Accounting Specialist at Carleton College in Northfield, MN

Job Title: Accounting Specialist (Part Time 20 hours) – Grade 9

Reports To (Title): Assistant Controller

Department:  Business Office

Division: Vice President & Treasurer

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:

Work closely with the procurement team in the management of new supplier accounts and direct deposit enrollment. Confirm supplier tax and bank account details received are accurate and coordinate supplier account change requests. Manage supplier inquiries about required documentation. Communicate effectively with suppliers, co-workers, other internal departments and management. Process daily supplier purchase orders and supplier contracts.

Assist Accounts Payable with invoice processing to ensure accurate and timely payments. Review supplier invoices and check requests, verifying they match appropriate documentation. Collaborate with business office colleagues to resolve payment issues and inquiries. Support document management for EIB disbursements. Support reconciliation of supplier statements and help to resolve discrepancies. Provide settlement run support, preparing paper checks for mailing as needed. Help resolve ACH/Wire reject notifications.

Review expense reports for disbursement. Understand college policy related to employee expense reimbursements to audit transactions and identify policy exceptions. Ensure necessary documentation has been received, verify expense coding for accuracy, and confirm expenses have been properly authorized.

Assist with monthly journal entries including interdepartmental charges from transportation; bookstore; printing services; mail services; MFP services; Campus Services, as well as other adjusting entries requested by individual departments.   

Provide support for Accounts Payable functions during planned/unplanned leaves, assisting team members as needed. Cross-training requires familiarity with the settlement run process as well as an understanding of supplier invoice and expense report processing. Responsibilities require ability to work independently, with a strong attention to detail and accuracy, awareness of Business Office functions, an inquisitive personality, and an interest in learning.

Additional Job Responsibilities:

Work with dedicated teams to enhance the operations of the Business Office

Provide support to the Assistant Controller with other duties as assigned

Describe Supervision Received and Exercised:

Routine communication with the Assistant Controller is expected ensuring business operations are performed with accuracy and efficiency.

Education/Experience (supported by job duties):

Required:  

Associate Accounting degree or Accounting Certificate

1-3 years’ experience in an accounting department or business office setting

Demonstrated proficiency with Accounts Payable and/or Accounting

Proficient with Microsoft Windows environment including Excel; Word; PowerPoint.

Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)

Strong organizational and time management skills

Other Skills/Abilities:

Ability to work with a wide variety of people

Professional appearance and behavior

Able to prioritize and meet deadlines

Able to multitask

Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy

Ability to research and analyze

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Positive attitude

Physical Requirements:

Must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral work instructions, operations, safety procedures, and hazardous labels. 

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. 

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the hire is complete. We accept only online applications.

Carleton College is an AA/EEO Employer: We are committed to developing our staff to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Founded in 1866, Carleton College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college of roughly 2,000 students located in the historic river town of Northfield, Minnesota. Carleton College occupies more than 1,000 scenic acres of campus, arboretum, over 100 campus buildings, and athletic fields. Located 40 miles south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Carleton offers access to the cultural advantages of a major metropolitan area.