Position Information

Posting Number 20112727

Position Title Payment Specialist, Travel

FTE 1.00

Position Type Staff

Department Procurement & Payment Services

Position Summary Information

Job Summary/Basic Function

About This Role:

The Payment Specialist (Travel) is responsible for all activities related to the payment and reimbursement of university travel expenses for all University personnel and prospective employees, as well as the management of individual and corporate travel credit cards. This position ensures all travel expenses comply with the rules and regulations mandated by the State of Texas, Texas State University System ( TSUS ), and Lamar University. This position maintains the Chrome River Travel & Expense system and provides training on this system for university personnel. This position provides proficient accounting knowledge and skills in performing various daily operations.

What You’ll Do – Position Duties

Standard:

• Performs moderately complex travel payments, reimbursements and credit card work for the University. Work involves computerized travel expense payments, check processing, credit card reconciliations, and accounting projects using applicable guidelines, rules, policies, and laws.

• Processes travel pre-authorizations and encumbers those pre-authorizations in the Ellucian Banner financial system and the Chrome River Travel and Expense system, verifying accuracy, terminology, and funding source.

• Processes and enters travel expense reports in Banner and Chrome River, verifying legitimacy, accuracy, terminology, and funding source, in accordance with applicable regulations, polices, and procedures.

• Analyzes all back-up documentation for legitimacy and legality.

• Makes decisions regarding the appropriate coding of each expense.

• Manages the University individual and corporate travel credit cards and payment including applications, payments, credits, and reconciliations.

• Provides travel policy training to Lamar University employees.

• Maintains the Chrome River Travel & Expense system, file upload and system errors, and provides training on this system to University personnel.

• Runs computerized check and direct deposit processes; voids and reissues checks as needed.

• Maintains a working knowledge of new rules and regulations provided by Lamar University, Texas State University System and the Texas State Comptroller.

• Assists with 1099 Misc. Tax form processing.

• Provides supporting documents for audits.

• Serves as backup to the Payment Specialists (Accounts Payable).

• Serves as backup to the Assistant Director of Payment Services when needed.

• Provides direction to departmental personnel on routine or moderately complex issues and concerns related to travel payment services, referring to the Assistant Director of Payment Services or Director on all other payment issues; monitors and investigates issues and assists with problem resolution.

• Assists the Assistant Director of Payment Services with administrative duties as needed.

• Establishes and maintains effective business community relations.

• Maintains proper expense report files and records relating to the travel process.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Periodic:

• Gather documentation to support response to public information requests, as necessary.

• Identify process improvement opportunities to further payment strategies.

• May assist with emergency purchases.

Who We Are:

Lamar University is a diverse and accessible global university for life-long learners with a passion for broad-based community engagement. As a vital contributor to the socioeconomic wellbeing and resilience of the Gulf Coast region, our expertise is recognized locally and beyond. Lamar University is home to more than 17,000 students and is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 100-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals.

Lamar University is committed to fostering a culture of diversity where students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds can learn, work, and serve.

Benefits:

• Health, dental & vision insurance

• Life insurance

• State of Texas Retirement plans

• Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependent.

• Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays.

To see more information about the available benefits; please visit:Insurance – Lamar University (https://www.lamar.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/insurance.html)

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma required

• A combination of education, experience, and training to produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered

• Two (2) years of travel expense or accounts payable related experience required. Experience in higher education and government travel, accounts payable or purchasing experience with experience within Texas agencies preferred.

• Must possess demonstrated experience in analyzing complex issues and working with multiple deadlines on time-sensitive projects.

• Must be computer literate and proficient in the use of office computer software, in particular Microsoft Word and Excel, in addition to other standard office equipment, email, internet and have ability to learn specialty accounting and procurement software.

• Chrome River Travel & Expense, or any electronic travel expense system, preferred.

Ellucian Banner experience preferred. State Corporate Travel Credit Card experience preferred.

EEO Statement

Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Veteran's Preference Statement

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates Degree or bachelor’s degree preferred, from an accredited institution in related field.

  Security Sensitive Statement

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Salary $29,759 - $38,687

Work Hours

Application Information

Posting Date 04/05/2024

Close Date 07/05/2024

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions