Accounting Officer – Refund Specialist

Salary: $34,863.07 Annually

Location: Edwardsville, IL

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 00435

Division: Financial Affairs

Department: Bursar

Closing Date: 9/20/2024 11:59 PM Central

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Description

The Student Refund Specialist plays a crucial role in the Office of the Bursar by ensuring the accurate preparation and processing of student refunds, as well as assisting with general accounting tasks. This role demands a detail-oriented and customer-focused individual who can effectively manage financial transactions, interact with various university departments, and provide exceptional service to students and parents.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Student Refund Management:
   • Review and verify the weekly list of eligible refunds for accuracy.
   • Make adjustments to the refund list as necessary and authorize disbursement of cash refunds according to departmental procedures.
   • Act as the primary point of contact for student inquiries concerning refund checks, including preparing paperwork for voiding checks, stop payments, replacements for lost checks, and Accounts Payable Invoice Distribution (APID) forms.
2. Vault and Cash Handling:
   • Perform daily balancing of the vault and prepare cash deposits.
   • Deliver deposits to the Busey Bank branch with the assistance of a Campus Police escort.
3. Travel Advances and Reimbursements:
   • Track and process Travel Advance requests and payments.
   • Prepare APID forms for reimbursing the Bursar Revolving Fund for cash advances and issuance of large-dollar advances to travelers.
4. Customer Service and Communication:
   • Provide excellent customer service by delivering accurate information regarding Bursar’s Office procedures and interacting with customers in a friendly and courteous manner.
   • Assist in answering the main phone line and address student inquiries effectively.
5. Compliance and Monitoring:
   • Follow Title IV Financial Aid rules and regularly monitor uncashed refund checks to ensure funds are processed or returned to the appropriate Federal Aid program.
   • Serve as the primary contact for processing Long Term Loan paperwork and reporting.
   • Review and approve Certifications of Tuition and Fees for students.
6. General Accounting Support:
   • Assist in the general accounting of financial transactions conducted in the Office of the Bursar.
   • Perform related tasks as required to support the office’s financial operations and ensure compliance with university policies and procedures.

Work Schedule: This position is full-time, requiring 37.5 hours per week. The standard work week runs from Monday to Friday, with working hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical Qualifications

1. Minimum Qualifications:
   1. High school diploma or equivalent.
   2. Any one or combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the categories below:
      1. Course work in accounting, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
         • 9 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
      2. Course work in any discipline as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
         • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
         • Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen (18) months
         • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
      3. Work experience in bookkeeping, office support, or closely related experience.
2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
   • Knowledge above the rudimentary understanding of bookkeeping practices and procedures and accepted accounting principles.
   • Knowledge of university and departmental policies, rules, and regulations.
   • Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, spreadsheets, managing files and records, and other office procedures.

Supplemental Information

Civil Service Information: Civil Service Application – FAQs

Application Instructions: How to Apply – Step by Step (Download PDF reader)

Illinois Residency Requirement: Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, candidates must be a current Illinois resident.

Classification: State Universities Civil Service System Classification Number: 3852 – SUCSS Classification Title. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the State Universities Civil Service System website at: https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Veterans: Veterans who qualify for preference must provide proof of eligibility within ten (10) working days of submitting an application. The required proof of eligibility includes, at a minimum, a copy of the veteran’s DD214/DD215 form (Department of Defense), NGB22 form (National Guard), or Discharge Orders or DD256 Discharge Certificate (Reserves). For help in determining the appropriate proof of eligibility to submit, please refer to the Guide for Veteran Document Verification. (Download PDF reader)

Pre-Employment Screening: External candidates receiving a job offer must undergo pre-employment screening, including a criminal background check. For safety sensitive positions, a drug screen will also be required.

Work Authorization Information: This position does not offer work authorization sponsorship. International students at SIUE on F-1 or J-1 visas are not eligible for full-time or part-time civil service positions with permanent status. F-1 and J-1 visa holders must be enrolled full-time and can only apply for temporary part-time roles working 20 hours or less per week during spring and fall semesters, such as student worker positions, assistantships, and civil service extra help roles. SIUE is a state university, and it’s important to highlight that benefits from state-sponsored plans may not be accessible to individuals on F1 or J1 visas.

Accommodation: If you are unable to utilize our online application system and need to request an accommodation, please reach out to us at 618-650-2190 or via email at: careerinfo@siue.edu

Statement of Diversity: SIUE is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce. We firmly believe in providing equal access and opportunity to individuals across all job titles. We will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, national origin, ethnicity, color, religion, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation or veteran’s status.

SIUE cultivates an atmosphere of inclusivity, respect, and warmth that fosters learning and collaboration. Each member of our university community bears the responsibility of actively contributing to this enriching campus environment. We encourage individuals who are dedicated to upholding these values to apply.

To learn more about SIUE’s Mission and statement on diversity, please visit:https://www.siue.edu/about/mission-goals-plans/index.shtml.

We value your interest and look forward to reviewing your application. For questions or more information, please email careerinfo@siue.edu.