TBR | The College System of Tennessee

Title: Lead Accounting Associate

Institution: Volunteer State Community College

Job Summary:

Provides customer service support related to functions of the Office of Student Accounts. Including: accounts payable and/or accounts receivable, student refunds, ACH transactions, and disbursing funds for college expenses. Position provides non-supervisory work direction, training, and support to other Accounting Associates within the Office of Student Accounts. Responsibilities may include cashiering duties, cash handling, and communications with the public. Performs other job-related duties related to the area of responsibility.

Job Duties:

Provides non-supervisory work direction, training, and support to other Accounting Associates within the Office of Student Accounts and ensures consistent application of policies and procedures. Reviews the accuracy of financial transactions entered by other staff; provides feedback, and correction guidance. Assists the Bursar in reconciling complex invoices and resolving discrepancies with vendors, departments, and Third-Party Payors. Processes monthly payroll for College on a rotating basis. Reviews discount waiver forms to verify eligibility and compliance with Federal, State, and College rules and regulations. Compiles and prepares appropriate data for accounts receivable billing for third-party and non-student accounts; ensures accuracy of data for billing purposes. Receives, sorts, and processes a variety of invoices and billings for third party and non-student accounts; posts all expenditures and revenues. Reviews and processes student refunds/disbursements in accordance with institutional and TBR policies. Assists other departments/staff by providing student account analysis to determine accuracy. Processes direct deposit transaction files for accounts payable and student refunds; Processes incoming ACH transactions as well as all bank ACH and check returns. Processes incoming payments for third-party and non-student accounts. Monitors, balances, and reconciles various GL accounts. Participates in internal and external audits of the Office of Student Accounts and provides supporting student account documentation for other functional areas to support their audit processes. Preforms system testing for upgrades and application enhancements and documents needed changes or adjustments as needed. Serve as back-up cashier, balancing cash and receipts and preparing daily deposit as needed. Assists with check printing for Accounts Payable as needed. Provides customer service to outside vendors, other college departments, employees, and students. Maintains confidentiality of information and works in accordance with FERPA guidelines on the disclosure of information. Performs a variety of general clerical duties including word processing, maintaining files and records, and processing the mail. Inputs documents into computerized accounting programs and processes computer output. Process computer generated reports as necessary, reviews for accuracy. Assists in preparation of various tax returns including sales tax, 1099 reports and 1098 T statements when needed. Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

High School diploma or equivalent.
Two (2) years of general accounting or bookkeeping experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Associate’s degree.
Five (5) years of general accounting or bookkeeping experience.
One (1) year experience in higher education working directly with a SIS (Student Information System) such as Colleague or Banner.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must demonstrate excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Must be committed to a positive customer service philosophy.
Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Internet.
Knowledge of principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting.
Knowledge of basic clerical, accounting principles and procedures, and basic math and alphabetizing skills.
Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
Ability to use own initiative, prioritize workload, meet deadlines, and must be detail oriented.

Pay Rate: $42,031 - $50,437 annual salary depending on experience

Volunteer State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Insurance:  Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HSA
• Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in Health)
• Educational Assistance:  Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Longevity Pay
• Retirement Options:  State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401K with up to $50/month match, 403b, and 457
• 14 Paid Holidays/Year
• Annual Leave (if applicable)
• Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank
• State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.

Applicants may be subject to a background check.