Accounting Associate I

Job Description

The Accounting Associate I supports the University’s financial operations by reviewing and processing a variety of accounting transactions, including supplier invoices, employee reimbursements, and university-related travel and nontravel expenses. The position ensures transactions are accurate, properly documented, and processed in accordance with applicable University and State policies and procedures.

The Accounting Associate I works collaboratively with University departments, suppliers, and other stakeholders to resolve transaction issues, obtain required documentation, and support timely and accurate financial processing.

Core Responsibilities

• Reviews and processes accounting transactions for accuracy, completeness, appropriate authorization, and compliance with University and State policies and procedures.
• Evaluates supporting documentation to determine whether it adequately supports the business purpose and appropriate use of public and private funds.
• Communicates professionally with University departments, suppliers, and other stakeholders to research and resolve transaction discrepancies, missing information, and processing issues.
• Reviews supplier information and obtains required documentation, including IRS Form W-9, when necessary to support supplier set-up and payment processing.
• Enters, reviews, and maintains transaction information in university financial systems, ensuring accuracy and completeness of financial data.
• Manages assigned workload and transaction priorities to support timely processing and compliance with applicable state prompt payment requirements and university service expectations.
• Identifies routine transaction issues and takes appropriate action to resolve them or escalates more complex matters when necessary.
• Maintains organized and complete financial records and supporting documentation in accordance with university procedures and applicable record-retention requirements.
• Provides cross-functional and backup support for related accounting activities to promote continuity of operations and effective team performance.
• Provides responsive and professional customer service to university departments and other stakeholders regarding accounting processes, documentation requirements, and transaction status.
• Contributes to process improvements by identifying opportunities to improve transaction accuracy, efficiency, consistency, and customer service.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the operational goals and success of the office.

Required Qualifications

• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies, procedures, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations related to accounts payable, travel, or financial operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles and experience applying them in a professional environment.
• Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or comparable financial management systems to process, research, or reconcile financial transactions.
• Experience using electronic procurement, purchasing, or related financial systems.
• Experience working with electronic workflow, document management, or imaging technologies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word, including the ability to use technology effectively to organize, analyze, and communicate financial information.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to provide responsive, professional service and collaborate effectively with individuals across an organization.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and appropriately safeguard confidential and sensitive financial information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to research issues, evaluate information from multiple sources, exercise sound judgment, and independently resolve financial transaction issues.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
• Demonstrated adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies, processes, policies, and procedures in an evolving financial operations environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and professional experience.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Salary range of $42,000 - $44,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

11/16/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Zach LaCroix at zlacroix@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.