- Update information per student request by researching and processing request to ensure accurate information on account.
- Assist in stop payment request procedure for student by taking information via phone/e-mail and relaying to proper representative to ensure timely refund or to avoid fraud.
- Take phone enrollment for a student by completing the process in Omega to assist the student with their need.
- Be available to assist with phone rotation and chat, externally and internally, to provide excellent customer service.
- Verify account documents and mail correspondence for accuracy by proof reading documents to ensure proper dates and amount.
- Ensure proper account balance for students by processing daily payments, invoices and receipts to provide accurate account detail.
- Provide department backup to accounting processors by being available during time of vacation or absences to assist students and ensure proper flow of department.
- Assist with special projects of the department by providing knowledge/skill to complete the project efficiently and with accuracy.
- Be proactive in resolving problems and questions for students by researching thoroughly, but mindful that more complex issues need to go to a higher level, to ensure correct information is relayed to the student.
- Promotes, maintains and enhances workplace culture within the department and university.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Academic Processes - Knowledge of university guidelines, course descriptions, and academic terminology.
- Clerical - Knowledge of office administrative procedures including word processing, managing files and records, typing, and other office procedures.
- Computer - Knowledge of basic computer processes including word processing, web browsing, and Microsoft Office including Basic Microsoft Excel.
- Mathematics - Knowledge of basic mathematics.
Skills
- Critical Thinking - Uses logic and reasoning to look at different types of information in order to make conclusions and work through problems.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Research - Locates key facts and information in order to learn more about different types of information.
- Interpersonal Skills - Communicates and interacts with people effectively while being aware of social perceptions.
- Time Management - Manages one’s own time to accomplish assigned tasks.
- Attention to Detail - Thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task ensuring all aspects are reviewed.
- Teaming - Balances team and individual responsibilities. Contributes to building a team spirit, build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
- Technical - Continuously strives to build knowledge and skills and shares expertise with others.
Abilities
- Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Selective Attention (Vigilance) - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
- Reasoning Ability - The ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Education & Experience
- High School Diploma or general education degree (GED).
- A minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of experience with accounting procedures and terminology, and/or university knowledge with experience in relevant internal software.
Equipment Used
- Office equipment including computers, telephones, printers,
- Software use include Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Blackboard, and internal database software.
- Secure and reliable internet is required for this position.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The position is hybrid and when working remotely the employee should have a designated workspace free from distractions and noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
When on campus, the work environment would be within a climate-controlled office setting mostly sedentary with frequent sitting, occasional walking and lifting, and frequent near vision use for reading and computer use. The noise level is generally moderate.
Supervisory Responsibilities
There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.
