Account Specialist

Ferris State University

United States, Michigan, Big Rapids

1201 South State Street (Show on map)

Sep 05, 2025

Position Title:	Account Specialist
Location:	Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:	34000 - COB Deans Office
Advertised Salary:	$22.97 to $28.86 hourly rate pursuant to FSU & CTA, MEA-NEA Agreement
Benefits:	Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position. Clerical Tech Association (CTA)
FLSA:	Non-Exempt
Temporary/Continuing:	Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time:	Full-Time
Union Group:	Clerical-Technical Association (MEA-NEA)
Term of Position:	12 Month
At Will/Just Cause:	Just Cause
Summary of Position:	The Account Specialist is responsible for independently performing complex accounting duties, including the use of Banner and Concur, preparing requisitions, providing accounting support for grants and contract projects, and overseeing departmental budget activity to ensure compliance with established procedures and policies. Strong communication skills, both oral and written, are essential for effectively working with internal and external constituents. The anticipated start date for this position is September 2025; however, this date is subject to change as needed.
Position Type:	Staff
Required Education:	Bachelor's degree in Business or Accounting, or closely related field, or equivalent combination of appropriate education and work experience. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Equivalency for education is two years of full-time related work experience equals one year of education.
Required Work Experience:	Two years of full-time advanced accounting experience in an office setting or equivalent. Strong computer knowledge, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and web-based transactions. Previous experience using electronic record keeping system. (Two years part-time work experience is equivalent to one-year full-time work experience).
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Physical Demands:	Office Environment Reaching Sitting Twisting Repetitive movement
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:	Higher education work experience. Experience with travel software and Banner.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:	* Perform all duties in compliance with University policies and procedures, as well as applicable state and federal requirements. * Perform advanced bookkeeping and accounting functions, including complex mathematical computations, reconciliations, deposits, budget monitoring, and preparation/posting of transactions. * Prepare, review, and maintain a variety of accounting documents (e.g., purchase orders, payment vouchers, requisitions, and financial/statistical reports). * Process a wide range of financial transactions using Banner, Concur, and other University systems. * Oversee budget activity across departments, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and consistency with University policies and state/federal regulations. * Perform responsibilities outlined in the Account Clerk I, II, and III position descriptions. * Spot-check departmental processes to ensure compliance with policies and procedures. * Assist in developing and implementing departmental procedures consistent with University policies. * Maintain confidentiality of designated information. * Perform a variety of financial transactions using Banner and Concur. * Differentiate between multiple types of funding (general, designated, development, grant, project, scholarship) and manage both base and self-funded budgets. * Administer purchasing card controls and prepare/oversee payment reports. * Provide accounting support for grants, contracts, and work with external agencies as needed. * Serve as the primary resource for office accounting issues, assisting with problem-solving and recommending process or technology enhancements. * Monitor compliance with established purchasing guidelines and administer purchasing card controls. * Collect, organize, and analyze financial data to prepare a variety of detailed reports for decision-making and audits. * Identify and evaluate problems, propose solutions, and recommend process or technology enhancements. * Serve as a liaison between departmental offices, as well as Accounting, Purchasing, and Financial Services. * Independently respond to inquiries from internal and external constituents, interpreting and explaining policies and procedures. * Represent the College by attending meetings as assigned. * Recommend for hire, train, and supervise student employees. * Assist with special projects, reports, and auditors as required. * Cultivate an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically. * Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives. * Any other duties assigned within the position classification area. * Reports directly to assigned supervisor.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Skills and Abilities:	* Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.), spreadsheets, databases, and web-based financial systems. * Strong recordkeeping, balancing, and accounting accuracy. * Ability to input, retrieve, merge, and generate reports from multiple systems. * Skilled in operating office equipment such as computers, calculators, copiers, multi-line telephones, and fax machines. * Strong organizational, analytical, and decision-making abilities; able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. * Effective communication skills, both oral and written, with diverse groups including students, faculty, staff, vendors, and external partners. * Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining accuracy and professionalism. * Experience supervising, training, and supporting staff and student workers. * Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Required Documents:	Cover Letter Resume Transcripts
Optional Documents:
Special Instructions to Applicants:	Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, or a closely related field, if applicable as described in the Required Education section. If you do not have a college transcript, please write a justification explaining how your work experience is equivalent to the required education and attach that justification in lieu of the transcript. Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript (if applicable).
Initial Application Review Date:	September 22, 2025
Open Until Position is Filled?:	Yes
Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement:	Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
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