Working Title: Finance and Accounting Graduate Assistant, Study Abroad - Center for Global Engagement

State Role Title: Graduate Assistant

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Center for Global Engagement

Department: 100148 - CGE Administration

Pay Band: 

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: $10,110 

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 

About JMU:

Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.

JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

The Study Abroad Unit within the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) is seeking a Finance and Accounting Graduate Assistant. This position will work in close collaboration with the Associate Director of Operations, and engage in hands-on experience with financial and accounting tasks including reviewing study abroad program budgets, authorizing payments, tracking expenditures, and verifying transactions. This position will also allow for the further development of key skills including communication, teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.

The Finance and Accounting Graduate Assistant will be expected to work 20 hours per week in office, primarily between the hours of 9:00am and 4:30pm. Hours in the office will include tasks as described above, plus attending staff meetings and assisting with study abroad event coverage. Event support may require evening or weekend work.

This position will begin in August 2026, with a preferred start date of August 17, and run through May 2027.

Duties and Responsibilities:

--Specific duties and responsibilities:

60%: Study Abroad Program Budgets
- Provide guidance and budget review for approximately 30 short-term study abroad programs
- Help program directors establish program fees
- Ensure accuracy in program budgets
- Receive financial and accounting training to understand JMU systems and state policies

20%: Account Management
- Authorize payments and transactions for study abroad programs
- Support Fiscal Specialist as needed in areas including ePARs, payroll, and other fiscal tasks.
- Track expenditures and ensure accurate budget records

10%: Study Abroad Event Support
- Act as a team player in providing support for study abroad event setup, coverage, and tear down
- Be available for evening and weekend events

10%: Study Abroad Meetings
- Attend Study Abroad staff meetings
- Attend SA operations meetings
- Attend regularly scheduled 1:1s with supervisors

Qualifications:

Qualified applicants must be full-time matriculated graduate students who meet the following qualifications and characteristics:
- Undergraduate degree in accounting, finance, business, or other related field
- Ability to take initiative and embody a can-do attitude
- Demonstrated attention to detail
- Works well independently
- High energy
- Flexible and adaptable
- Ability to navigate ambiguity

Additional Posting Information:

--Professional Development Opportunities:

The Programs Graduate Assistant will gain experience in:
- International education administration
- Higher education accounting and finance
- In-depth hands-on experience with real budgeting and business operations
- Opportunity for regional conference participation

Conditions of Employment:  

Students may apply to a graduate assistantship prior to being accepted into a graduate program. However, to be eligible to receive an assistantship upon entry into a graduate program, the following criteria must be met:

The student must be conditionally or unconditionally accepted into a graduate program. Students who are provisionally accepted will not be eligible until they achieve conditional or unconditional acceptance into their program.

The students must have an official transcript on file indicating completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or agency

After receiving an assistantship, the student must maintain at least a 3.0 graduate GPA in order to retain or reapply for the assistantship.

These are minimum criteria. Graduate program coordinators have the right to impose additional criteria if they see fit.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or disability-svcs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.