Accountant I

The Bursar serves as the primary financial officer for the Adult Education department. You aren't just a "numbers person"—you are the bridge between our students’ educational goals and the fiscal health of our programs. You will oversee all student accounts, tuition billing, collection processes, and financial aid disbursements, ensuring a seamless experience for adult learners navigating the costs of continuing education. Adult learners often face significant financial hurdles to bettering their careers. As the Bursar, your efficiency and clarity directly impact their ability to stay enrolled and succeed. You are the guardian of the program's resources and a key partner in our students' professional journeys. Seeking candidates with proficiency in financial management software, advanced Excel skills, and ability to explain complex financial policies to a diverse population of adult learners. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting is preferred.Key Responsibilites:• Student Account Management: Lead the billing process for all adult education courses, including vocational training, literacy programs, and enrichment classes.• Revenue Collection: Manage the intake of tuition, fees, and grants. This includes processing credit card payments, checks, and coordinating with third-party payers (e.g., CNY Works, ACCES-VR).• Financial Aid Coordination: Work closely with the Financial Aid office to ensure Title IV funds and other scholarships are accurately applied to student accounts and that refunds are processed according to federal regulations.• Reporting & Compliance: Maintain meticulous records for audit purposes. You will prepare monthly financial reports, reconcile accounts with the Business Office, and ensure compliance with NYS Education Department regulations.• Customer Service: Act as the primary point of contact for students regarding billing disputes, payment plans, and account balances. We need someone who can deliver firm news with a supportive, professional touch.Qualifications: Promotion: Two (2) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Account Clerk III.  Open-Competitive: Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a baccalaureate degree in accounting or a baccalaureate degree including or supplemented by 24 semester credit hours, or its equivalent, in accounting. OR Four (4) years of accounting, financial auditing, or full charge bookkeeping experience, or its part time equivalent, which is defined as experience which must have involved the accumulation of financial and statistical data into general and subsidiary ledgers and journals and the compilation of this material into financial reports and studies. OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.This is a competitive class civil service position. Candidates must be reachable on the existing eligibility list. If there is no mandated eligible list, candidates will be considered for provisional appointment. Continued employment will be contingent on successfully passing the required examination and being reachable on the Accountant I eligibility list.