Student Account Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

To provide accounting and customer service support to the Student Accounts Office regarding the billing and collection of payment for students' accounts, while ensuring the efficient processing of transaction throughout the student registration/payment process.

Assignments are routine in nature and carried out in accordance with established policies and procedures.

The University reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND TASKS

· Processes daily receipts for accounts receivable invoices and miscellaneous billings for student and non-student accounts. Reconcile daily cash receipts by verifying cash, checks, credit cards and wire payments against data entered in Ellucian Colleague System.

· Receive, review, and process petty cash requests in accordance with University policy and procedures.

· Respond to customer inquiries, in person, by phone and email.

· Audit and analyze student accounts to identify and calculate necessary adjustments, credit refunds and outstanding balances and holds.

· Proactive outreach to students about payment options to support enrollment targets.

· Collection processing for past due accounts. Including correspondence, adjustments, payment arrangements with parents/students, and submission of accounts to collection agency. Create write-off entries for approval.

· Preparation of special billings to third party payers of student accounts. Follow up on outstanding receivables related to third party partnerships as needed.

· Facilitate and collaborate with Follett Bookstore the processing of financial aid bookstore voucher credits. Reconcile bookstore credits to the Student Accounts Receivable once posted. Review and authorize the payment of subsequent invoices to Follett each semester.

· Monitor uncashed/escheated student refund checks.

· Communicate with Financial Aid Officer(s) on student accounts.

· Provide ad hoc reporting as needed.

· Work with Veterans Services Director regarding student military benefits and payments.

· Serve on University committees and teams as assigned.

· Evening and weekend hours required as needed to meet departmental demands.

· Must be able to change/alter priorities to match given circumstances. Able to work on multiple assignments with frequent interruptions.

· Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned or required.

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES

· Excellent Customer Service

· Accurate Billing

· Timely Collections

QUALIFICATIONS

A minimum of an Associate’s degree and 3 years of customer service experience or 5 years relative experience.

EDUCATION/SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE/PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• A strong focus on customer service and grace under pressure when dealing with challenging customers, maintaining a pleasant customer service attitude.
• Computer literacy and accounting skills.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel (creating spreadsheets, manipulating data, formulas, pivot tables, mail merge, etc.)

Preferred

• Ability to effectively deal with sensitive fiscal issues and always maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain sensitivity, understanding and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, and ethnic background required.
• Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills.
• High degree of attention to detail, analytical capability, good organization skills, ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Collections experience.
• Self-starter and ability to work independently.
• A thorough understanding of the Colleague Student Receivable system, including invoicing, cashier, financial aid, and deposits.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will require you to work weekend and evening hours as needed, which includes but is not limited to specific times of the year and for evening appointments as needed.

Currently the hours are as follows: Monday – Friday 8:30AM – 4:30PM or 10:00AM – 6:00PM as needed.

Centenary University is a learning community comprised of multifaceted and complex differences, and we welcome all. We offer a supportive environment that promotes acceptance, a culture of service, skills of critical thought, and purposeful action. We are responsible for the efforts needed to create the change we seek.Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at Centenary University where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, service in Armed Forces, disability or any other protected characteristic as established by law. This policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to policies and procedures relating to recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, termination and other terms and conditions of employment.