Student Financial Services Specialist

Job Summary:

The Student Financial Services Specialist supports the planning and managing of all student accounts receivables and collections activities at Alvernia University. This position assists the Student Accounts and Receivables Manager with duties surrounding billing, tuition, and fee assessment, cashiering, collections, bad debt, and managing third-party vendor coordination. The Specialist ensures high-quality customer service, helps develop and implement policies and procedures, and maintains regulatory compliance. This role is part of the Office of Student Financial Services and requires occasional late-night and weekend work.

Essential Functions:

Mission:

1. Promote Franciscan ideals and adherence to the Mission of the University as demonstrated by the University Ideal Characteristics.        As we are an equal opportunity employer committed to Franciscan values, all employees share responsibility for advancing in their roles while demonstrating service orientation, respect for all, intellectual curiosity, solution focus and innovation, and mutual accountability.

Customer Service:

1. Provide excellent customer service to students, families, and University colleagues regarding student accounts, financial aid, and associated inquiries by appointment, walk-in, phone, and email. 
2. Ensure the consistent enforcement of university and federal policies and procedures. 
3. Act as a primary point of contact for students, parents, and colleagues regarding billing and account inquiries, applying university payment policies, and adhering to FERPA regulations. 
4. Support the Student Accounts and Receivables Manager in handling inquiries and processing questions related to statements, payment options, tuition charges, and deadlines.

Operations:

1. Process 1098-T and management of inquiries regarding 1098-T tax forms.
2. Support the Student Accounts and Receivables Manager with tuition and fee assessments and publishing and issuing statements. 
3. Process tuition payments, charges, adjustments, and fees in the ERP system promptly.
4. Prepare invoices, manage billing, and oversee collections related to partnership agreements, ensuring timely payments from external organizations.
5. Responsible for posting veteran student benefit payments and processing invoices within the VA system upon certification of secondary school certifying official. 
6. Develop and implement collection strategies for current and separated students to minimize delinquent accounts.
7. Work directly with students to assist in resolving holds associated with past-due balances and guiding payment options and financial resources to promote retention and persistence.
8. Collaborate with external collection agencies and internal departments to facilitate efficient and compliant collection efforts.

Additional Responsibilities:

1. Reconcile daily cash receipts, including checks and credit card transactions. 
2. Processing daily duties, including daily and weekly report management, tuition reimbursement processing, and CBORD administration.
3. Manage and maintain Cashnet Tuition payment plan, assisting families with budgeting support and ensuring current payment plans. 
4. Review and process student refunds and adjustments promptly.   
5. Participate in mandatory student engagement and admission events to promote the services and functions of the Office of Student Financial Services. 
6. Manages the student accounts email account and phone line, responding to students and families within the SFS standard of 48 business hours.  
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualification/Education:

1. A bachelor’s degree in a related business degree is preferred.
2. Comprehensive knowledge of payment systems and accounting theory and practice.
3. Experience with PowerCampus, PFaids, Cashnet, Great Plains, or equivalent systems is preferred but not required. 
4. Demonstrated skills with Microsoft Office 365.
5. Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze financial data and research to resolve problems.
6. Capable of managing multiple tasks, working independently, meeting deadlines, and organizing workload efficiently. 
7. Effective oral and written communication skills to explain issues related to student accounts.
8. Excellent customer service skills and the ability to work with a diverse population professionally.
9. Occasional late-night and/or weekend work may be required.

Physical Requirements:

1. On-site attendance is required to perform the duties of this job. 
2. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
3. Ability to self-transport to various locations to perform essential functions.
4. Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.