Director of Student Accounts

Description

Nichols College

Director of Student Accounts

Department:                            Student Accounts

Reports Directly To:            Controller

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for the planning, organization, evaluation and supervision of the Student Accounts department to achieve organizational goals and promote excellence in customer service. Prepares reports and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations. The position will have the authority to make certain decisions regarding debt management, student and family appeals, and various other account adjustment requests to aid in student success and retention. Partners with the Office of Financial Aid to promote efforts in regard to financial literacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Comply with all institutional, state and federal policies, guidelines and regulations. Oversee the 1098-T tax form processes.
• Prepares, reviews and analyzes accounts receivable reports. Acts as a liaison to the Controller for general ledger reconciliations and prepares reports as required for management.
• Direct and supervise the Student Accounts Office in the management and administration of the Ellucian Colleague system and all related third-party systems for all processes related to student billing. This includes tuition, fees, residence hall, and meal plans.
• Oversee alternative billing for initiatives, study abroad programs, internships, discounts, and waivers.
• Manage the administration of the Self-Service portal and payment hosting pages.
•  Administer and oversee tuition payment plans for parents and students.
• Coordinate and manage the services for all students who are veterans, reservists and members of the National Guard. This includes Department of Defense (DoD) veteran student tuition assistance and Veterans Administration (VA) education benefits program and oversight of the VA enrollment certification process, the calculation of veteran student educational benefits, the processing of tuition and fee payments (ACH and credit card) from DoD/VA and the processing of refunds to the VA.
• Manage the optional student refund insurance program. This includes working with the third-party vendor for distribution of information to students and families, waiver processes, enrollment processes, and claim processes.
• Manage the Student Health Insurance Program, including policy renewals, rate changes and distribution of appropriate materials to students and families as it relates to the program. Coordinate the billing and management as well as the administration of the processes and procedures related to the program.
• Oversee the administration and balancing of the book voucher system with Barnes & Noble. Reconcile and remit invoices for payment regarding the book bundle program.
• Manages the technical operations for the area including implementation, maintenance and testing of the student accounts receivable system and all third-party systems.
• Develop and document processes to adapt to new technologies or policies for improved efficiency. Maintain and regularly update documentation for all student accounts processes. Coordinate the maintenance of the student-related financial policies displayed on the Nichols College website and portal.
• Oversee the withdrawal process including counseling students about the financial impact of a withdrawal, verifying all charges and financial aid have been pro-rated according to institutional, state and federal guidelines, and assisting in processing the optional refund insurance.
• Supervise refund payments due to student withdrawals, overpayment, academic dismissal, departure from residence hall, cancellation of meal plan, etc.
• Supervise the collection efforts for all past due college charges and assignment of receivables to the in-house collections process or appropriate outside vendors, as applicable.
• Establish policies and procedures to ensure positive, effective and open relationships with all clients of the Student Accounts Office including students, parents, faculty and administrators.
• Serves on committees as needed to facilitate all college programs, processes and initiatives.
• Supervise full and part-time staff and work-study staff.
• Attend Orientation and present financial information to parents and students, some of which may be held after normal business hours or on weekends, as scheduled.
• Attend other college functions as needed.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities related to those enumerated above which do not alter the basic level of responsibility of the position.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, Business or an equivalent area:
  • In lieu of the above, a minimum of 5 years experience working in account receivable management in higher education.
• Knowledge and understanding of federal cash management regulations, FERPA regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles and practices are required.
• Excellent supervision and leadership, planning, organizational, delegation, team building, verbal and written communication skills required.
• Effective time management skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as working in conjunction with others to foster a team –oriented environment. 
• Initiative, problem solving capabilities and persistence required.
• Proficiency with SIS (student information system) use, with a preference for Colleague SIS.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Qualifications