Ottawa University

Staff Position Description

Position Title: Accounting Associate
Unit and Location: APS; Greater Kansas City
Reports to: Administrative Manager

Job Summary

Service position primarily responsible for support to accounts receivable, student accounts and business operations for the campus. Position works with and takes guidance from the administrative manager as well as the APS Director of Business Operations. Routinely interacts with staff, faculty, students, as well as individuals external to the University environment seeking assistance. Requires independent judgment and attention to detail.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the maintenance and updates to unit student accounts. Assures that student accounts are financially cleared consistent with established policies. Provides timely follow up and communicates past due account information to the student. Works in cooperation with the University Business Operations department concerning past due and inactive accounts. Regularly monitors control of accounts receivables including processing course drops, withdrawals and the application of holds for students.

• Primary service contact for students concerning student account balances.  Answers questions and assists students, by phone and in person, concerning the processing payments to student account balance.  Provides a courteous and efficient service to students.  Assures the integrity of student account information and informs the Administrative Manager and Director of Business Operations concerning any irregularities or concerns.

• Responsible for general processing of accounting related duties, including any or all of the following, as required by unit procedures: accounts payable, daily posting of payments to student accounts, invoicing for third party payments, creating special statements, and processing student receipts. Additional responsibilities include generation and distribution of Student Data Sheets, running pre-billing, posting charges, enter various/required journal entries including month and year end, and the timely filing of paperwork.

• Provide financial reporting to the Administrative Manager and Campus Executive Officer through established reports and processes to assist in the overall financial management of campus fiscal operations.

• Coordinate processes for the rental of rooms on campus. Responsible for reserving rooms, creating signs and synchronizing with other staff members as needed. Arrange staff support for rental coverage for reserved times and coordinate with managers as needed. Generate invoices and process payments for room rental business. Follow up with active external groups and maintain good customer relations for potential, new, current, and repeat customers related to room rental.

• Provide support to campus operations by monitoring, ordering and stocking office supplies. Maintain positive vendor relationships.

• Coordinate with Administrative Manager to generate adjunct contracts and submit adjunct payroll. Works in cooperation with the University Human Resources/Payroll office as required.

• Provide general support to campus operations as needed. Assists in covering the receptionist desk during lunches and through out the day as needed. Performs other various tasks as assigned by Administrative Manager.

• Works in Conjunction with the Human Resources Administrator to ensure Adjunct new hire paperwork is properly completed and forwarded to the University Human Resources Office. Properly maintain original adjunct files and ensure accuracy of file contents including transcripts/credential maintenance as well as payroll records. Maintains job board by posting and removing all University positions. Collects timesheets and forwards to the payroll each pay period.

• Understand the University's policies and procedures and exercise judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is handled in a confidential and ethical manner.

• Provide leadership to those with whom you work through your conduct, attitude and professionalism. Represent the University to students, faculty, staff, and external groups in a way that reflects well on OU.

Qualifications

Education: BA preferred; Associates Degree in business or equivalent required.
Work Experience: 5 or more years of related office experience.
Required Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office software and ability to learn computer applications.

• Work independently, with limited supervision; work cooperatively in a team environment

• Accuracy, organization and attention to detail.

• Strong Customer Service Orientation, work ethic, and decision making skills.

Interested individuals please send a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references to: Ottawa University, 4370 West 109^{th Street}, Suite 200, Overland Park, KS 66211, Attention: Jeri Riley; or e-mail to jeri.riley@ottawea.edu.

Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in the recruitment of applicants, employment opportunities, or general employment practices on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.