Under the direction of the AR Accounting Manager, the incumbent performs a full range of professional accounting work related to accounts receivable and revenue.  Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent plus 4-5 years accounting experience.

As a representative for Palo Alto University, this position provides a high quality of client service that attracts, retains, and enrolls academically qualified, culturally diverse, and socially conscious populations of students.  This candidate is well-rounded and thrives in a fast paced atmosphere while providing excellent customer service to our students, faculty, service providers and staff.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Process student refunds in accordance with federal and state financial aid regulations and University policies and procedures
• Perform detailed analysis of student accounts to resolve problems associated with incorrect entries, deviations from established procedures, and other inconsistencies Work with AR Accounting Manager to troubleshoot, analyze, and solve Jenzabar issues
• Reconcile general ledger account balances to Jenzabar
• Record and deposit all checks and cash
• Prepare Daily Bank Balance report
• Prepare entries to recognize revenues and expenses related to deferred accounts
• Prepares journal transactions, balances accounts, reconciles errors and takes corrective action.
• Examine financial documents for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established policies and procedures
• Responsible for running quarterly charges in Jenzabar related to student statements and accounts
• Participate in month and year-end processes.
• Review student financial data and prepare students' payment plans
• Process and maintain records of all student payments, cash receipts,  expenses, debts, refunds, credit cards, check/ ACH requests, payment plans, and loans
• Track and maintain records of student receivables both domestic and international; initiate communication with the students and follow-up to clear these receivables; facilitate collection of student debts
• Respond to international staff inquiries regarding student finances
• Understand new regulations affecting student financial aid and how they apply to PAU students
   

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree with a major in accounting, business administration, finance or a closely related field from an accredited college/university or a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• Three years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience
• Preferred: Five years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience in a higher education environment 

 Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Technical Accounting skills: working knowledge of revenue recognition, GAAP and financial accounting, compliance, and audits
• Experience in the development and/or enhancement of policies and procedures that improved the overall operation and effectiveness of the accounting function and service that it provides to the organization.
• Proven ability to complete period end [month and year] journal entries and reconciliations accurately and timely
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, web browsers and integrated financial systems, preferably Jenzabar
• Working knowledge of federal and state financial aid accounting and reporting requirements.
   

Ability to:

• Communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community
• Interpret and follow instructions and policy guidelines
• Interpret federal and state financial aid regulations
• Analyze financial and statistical data and draw conclusions
• Interacting effectively as a member of a team and working collaboratively with other departments
• Prepare clear, accurate student statements and reports
• Understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and principles
• Skills in ensuring financial aid program activities are carried in accordance with established policies and procedures and general accounting standards
• Interpreting federal and state financial aid regulations; 

TO APPLY: In addition to a résumé, please include a cover letter detailing your interest in the position as well as relevant qualifications, and salary requirements.

Please send resume with “AR Senior Accountant” in the subject line to resumes@paloaltou.edu