Accounting Technician

The primary purpose of this position is to maintain, oversee and report returned student refund payments based on Federal, State and University policies and guidelines, as well as serving as the initial point of contact for face-to-face, telephone and email inquiries of the Student Accounting Office. The Accounting Technician analyzes student accounts in the Banner Student module and the Banner Finance Accounts Payable module for discrepancies, and assists the Director of Student Accounting with adjustments related to withdrawals, drops & processing errors to support the financial reporting efforts of the department.

This position utilizes a thorough general ledger accounting knowledge, interprets Federal Financial Aid guidelines & State of North Carolina policies, and is responsible for properly relaying information regarding policy and procedures related to third party vendors & veterans to internal & external customers. This includes a thorough understanding of the various provisions of all 3rd party vendor accounts to include Chapters 31, 33, 35, 1606 and 1607, as well as AmeriCorps, NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Veteran Readiness and Employment, and College Savings 529 Plans.

Additionally, the Accounting Technician reviews incoming wires for assignment to appropriate general ledger accounts as it relates to 3rd party vendor and student wire payments, as well as reconciling differences in payment postings and analyzing accounts for potential corrections. This position is also responsible for reconciling escheatments and for the return of federal financial aid funds related to uncashed refund checks.

Additional specific responsibilities of the Accounting Technician include, but are not limited to:

Job Duties:
Filing and Organization – Maintain electronic and hard copy filing systems for the Student Accounting Office. This includes maintaining the filing of all affidavits received by the Student Accounting Office for escheated accounts and student refund checks, as well as scanning & indexing records into Xtender related to returned refund checks, departmental adjustments, wire payments, journal entries and direct payment forms. The Accounting Technician is directly responsible for all records, both current and archived.

Adjustments to student accounts – The Accounting Technician supports the Director of Student Accounting in processing necessary adjustments to student accounts. Additionally, this position is responsible for the review of student withdrawal records and for applying adjustments as appropriate.

Account Review and Reconciliation – Review and reconcile ledger accounts for the escheat account as well as the return of federal funds related to refund checks that have not been cashed.

Customer Service – Serve as the initial point of contact for the Student Accounting Office for both students and parents. The Accounting Technician is responsible for responding to all communication received via the departmental phone line or email box, and will also assist face-to-face traffic with 3rd party and VA questions. Additionally, the Accounting Technician cross-trains to serve as the backup for the 3rd Party Reconciliation Accountant during absences and serves as the representative for the Student Accounting Office at Orientation events.

Refund Returns Management – This responsibility includes:

Additionally, the Accounting Technician assists with the monthly reconciliation of the Banner Finance ledger account for unposted refunds and is responsible for following-up on the status of all unclaimed returned refund checks, and for analyzing accounts based on origination of the credit balance that created the refund (assessing a Title IV or escheat return as needed).

Other duties as assigned.