Accounting Specialist, SOFO (Term Position)

Department: Division Operations & Services
Salary/Grade: NEX/10

A well-qualified candidate within this department or unit has been identified and will be considered for the position alongside other qualified candidates identified through a competitive recruitment process. The University reserves its right to give priority consideration to internal qualified candidates.

The Student Organization Finance Office (SOFO) provides financial training and banking services to student organizations recognized by Northwestern University. These services include establishing an account to maintain an organization's funds in trust; facilitating transactions requested by an organization's administrative group to and from the account; providing an interface to work with the University's accounting system; and reporting account activity. Learn more about SOFO at Northwestern University: https://www.northwestern.edu/norris/services/sofo/

Job Summary

This Accounting Specialist works within the Student Organization Finance Office (SOFO). The office is responsible for processing thousands of transactions per year and provides customer service to student organization officers and members.

Length: This is a term position that will end on 8/31/2026.

Pay Range: The pay range for this position is $47,958 ($24.50/hour) to $48,938 ($25/hour) depending on experience, skills, and internal equity.

Principal Accountabilities:

Transactions:

• Completes & maintains transactions in enterprise systems.
• Reviews, ensures approval, prepares, processes, reconciles & provides receipts (as appropriate) for transactions.
• Troubleshoots problems.
• Performs vendor/account research as needed.
• Obtains additional information by phone, US- or e- mail from customers/vendors; corrects or escalates.
• Maintains Chart of Account lists.
• Prepares & delivers bank deposits.
• Enters information into database.

Administration:

• Provides excellent customer service, over the phone and in person answering standard questions regarding status of requests, policies and procedures for processing transactions, &/or instructions for completing paperwork.
• Instructs & advises regarding options and appropriate courses of action & follows-up inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Completes other administrative &/or clerical activities such as filing, faxing, sorting, copying, organizing meetings; reserving AV equipment, etc.

Analysis, Statements & Reporting:

• Performs data entry in spreadsheets &/or databases.
• Completes standard, pre-defined analysis, reconciliation &/or summary reports.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or the equivalent.
• 2 years accounting &/or bookkeeping or other relevant experience.

Minimum Competencies:

• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in the use of spreadsheet, database and word processing software.
• Familiarity with financial transactions.

Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth and Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.