Student Financial Services Counselor

Description

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

The Student Financial Services Counselor is responsible for student financial support in the Student Financial Services’ (SFS) Office. Working closely with Financial Aid to streamline joint procedures, the Student Financial Services Counselor will be responsible for all initial contact with students and their families, including processing of student related payments, answering student financial aid/account questions, and providing guidance as needed.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Provides comprehensive customer service to all students and their families by phone, in person and through email correspondence
• Support student accounts functions including but not limited to:
  • Posting adjustments
  • Prepare lists for reconciliation of student accounts and other responsibilities associated with the administration of student accounts and 3rd party billing
  • Process all student payments received by the University in all forms and delivery methods in a timely manner
  • Oversee the processing and correspondence of all financial related paperwork delivered to the office by or on behalf of students
  •  Manage the processing and correspondence for corporate reimbursement students
  • Perform daily cash reconciliation and bank deposit
  • Investigate disputed delinquent account balances; correct any errors, including misapplied payments and miscellaneous charges
  • Prepare journal entries for approval of required corrections

• Effectively representing Student Financial Services policies to students with diplomacy and tact
• Assist with management and communication with students on payment plans including negotiating settlement requests for approval of Director
• Provide payment options for students to help keep them enrolled for retention purposes
• Must stay abreast of current and ever-changing regulations related to student health insurance requirements
• Financially counsels’ future and current students on the payment and payment plan options offered by the University of Bridgeport.
• Ensure student accounts are kept current with policies and procedures while at the same time building a good rapport through customer service.

Other Functions:

All members of the Student Financial Services Office team assist each other with the following functions:

• Maintains confidentiality of information and works in accordance with FERPA guidelines on the disclosure of information.
• Counter coverage as needed, assisting student who come into the Center for assistance.
• Assist in the processing of mail
• Assist in the management of department schedule
• Continuing professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
• Solid working knowledge of instructional design principles, web, video, and graphic applications including Universal Design, quality benchmarks, and technology integration in teaching and learning.
• Ability to cultivate and foster ties within the teaching and learning community both on and off campus
• Working knowledge of emerging technologies and strategies for successful integration into teaching and learning
• Excellent administrative, oral, written, presentation and interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership and organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, Adobe Creative Suites, Colleague, Canvas Learning Management System, Databases, Course management systems

Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in accounting or equivalent financial experience required; Bachelors preferred
• Sense of teamwork, creativity, and flexibility
• Proficient in working with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Cash handling and balancing experience preferred
• Financial Aid and/or Bursar experience preferred

Physical and Mental Requirements: 

Vision requirements (Especially relevant if driving is required by the job)

_X_   Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

___   Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

___   Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

___   Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

         left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

___   Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

         spatial relationships)

___   No special vision requirements

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employees, spouse & dependents
• PTO program

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training