Accountant - Third Party Contracts (Bursar)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Office of the Bursar is seeking an Accountant (Intermediate Professional) to join the Third-Party Contracts International Team. This position is responsible for managing sponsored student billing arrangements, establishing and maintaining sponsor contracts, invoicing third-party organizations, processing and reconciling payments, monitoring accounts receivables, and ensuring compliance with university policies and sponsor agreements. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, collaboration across university departments, and effective communication with students, sponsors, and internal stakeholders. This position requires thorough knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA).

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain international third-party sponsored accounts, contracts, and student eligibility records within the University's student information system.
• Review and evaluate sponsor documentation, including financial guarantees, letters of credit, vouchers, and sponsorship agreements, to ensure accurate student sponsorship setup and billing.
• Create, maintain, and renew sponsor contracts; establish appropriate billing structures and financial coverage based on contractual requirements.
• Generate accurate and timely invoices to international sponsors and ensure student charges, credits, and billing transactions are properly applied and reconciled.
• Process sponsor payments, post transactions to appropriate accounts, and perform reconciliations between student financial records, sponsor accounts, and general ledger balances.
• Monitor accounts receivable, manage outstanding balances, and follow up with sponsors to resolve delinquent or disputed invoices.
• Collaborate with internal partners, including Sponsored Relations, Student Health Insurance, and other university offices, to address billing inquiries, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Maintain detailed contract, payment, and sponsorship records to support reporting, audit requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare reports and financial analyses related to sponsored student programs, sponsor activity, and foreign gift reporting requirements.
• Provide exceptional customer service by responding to inquiries from students, sponsors, faculty, and staff regarding sponsorship agreements, billing processes, account balances, and payment activity.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness within third-party billing operations.

The successful candidate for this position must possess

• Strong accounting, reconciliation, and accounts receivable experience.
• Ability to interpret and apply contractual agreements, financial guarantees, and sponsor requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with financial systems, databases, spreadsheets, and standard office software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a high-volume environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with students, sponsors, and university personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Flywire).
• Experience in higher education financial operations, student receivables, or third-party contract management.

Work Arrangement

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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