Account Services Specialist

Department: Accounting
Reports to: Director, Account Services
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
 
The anticipated salary for this position starts at $46,600. The final pay will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry, with a strong emphasis on maintaining internal equity.
 
Who we are and what we’re about:
KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas.  We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.

As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity.  You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends.  This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university.  We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits.

People are engaged. Purpose is ignited.  Lives are changed.
 
What we are looking for:
Primary contact to communicate with University personnel regarding the use of KU Endowment funds and the accounting system. Works as a liaison between KU Endowment’s Accounting department and University departments. Makes frequent decisions in accordance with KU Endowment policies and procedures, including pertinent tax laws.
 
The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – collaboration, curiosity, empowerment, and excellence – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities.  
 
What’s a typical day look like?

• Responds to questions and concerns from University and KU Endowment personnel with respect to the status of their funds and related transactions, and initiates follow-up where required.
• Reviews incoming check requests for completeness and compliance with tax laws and association policies. Communicates problems to University departments either by phone or mail.
• Ensures that travel advances and reimbursements have been accounted for within 90 days.
• Ensures that those disbursements which may be W-2 reportable are communicated to the applicable payroll office for the University or related entity.
• Assists in developing course material for training sessions for University personnel. May be required to present material at these training sessions.
• Assist users in the navigation and the use of KU Endowment’s web-based accounting system.
• Suggests changes and updates for The KU Endowment Fund Administration and Use Handbook.
• Coordinates stop payments and the reissue of checks, as needed, with appropriate Accounting staff.
• Answers vendor inquiries regarding payments received.
• Recommends improvements in communication procedures and assists in implementation of approved changes.
• On a regular basis performs duties not assigned to other clerical positions. Types some correspondence and reports. Works on special projects and performs other duties as directed or required.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Requires graduation from High School or equivalent.
• Must be proficient in keyboarding and 10-key calculations, including the use of Microsoft Office.
• Requires four to five years’ experience in an accounting environment and customer service experience.
• Accounting course work may be substituted for the required accounting experience.

• Excellent communication and writing skills required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with KU Endowment personnel, to communicate with University Departments creating a highly positive impression in doing so.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in making decisions with only general administrative supervision.
• Knowledge of IRS accountable plan rules recommended.
• Basic understanding of tax reporting for independent contractors, nonresident aliens and other reportable income.
• Considerable organizational ability to ensure timely completion of assigned duties.
• Attention to detail and ability to multi-task essential for this position.

• A valid driver’s license.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple locations for training, donor meetings, networking, events and/or work-related activities.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to directions and safety hazards.

• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as computers, keyboards and a mouse, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• The person in this position frequently communicates with donors, colleagues, students, and general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as light-up to 20 pounds.
• Travel requirements are rarely and can include the following, evenings, weekends, and out of town overnights as a regular part of the job.

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance
• KU education assistance
• Free parking