Accounting Specialist

Job Description

We are seeking an AR/AP Specialist for a contract-to-hire position. This role involves performing essential accounting functions to support a new team in their Accounting and Finance Department within the non-profit education sector. The position offers a hybrid schedule, with the first four weeks requiring the individual to be onsite Monday through Thursday to get acclimated.

Responsibilities

• Manage the department email inbox and phone, assisting students with questions regarding grants, scholarships, and funds received, ensuring they are allocated to the correct source and making necessary adjustments to student accounts.
• Provide prompt responses within 24 hours to queries and take ownership of communication between the department and students.
• Perform troubleshooting tasks, examining the history of past journal entries to improve processes.
• Cross-train on accounts payable and receivable functions.
• Process accounts payable invoices and ensure timely payments to vendors.
• Manage accounts receivable, including invoicing, collections, and recording payments.
• Reconcile bank statements and financial records to ensure accuracy.
• Assist in the preparation of financial reports and statements.
• Maintain accurate and organized financial records.
• Communicate with vendors and internal departments to resolve discrepancies.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Utilize AR/AP systems for accounting tasks.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in Excel, including Vlookups and Pivot Tables.
• Ability to reconcile accounts, balance spreadsheets, and understand debits and credits.
• Experience with journal entries and cutting checks.
• Customer service skills for daily communication with students regarding financial aid.
• 2+ years of recent accounts payable and receivable experience.
• Bachelor's Degree or actively pursuing one.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Experience in the higher education industry is a plus but not required.

Work Environment

The position is based in a education environment located in Troy, MI. The role offers a hybrid schedule, requiring 3-4 days in the office with remote work every Friday. The office is modern, with a small team of four members. The dress code is business casual. The position provides almost zero healthcare costs once direct, covers further education costs, and offers flexible work hours and opportunities for growth and networking within the educational institution.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Troy, MI.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $28.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Troy,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 4, 2026.

About Aston Carter:

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.