Accounting Assistant Job at Inside Higher Ed in New York

Job Summary

Position Title: Accounting Assistant
Department: Accounting & Control
Division: Finance and Administration
Full‑Time Position
Work Arrangement: On‑Site (Hamilton, NY)
Salary: $20.00 – $22.00 per hour
Requisition Number: 2025S076Posting
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, business hours.

Responsibilities

• Review and enter accounts payable invoices, including those related to purchase orders and student reimbursements, ensuring accuracy and timely payment.
• Correspond with campus partners and vendors for missing invoices related to purchase orders and monthly billing cycles, providing timely, accurate, and courteous information to vendor inquiries.
• Offer support and answers for a variety of financial questions fielded to the accounting office by monitoring the general office email and phone.
• Return transactions that do not meet appropriate requirements with necessary explanations in a collegial manner.
• Process the weekly check run and prepare required documentation.
• Reconcile abandoned property monthly.
• Serve as the initial point of contact for customer service support for in‑office visitors.
• Replenish office supplies.
• Perform other general administrative duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience with accounts payable, payment cycles, and correspondence with third‑parties.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service experience and ability to interact professionally, prioritize, and coordinate requests with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy while managing multiple deadlines.
• Excellent understanding and use of applications and third‑party systems, including Excel and Gmail.
• Solid judgment and strong communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive information, maintaining the strictest confidentiality.
• Understanding of workflow processes and how each step impacts other steps, the end product, the department’s goals, and university goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of hands‑on accounting experience.
• Three or more years of administrative experience.
• Previous experience in an academic setting desired.

Education

An Associate’s degree in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Finance or a similar field, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable skills are obtained is required.

Benefits

Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. Unique perks include free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities.

EEO Statement

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.