Student Accounts Associate

Position Title

Accounting Associate III – Student Accounts Associate

Montana State University, Department of Student Accounts, FTE 0.75 – 1.0, Classified Hourly. Appointment Term:
Fiscal Year Semester.

Use customer service and accounting skills to assist students and parents with financial obligations. Handles student refunds, university withdrawals, and third‑party sponsor accounts.

• Provide exceptional customer service to students, parents, and the public via telephone, email, and walk‑in inquiries.
• Offer guidance and resolve issues related to fee payment, holds, balances, and university policies.
• Review and process student refunds including Parent PLUS loan refunds.
• Process and finalize student University Withdrawals.
• Maintain accurate student accounts for billing and refunding, placing and monitoring holds.
• Reconcile Banner balances for Third Party billing and research errors.
• Analyze current services and recommend innovations to improve billing clarity.
• Prepare refunds, assist with withdrawal processing, and manage Third Party Sponsor accounts.

• Progressively responsible accounting or bookkeeping experience with detailed financial data.
• Customer service experience interacting via phone, email, or in‑person with diverse constituents.
• Strong organization, prioritization, and deadline‑management skills.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, word processing, and e‑mail software.
• Ability to interpret, explain, and apply policies and procedures.

• Two years of post‑secondary education in accounting or related field plus three years (or part‑time equivalent) of accounting experience, or equivalent education and experience.
• Knowledge and experience using Excel.

• Adapt quickly to changing priorities with a positive attitude.
• Prioritize and organize work independently to deliver accurate assignments on time.
• Show meticulous attention to detail and high accuracy.
• Anticipate and proactively address problems.
• Use data to identify root causes of problems.
• Maintain confidentiality of records.
• Collaborate with external agencies, students, community members, and co‑workers.
• Represent the University professionally in all interactions.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication.
• Apply initiative and independent judgment in problem solving.

Hourly rate: $24.59 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Eligible for benefits.

Physical demands:
Must perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, disability, or any other protected status. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference to veterans, disabled veterans, and eligible relatives of veterans.

Ryan Christensen
406‑994‑1953
ryan.christensen8

• Resume
• Cover Letter