Accounting Specialist

Overview

The organization is seeking an Accounting Specialist for Shared Service Centers Finance. Day-to-day finance activities in the Shared Service Centers are supported by Accountants and Accounting Specialists. This role works with assigned units, departments, and centers, along with the Shared Service Centers Finance Manager and/or Director, to perform financial business activities with a focus on excellent client service.

This position provides timely, professional financial support, including transaction processing for the units served. The role reports to the Shared Service Centers Finance Manager or the Shared Service Centers Accountant.

Responsibilities

60% – Purchasing and resource management (following University, KUCR, and Endowment guidelines and regulations)

• Process payments and purchase requisitions through university financial systems, determining the appropriate account and funding for payment.
• Develop unit processes to ensure proper funding sources are used and that resources are available for purchases.
• Audit and review procurement card purchases to ensure compliance with University, Endowment, and KUCR accounting systems.
• Manage travel reimbursements: review travel requests to ensure expenditures and reimbursements align with applicable laws and regulations; process payments and reimbursements as appropriate.
• Apply knowledge of university purchasing and bid procedures, contracts, and federal regulations to ensure appropriate purchases.
• Process accounts receivable transactions in the university financial system.
• Work with the Finance Manager to resolve issues related to billing errors, non-receipt of invoices, and discrepancies between statements and records.
• Verify scholarship recipients, process posting forms to Financial Aid and Scholarship, and provide data and reports to the Chair or Director upon request.

30% – Monitoring fiscal operations (for each unit/department/center served)

• Participate in day-to-day fiscal operations to ensure compliance with established University, Endowment, and KUCR accounting principles, policies, and objectives.
• May monitor posted expenses and process cost transfers when needed; ensure expenditures follow University and Endowment processes and procedures.
• Identify discrepancies and escalate to the supervisor and the unit Director/Chair.
• Work with the Finance Manager to inform and assist the Director/Chair with operational needs and related budgetary impact.
• Provide the Director/Chair with financial information to support development of the annual operating budget.
• Provide non-standard reports and statements as requested.
• Gather data and prepare budgetary, statistical, reconciliation, and other requested reports for leadership and the SSC Director and Finance Manager.
• May monitor accounts receivable, revenues, and expenses.
• Escalate questions as appropriate to the SSC Finance Manager and/or the Chair/Director.

10% – Other Shared Service Centers responsibilities

• Coordinate with central finance on interpretation and communication of finance policies, procedures, and programs.
• Review and recommend changes to department and SSC procedures to ensure compliance with policy; prepare and update procedural manuals and related instructional materials.
• Serve as a resource to department staff and faculty to ensure compliance with policy.
• Participate in department meetings and events to maintain knowledge of the department and relationships with faculty and staff.
• Attend regular meetings, training sessions, and professional development workshops/seminars to stay current on policies and procedures relevant to the position responsibilities, as requested and approved by the SSC Finance Manager.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

This position is designated as fully remote, meaning most activities will be performed from an agreed upon off-campus location. Some in-person activities (such as meetings with departments, trainings, and team meetings) will be required on occasion.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalency and four years of relevant experience, or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Computer skills in a PC/Windows environment, including MS Word and MS Excel, as demonstrated by application materials and previous experience.
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail, as demonstrated by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using a financial ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning system), such as Oracle Financials (FITC), Concur, Maximo, Central Square (OneSolution), etc.
• Experience with fund accounting.
• Prior work experience requiring analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Informational writing experience with program and training materials through mediums such as the web, social media, brochures, manuals.
• Experience working both independently and in a team environment.
• Experience managing multiple tasks and assignments in a deadline-driven environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Advertised Salary Range: $42,000

Location

Fully remote (with occasional in-person meetings required).

Due to complex state employment laws, the organization may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, employment cannot be offered to candidates residing in the following states: California, Delaware, Idaho, and Minnesota.

Application Details

A complete application includes:

• Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.

• Resume.

• Contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor).

• Application review begins Monday, November 2nd.

• Apply no later than Sunday, November 1st.

• Anticipated start date: Monday, November 16, 2026