Accounting Specialist (34497) Extended

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Director of Clinical Finance & Operations, Office Administrator, and Chair of the School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders and/or designee, perform billing and accounting duties and assist all visitors, students and callers with courtesy and professionalism. This employee supports the School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders and is responsible for providing support to all of the programs within the school.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide clerical accounting support, creating, and maintaining databases, supporting the completion of accreditation and university reports, and processing fiscal activity documents
• Interact professionally and courteously to visitors, faculty, students, and staff within all areas of AHCD including the associated clinics
• Utilize all office machines, Electronic Health Records, Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite, MyNIU, OnBase, Blackboard and other software to complete these duties
• Utilize Electronic Health Record system
• Demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, cooperation, teamwork and good judgment in prioritizing assignments and meeting deadlines
• Making suggestions and appropriately responding to feedback regarding changes to increase efficiency and effectiveness are required
• Provide information to patients relative to payments and insurance, and availability of certain agency funding where appropriate
• Promoting work and learning environments that foster creativity and innovation that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming
• Participate in cross-training for various areas across AHCD and develop skills to the level of competence to be able to fill in for absences and vacancies when needed
• Obtain necessary information from patients
• Collect payments for services rendered, at time of service. Issue receipts for services and any supplies provided through the clinic
• Process shipments, along with receiving and documenting receipt of hearing aids and related supplies
• Data entry and maintenance of accounts payable/accounts receivable and purchase orders
• Processing payments
• Maintain accounting records
• Screen, review, verify, and code transaction documents
• Verify accounting records and correct errors in computations, and balances
• Scan and file paperwork
• Prepare and send out UPS packages daily
• Maintain clean lobby area
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

CREDENTIALS TO BE VERIFIED BY PLACEMENT OFFICER

1. 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 or a closely related field, 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 which could include bookkeeping, office support, or closely related experience.
2. Two (2) years (24 months) work experience which could include bookkeeping, office support, or closely related experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

1. Knowledge above the rudimentary understanding of bookkeeping practices and procedures, and accepted accounting principles.
2. Knowledge of university and departmental policies, rules, and regulations.
3. Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, spreadsheets, managing files and records, and other office procedures.
4. Skill in active listening and critical thinking.
5. Skill in time management.
6. Skill in compilation of complex financial records and the preparation of routine financial reports or statements.
7. Ability to communicate effectively as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
8. Ability to make computations with speed and accuracy.
9. Ability to work independently and exercise judgment.
10. Ability to supervise, set priorities, establish management objectives, and schedule work assignments.

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

• Experience in a medical/clinical office setting
• Bookkeeping experience
• Current knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, as well as relevant laws and regulations
• Ability to apply accounting theory to complex accounting problems
• Bilingual in Spanish and English with the ability to professionally communicate in both languages to provide information to support exceptional clinical care
• Experience in medical billing

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

Additional Requirements (SPS)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

Physical demands/requirements

Refer to the State Universities Civil Service System standards related to performing the tasks of an Accounting Specialist, including but not limited to;

• being able to sit and complete computer tasks for extended periods of time
• ability to do fine motor skills associated with typing and filing
• ability to comprehend, understand, and comprehensively respond to oral and written directions, requests, and questions through oral and written communication in a timely manner

Employee must also comply with program’s immunization policies.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year

1.00

Standard Hours Per Week

37.50

Salary

$30,517.50 to $33,442.50/year

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range

$15.65 to $17.15/hour

Earn Type

Hourly

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

• Additional Position Details:
  • Click on Accounting Specialist for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements.
  • Please click on Human Resource Services – Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University’s benefits package.
  • Applicants must be a current citizen or resident of the State of Illinois to move forward in the hiring process.
  • Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
• Application Review Details:
  • Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position, however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience.
  • If you have education and/or training in excess of what is required, we encourage you to upload your unofficial transcripts.
  • After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this particular position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register.
  • Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from jobs@niu.edu and CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu. Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication.
  • We STRONGLY recommend that contact information used in your online profile be personal use, not professional/work information: personal email address, home address and phone numbers. The information that you provide is used to make contact on search updates, department referrals and interviews, etc. We must be able to relay sensitive and important information in a way that protects your privacy concerning job search activity, now and in the future.
• Exam Details:
  • The Civil Service examination for this classification is a Credentials Assessment, and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant’s/employee’s education, experience and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). In order to determine an appropriate rating for each examination, a review of a résumé, cover letter, university/agency official employment application, college transcript, copies of license/certification and any other relevant material may be required.
  • Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver’s license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
  • If eligible for Veteran’s Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application in order to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination.
  • After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.

Special Instructions

Quick Link to Applicant

https://employment.niu.edu/postings/66535

Is Background Check Required?

Yes

EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu .

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety. Read the Annual Safety and Security Report. Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-1649 for a hard copy.
Read the Fire Safety Report. Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 815-753-0404 for a hard copy.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. List of at least 3 References

Optional Documents

1. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
2. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
3. Transcripts #2 (unofficial with official required at hire)

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered.
   • Yes
   • No
   • Not Applicable
2. * Please rate the level of professional work experience serving as a lead worker and/or directing the day-to-day operations of the unit to which assigned?
   • Work experience not directly related to the job function described
   • Work experience at a minimum level of competency relevant to the job function described, requiring some assistance and guidance.
   • Work experience at a high level of competency relevant to the job function described, performed independently.
3. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response.)
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
4. * Please rate your level of professional work experience developing, recommending, interpreting, and communicating operating policies and procedures.
   • Work experience not directly related to the job function described
   • Work experience at a minimum level of competency relevant to the job function described, requiring some assistance and guidance.
   • Work experience at a high level of competency relevant to the job function described, performed independently.
5. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response.)
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
6. * Please rate your level of professional work experience planning, organizing, assigning, and reviewing staff work.
   • Work experience not directly related to the job function described
   • Work experience at a minimum level of competency relevant to the job function described, requiring some assistance and guidance.
   • Work experience at a high level of competency relevant to the job function described, performed independently.
7. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response.)
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
8. * Please rate your level of professional work experience interviewing, training, and evaluating staff.
   • Work experience not directly related to the job function described
   • Work experience at a minimum level of competency relevant to the job function described, requiring some assistance and guidance.
   • Work experience at a high level of competency relevant to the job function described, performed independently.
9. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response.)
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
10. * Please rate your level of professional work experience establishing, modifying, and/or supervising the maintenance of record storage systems.
    • Work experience not directly related to the job function described
    • Work experience at a minimum level of competency relevant to the job function described, requiring some assistance and guidance.
    • Work experience at a high level of competency relevant to the job function described, performed independently.
11. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)
    
    (Open Ended Question)
    
    
12. * Please rate your level of professional work experience assisting in the development of budgets and budget projections.
    • Work experience not directly related to the job function described
    • Work experience at a minimum level of competency relevant to the job function described, requiring some assistance and guidance.
    • Work experience at a high level of competency relevant to the job function described, performed independently.
13. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)
    
    (Open Ended Question)