AR Accountant

At 2U, we are all in on purpose. We are motivated by our mission – to eliminate the back row in education – and connected by our shared passion to deliver world-class digital education at scale. As the parent company of edX, the world's leading online learning platform, 2U powers more than 4,000 online higher education offerings – from free courses to full degrees. Together with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporate partners, we are helping to unlock human potential.

What We're Looking For:

The core function of the role is perform daily cash management duties, maintain accounts receivable records, ensure ageing is up to date, credits and collections are applied and assisting management and other teams Investigate and resolve customer queries and tasks. Month end is a critical time for the AR Team and usually consists of Researching and resolving account discrepancies and Calculating the provision for cancellations and deferrals. 

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

Day to day tasks:

• Student payment allocations and reconciliations (Allocating Banks, importing Banks and cash accounts and clearing of relevant process screens).
• Finance related student queries Salesforce (VAT cases).
• Processing Deferral and Cancellation (Where needed by team).
• Gathering/ uploading of Workiva Evidence.
• Assisting Senior Student Finance Advisers.
• Interdepartmental collaboration.
• Month end prep – Pre month end recon.
• Project ownership - for example unknowns, reconciliation, certificate checks, provisions.

Month End processing:

• Perform reconciliation for all cash accounts to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Correct discrepancies in debtor's accounts through thorough reconciliation processes.
• Conduct completeness checks for accounts receivable to ensure all relevant transactions are recorded.
• Review and reconcile other balance sheet accounts essential for group reporting.
• Reconciliation and correction of debtor's accounts. 
• Other balance sheet accounts that are required for group reporting.
• Calculate the provision for cancellations and deferrals.
• Gathering/ uploading of Workiva Evidence.
• Project ownership - for example unknowns, reconciliation, certificate checks, provisions.

Ad hoc: 

• Revenue and debtor analysis – When requested by Management or business. 
• Assisting and gathering of documentation for audits.
• Assisting manager in streamlining and improving of AR processes.
• Assist with internal and external audits as require.
• Interdepartmental collaboration.

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• Studied or studying towards an accounting / finance diploma or degree, financially literate with a good understanding of accounting for transactions and the ability to perform reconciliations.
• Relevant finance experience would be advantageous.
• Good interpersonal skills and communication.
• Fair understanding of systems, information processing, data integrity and information reporting.
• Experience working with an ERP Accounting system (Sage, SAP, Oracle, Acumatica) advantageous.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Problem solving skills.

Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role:

Working Conditions:

• Teamwork is critical to achieving success in this role. You will need to establish strong relationships with employees across the team and within your own division.
• We don't micromanage. You must diagnose problems and brainstorm solutions without any prompts.
• Ability to work under pressure with stringent deadlines whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to conceptualise and implement process improvements.
• Ability to think in a systematic fashion.
• Ability to speak directly to students over the phone and communicate via email.
• Must be able to work independently and be able to multi-task.
• Willingness to learn and embrace change.

Benefits & Culture

Our global employee base is a diverse collection of innovators, dreamers, and doers working together to transform lives through higher education. We believe that every employee can advance our shared purpose, and that life at 2U should be fun and meaningful. If you're excited by the opportunity to provide over 40 million learners and counting with access to world-class online higher education, then join us – and do work that makes a difference. #NoBackRow

We offer comprehensive benefits (unique per country) and excellent work/life balance.
Full-time, ZA benefits include: 

• 2 complimentary Getsmarter short courses per year
• Subsidised medical aid with Discovery Health Medical Scheme
• 4% 2U contribution towards Discovery Life Pension Fund and Group Risk Benefit
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous leave policy including time off to volunteer for non-profit organization, study leave, sports leave and a company-wide festive season break

2U Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At 2U, we are committed to building and sustaining a culture of belonging, respect, and inclusion. We are proud of the steps we've taken to bring together an employee base that embodies diverse walks of life, ideas, genders, ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, abilities and other unique qualities. We strive to offer a workplace where every employee feels empowered by what makes us different, as well as by how we are alike. 

2U is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during our recruitment process. If you need assistance or accommodations, please reach out to us at:  

About 2U Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU)

For more than a decade, 2U, Inc. has been the digital transformation partner of choice to great non-profit colleges and universities delivering high-quality online education at scale. As the parent company of edX, a leading global online learning platform, 2U provides over 45 million learners with access to world-class education in partnership with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporations. Our people and technology are powering more than 4,000 digital education offerings — from free courses to full degrees — and helping unlock human potential. To learn more: visit

About edX

edX is the education movement for restless learners and a leading global online learning platform from 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU). Together with the majority of the world's top-ranked universities and industry-leading companies, we bring our community of over 45 million learners world-class education to support them at every stage of their lives and careers, from free courses to full degrees. And we're not stopping there — we're relentlessly pursuing our vision of a world where every learner can access education to unlock their potential, without the barriers of cost or location. Learn more at

Learn more at
#NoBackRow

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

2U is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against applicants or employees and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship, military or veterans' status, or any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. 2U's equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, job benefits and pay. 

2U is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from South African citizens who are members of designated groups who may contribute to Employment Equity within the workplace and the further diversification of ideas. In this regard, the relevant laws and principles associated with Employment Equity will be considered when appointing potential candidates. We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. 2U requires that you submit a copy of either your identity document or your passport and any applicable work permit if you are a foreign national, along with an updated curriculum vitae.