Accountant I - Framingham State University

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Responsible for the overseeing, reviewing and processing of a high volume of invoices and other transactions for timely payment; communicate with University departments and vendors on a daily basis regarding payable processing; research and reconcile any invoice previous balances and credits; data entry of invoice information into the Higher Education Banner administration software; create financial reports using the Argos reporting software; coordinate the scanning of invoices and other documents using the Banner Xtender module. Also, responsible for complex reconciliations of vendor invoices to supporting documentation; analyzing, creating and entering various journal entries for budget, and / or other adjustments; assist in quarterly and fiscal year closing, auditing and budgeting processes; creating financial reports using Microsoft Excel and the Argos reporting software.

View the full Classification Specifications for this position.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

N/A

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Director of Budget and Treasury Services

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Oversee, review and process a high volume of invoices and other transactions for timely payment and to take advantage of vendor discounts.
2. Communicate with and assist departments via email and phone re: the receiving and approval of invoices.
3. Communicate with vendors via email and telephone regarding invoice discrepancies and invoice payments.
4. Research and reconcile any invoice previous balance and credits.
5. Process procurement card and EFT payment transactions.
6. Coordinate the scanning of invoices and other documents using the Banner Extender module and file and organize invoices and other related documents.
7. Process MMARS (the Commonwealth of Massachusetts accounting system) invoices in Banner and MMARS.
8. Assist in maintaining certain information such as utilities charges using Excel spreadsheets.
9. Run and analyze reports on a daily and monthly basis to prepare invoices for payments, to reduce accounts payables and open purchase orders.
10. Create financial reports (vendor history/detail, trial balance, meal plan bill analysis, general ledger transaction detail, etc.) using the Argos reporting software.
11. Back up to other accountants and staff during vacation, personal, sick, and peak times.
12. Review and enter signed off budget entries and journal entries to be approved and finalized.
13. Perform complex reconciliations of vendor invoices to supporting documentation.
14. Perform bank transactions such as cash deposits, petty cash replenishments, and other bank transactions as required at the university's local bank branch.
15. Assist in the writing, revision, improvement, and implementation of all accounts payable, budget request, and other accounting procedures and job aids.
16. Assist in the implementation of new technologies to improve administrative processes; assist in the drafting, revising, improving, documenting, and implementation of policies, procedures, and internal control processes.
17. Review accounting and accounts payable procedures, reports, etc. for accuracy, update, and corrections and for recommending changes or improvements in university accounting procedures or operations.
18. Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
19. Attend trainings as required and assist in all areas of the Business Office as needed
20. Reliable and consistent attendance and punctuality are expected for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Office Setting

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE

1. Knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting including terminology.
2. Knowledge of the methods of general report writing.
3. Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of accounting data, to draw conclusions and to make appropriate recommendations.
4. Ability to read and interpret documents such as financial reports, accounts and ledgers.
5. Ability to understand, apply and explain the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
6. Ability to perform mathematical calculations using formulae to solve accounting problems.
7. Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
8. Ability to gather information by examining records and documents and through questioning individuals.
9. Ability to maintain accurate records.
10. Ability to prepare general and financial reports.
11. Ability to write concisely, to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence.
12. Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
13. Ability to exercise sound judgment.
14. Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
15. Ability to deal tactfully with others.
16. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
17. Ability to work independently.
18. Ability to work in a team setting.
19. Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in accounting or auditing, or (B) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in accounting or auditing, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required (A) experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in accounting, business administration or business management may be substituted for the required (A) experience.*

II. Successfully completed education in accounting or business administration in a recognized business school or school of accounting may be substituted for the required (A) experience on the basis of one year of such education above the high school level or six (6) months of the required (A) experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Ability to think and work independently and in a team setting, to be detail oriented, meet deadlines and willing to learn new computer applications.
2. Excellent analytical, data entry, organizational, and oral and written communication skills.
3. Ability to work effectively and professionally with faculty, staff and vendors.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, benefits-eligible position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) bargaining unit with a title of Accountant I. The bi-weekly pay rate is $1,707.31 (grade 15, step 1).

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Members of underrepresented groups, minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

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