Chief Accountant

Position DescriptionPerforms highly responsible accounting functions according to established procedures, requiring knowledge of complex accounting systems; responsible for assembly and analysis of data; works under general supervision with latitude for technical judgment. May supervise subordinate employees.About the UniversityFounded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas — hard work, grit and authenticity — the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.About the Department and/or CollegeCash and Credit Management Services | Cash and Credit Management Services | TTUMajor/Essential FunctionsFinancial Reconciliation and Transaction Research Performs complex accounting and reconciliation activities for assigned University bank, clearing, and financial accounts. Researches banking, payment, eCommerce, and enterprise financial system transactions to identify and resolve discrepancies and outstanding items.Prepares and processes journal vouchers, correcting entries, and other financial transactions necessary to maintain accurate and balanced financial records. Reviews and resolves banking and payment exceptions and performs related financial control activities to support the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of University financial information.Merchant and Payment Operations Supports University merchant and payment acceptance operations, including the establishment, modification, maintenance, and closure of merchant accounts and payment channels. Coordinates required departmental approvals and works with internal departments, financial institutions, payment processors, and technology providers as necessary.Maintains accurate merchant records and assists with the setup and administration of merchants within University payment and eCommerce systems. Provides guidance and support to departments regarding merchant accounts, payment processing, and related operational requirements.Payment Card Compliance Assists with the University's ongoing compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) and related payment security requirements. Supports annual compliance activities, merchant documentation, departmental reviews, and other activities designed to maintain secure and compliant payment environments.Works with University departments and other stakeholders to identify and address compliance requirements and support appropriate controls over payment card processing.Payment Equipment Administration Coordinates the lifecycle management of payment acceptance equipment, including procurement, configuration, deployment, inventory management, maintenance, replacement, and secure decommissioning.Works with internal departments, payment processors, technology providers, and other stakeholders to ensure equipment is properly established and maintained. Reviews equipment and related services to identify inactive or unnecessary resources, recover equipment, reduce avoidable expenses, and ensure appropriate security procedures are followed when equipment is removed from service.Departmental Support and Cross-Training Provides backup support for other departmental accounting, banking, merchant services, and payment-related functions as needed. Maintains sufficient cross-training to perform multiple departmental responsibilities and assist with continuity of operations during staff absences or periods of increased workload.May assist with payment disputes, user and account maintenance, financial transaction processing, banking activities, file approvals, and other departmental operational responsibilities.Other Duties Performs special projects, financial analyses, process improvement initiatives, and other duties as assigned by management.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of complex financial systems and institutional tools, particularly Banner, FiTS, TechBuy, Cognos, and related financial and reporting platforms, with the ability to learn and effectively use complex financial, banking, and enterprise information systems.Knowledge of Texas Tech University policies and procedures, applicable state requirements, records retention requirements, and appropriate handling of confidential financial and student information.Advanced knowledge in Excel and Microsoft Office applications, including organizing and analyzing large data sets, reconciling accounts, developing reports, and effectively communicating financial findings.Skill in performing complex financial and transactional reconciliations and analyzing data from multiple sources to research, identify, and resolve discrepancies.Ability to prepare accurate journal entries, correcting entries, account reconciliations, and supporting financial documentation.Ability to exercise independent judgment, maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, prioritize multiple responsibilities, and meet established deadlines in a fast-paced higher-education environment.Ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities while maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and quality of work.Ability to communicate complex financial or technical information effectively, both verbally and in writing, and work collaboratively with internal departments and external business partners.Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive financial and student information in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and requirements.Ability to adapt effectively to changing technologies, processes, systems, and departmental responsibilities.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in a finance field required plus four years experience, preferably in a college or university environment.Preferred QualificationsKnowledge of PCI DSS or other payment security and compliance requirements; PCI-related training or certification, such as PCIP, is desirable.Experience with banking platforms, payment processors, payment gateways, point-of-sale equipment, or other payment technologies.Experience researching and reconciling transactions across multiple systems, including banking, payment processing, eCommerce, and enterprise financial/ERP systems.Experience in higher education, governmental, or another complex organizational environment, including identifying opportunities to improve processes, strengthen internal controls, and reduce financial or operational risk.Experience with cash operations, banking activities, clearing accounts, payment gateways, merchant services, payment-card reconciliations, ACH transactions, Positive Pay exceptions, and PCI DSS controls.Safety InformationAdherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.Does this position work in a research laboratory?No Required AttachmentsCover Letter, Resume / CVJob TypeFull Time Pay BasisHourly Job FamilyFinanceJob Sub FamilyAccountingAnnualized Pay Range$31.35 - $40.77 - $50.14Pay StatementCompensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.Travel RequiredUp to 25% ShiftDayGrant Funded?No Navy Enlisted Classification Code1005, 1117EEO StatementAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.Requisition ID: 45944BRDepartment: Cash and Credit Management Services