Accounts Receivable Specialist

Southwestern University, located in Georgetown has an immediate opening for an Accounts Receivable Specialist in Business Department. This position is responsible for receipt of payments to Southwestern University from all sources and provides customer service in all areas for student accounts. This position also performs other general accounting functions such as reconciliations, data entry, and credit card review. The Accounts Receivable Specialist position is a full-time, fully benefited, non-exempt position who reports to the Assistant Controller.

Primary Duties:

• Provide excellent customer service when assisting parents and students with on-going student account questions, payments and refunds on accounts, pirate buc$ payments or transfers, bookstore vouchers, third party payments (VA, Rehab., scholarships, 529 plans, Texas tomorrow, and more), payment plans, holds and collections questions, and other general questions both in person or via telephone, email, and texts.
• Generate and reconcile daily morning and evening reports.
• Perform Journal Entry and direct deposit data input and electronic filing.
• Assist in processing tuition bills on a semester basis, including regular Southwestern University tuition and all other study abroad and exchange programs. Billing process includes creating and adjusting all charges on student accounts at proper times throughout the semester and ensuring accuracy.
• Collaborate closely with the Registrar’s Office and Financial Aid Office during pre-registration each semester to ensure student account balances are accurate, including placing holds on accounts when necessary, and verifying the accuracy of financial aid, scholarships, and VA payments before the start of the semester.
• Provide daily cash receipts, process student refunds, and perform data entry for student accounts, Robertson Center, Library, Box Office, traffic tickets, dorm damages, gifts, faculty/staff, and electronic health claim payments.
• Provide petty cash and check-cashing services for faculty, staff, and students, while maintaining and reconciling the petty cash fund on a monthly basis, including filing and recording supporting documentation.
• Responsible for making calls and sending emails and texts to students and parents on past due accounts in coordination with financial aid to determine how payment will be made, documenting these conversations, and resolving the outstanding account balances.
• Ensure that all financial aid payments and scholarships are properly applied to student accounts, and reconcile student accounts with the general ledger.
• Prepare, ensure accuracy, and email monthly statements to current students and inactive student accounts on a regular basis based on published schedule.
• Assist with the preparation of 1098Ts and other information as necessary.
• Assist with monthly balancing of student accounts, student loans, Texas Tomorrow Fund payments, ESCI loan balances for Southwestern University loans, and Perkins Loans.
• Assist Emergency Cash Advances issued to students, including contacting, payments and collecting receipts.
• Work in partnership with other Accounts Receivable Specialist in the performance of day-to-day operations
• Reconcile accounts for students that graduate and withdraw to ensure accuracy, and refund balances, when necessary, in a timely manner.
• Ensure past due accounts are turned over to collections in a timely manner.
• Maintain documentation in the system of conversations with students and parents about their student accounts.
• Record dorm damages and any adjustments on student accounts as needed.
• Assist with year-end data entry and month-end procedures.
• Maintain current and accurate step-by-step procedural manual for all tasks.
• Open and distribute office mail.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year office/clerical experience.
• Commitment to providing outstanding customer service in person (as the “front desk” of the Business Office) as well as outstanding telephone and email etiquette and listening skills.
• Demonstrated prior experience using computers and possess excellent software skills that include Gmail, Google Docs, Word, and Excel.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze data and reconcile accounts with limited supervision.
• Ability to be meticulous and work toward strict deadlines to meet reporting and processing needs.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills and an astute problem-solving ability.
• Flexibility regarding changing priorities.
• Possess the applications of tact, diplomacy, sensitivity, and confidentiality.
• Ability to prioritize tasks including handling, concurrently, telephone inquiries regarding student tuition statements to parents and students, student customers, and staff/faculty customers.
• Ability to attend work consistently and maintain a regular work schedule.
• Possess basic spelling, grammar, punctuation, proofreading, and drafting skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and accurately file alphabetically and numerically.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to adhere to the University’s system of internal accounting and other administrative management controls.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including a strong work ethic. Willingness to adhere to the University’s core values.
• Have knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences and the diversity within the campus and community.
• Understanding and commitment to a liberal arts education, including the ability to relate to a liberal arts faculty and students.
Ability to work in a typical office environment with or without accommodations.

Position Preferred Requirements:

• Some College or equivalent work experience.
• Three (3) years office/clerical experience including dealing with customers.
• Possess basic accounting skills.
• Experience working in a University environment.
• Prior Experience with specific computer software such as Colleague/Datatel and Transact.

To apply: The University will only accept application materials through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/162886. Interested persons must submit a letter of interest, resume, the name and contact information of three professional references. Email and paper applications will not be accepted. Only completed applications will be reviewed by the Search Committee. The Committee will review all completed applications until the position is filled. All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer. EOE/M/F

Starting annual salary: $20.00 p/h. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting salary.

Inclusion is the deliberate effort to create an environment in which people from all backgrounds* are not only included but welcomed, valued, respected, considered, and supported within our community. People from marginalized (i.e., devalued) and/or minoritized (i.e, underrepresented) groups are heard, seen, respected and accepted in all aspects of our community. Southwestern University is committed to inclusive excellence that provides access and support, enables participation, and removes barriers so that all people within our community are empowered and can thrive in a campus that is welcoming and validating.

*including but not limited to people of color (race, ethnicity, nationality), sex, sexual identity, gender identity, age, physical and mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, religion, immigrants, and the intersection of these identities.