Student Accounts Manager Fielding

The Student Accounts Manager plays a pivotal role within Fielding University, which has an active partnership with Excelsior University. The position will oversee all financial operations related to Fielding student accounts and work as a liaison between Fielding internal student account operations and Excelsior. By being responsible for managing billing, payments, and collections, the Fielding Student accounts Manager ensures accuracy, compliance with regulatory requirements, and delivers exceptional service to our students and their families. This position is essential to maintaining the financial health of the institution, supporting strategic initiatives. And aligning financial policies with our overarching mission.

In addition to ensuring the continued execution of all core functions of the base business, this role is also expected to actively facilitate and support communication and processes between Fielding and Excelsior - helping align processes, systems, policies, and service models. The Student Accounts Manager will collaborate closely with interinstitutional stakeholders across both organizations to promote consistency, streamline operations, and support a smooth, student-centered transition.

The Student Accounts Manager reports to the Executive Director of Student Financial Services at Excelsior and works collaboratively with departments across both institutions to resolve account issues promptly and enhance the overall student experience. With a focus on efficiency and transparency, the Student Accounts Manager also prepares financial reports, analyzes trends, and implements system enhancements to optimize operations in support of institutional goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: Other duties may be assigned

Financial Management

• Management of student billing and accounts receivable processes, including those impacted by system or process integration.
• Ensure accurate and timely posting of student payments, charges and adjustments
• Coordinate billing for tuition, fees and other charges
• Monitor student accounts for delinquencies and initiate collection actions when necessary
• Process refunds and adjustments accurately and promptly

Student Service

• Provide excellent service to students and families regarding billing inquiries, payments plans, and account disputes
• Ensure that all student account processes reflect a student-centered philosophy, emphasizing clarity, fairness, and accessibility
• Collaborate with other departments such as admissions, financial aid, and academic offices, and support coordination needed for interinstitutional programs or shared systems - to resolve student account issues

Reporting and Compliance

• Prepare and analyze financial reports related to student accounts, aging, and collections
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, as well as federal and state regulations regarding student financial transactions
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in student financial services, including developments related to integration and interinstitutional collaboration

Training and Development

• Train and support staff in student account procedures and customer service best practices, including those resulting from new integrations or cross-institution processes.
• Participate in trainings, professional development and conferences

Policy Development and Implementation

• Develop, implement, and enforce financial policies and procedures, ensuring they align with any institutional or interinstitutional integration efforts.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and audit requirements

Supervision and Leadership

• Supervise and manage the student accounting department staff, providing guidance and support
• Conduct performance evaluations and professional development for team members
• Collaborate with other departments to support institutional goals and initiatives, including those related to interinstitutional change.

Strategic Planning

• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives related to financial services and student accounts
• Analyze financial data and trends to provide insights for decision-making and resource allocation
• Partner with executive leadership to align financial policies and procedures with interinstitutional goals and objectives, particularly during periods of integration or operational

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree
• 5 years of experience in higher education with 2 years in a supervisory role, preferably with experience in accounts receivable, billing, collections and other Bursar-related functions
• Strong understanding of and experience with financial and student information/accounts systems
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, and regulatory requirements, including those related to collections
• Working knowledge of Federal regulations, including Title IV and FERPA rules
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

The hiring salary range for this position is $68,500.00 - $73,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting.