Accounts Receivable Specialist - Student Financial Services

Salary: Depends on qualifications
Full-time position located in Cape Girardeau, MO. Department: Student Financial Services.

About the role

Student Financial Services (SFS) is a central student service center that provides end-to-end student-focused support in the areas of financial aid, student accounts, and other university accounts receivables. The Accounts Receivable Specialist provides a wide range of financial services, including third-party billing and testing internal system applications to ensure accurate reporting. This role delivers customer service to students, parents, and internal and external clients.

Responsibilities

• Oversee third-party billing process; collaborate with third-party agencies to create vendor agreements, contracts, and policies and procedures for applying and invoicing third-party payments.
• Analyze reports to maintain accurate and consistent information related to enrollment changes that affect rate codes and third-party billing funding.
• Oversee the collections process for bad debt in collaboration with collection agencies; analyze reports to monitor accounts placed with collections agencies.
• Administer the weekly student refund process in accordance with university and federal regulations.
• Update and manage rate codes and detail code setup to ensure streamlined fee assessment and refund processes.
• Oversee the monthly cancellation process by identifying the population, assessing late fees and holds, and communicating with students.
• Oversee departmental procedures to ensure timely and accurate deposits for all areas of campus.
• Monitor daily industry changes by staying current with listservs and publications such as NASFAA News and Army Ignite.
• Execute professional judgment on appropriate courses of action and ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Collaborate with the SFS team to proactively communicate upcoming changes or challenges regarding billing, collections, refunds, and cancellations.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to promote cooperative relationships that resolve financial concerns and complaints or other difficult situations.
• Provide exceptional customer service via in-person interactions, emails, and phones in line with SFS Service Level Agreements.
• Handle all information with tact and discretion, recognizing the confidential and sensitive nature of university business and FERPA regulations.
• Advocate for a positive student enrollment experience and promote the University in a positive image.
• Utilize various University, business, and customer service software programs; assist with system testing and upgrades.
• Assist with the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Represent the Student Financial Services Office at outreach events (local high schools, community events, Orientation, etc.).
• Serve on various University committees.
• Keep up to date with university, departmental, federal, and state regulations, policies, and updates.
• Develop and prepare ad hoc reports and assume other responsibilities as assigned by the Director or Assistant Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree OR high school diploma with 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience handling complex customer service issues with the ability to assess situations quickly and react to customers accurately and pleasantly.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; demonstrated experience using database query programs.
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to solve problems, including helping inexperienced individuals understand policies and processes.
• Ability to handle confidential information, exercise sound judgment, and maintain accurate records and files.
• Experience working as part of a team in a collaborative work environment.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, editing, and presenting information to the public and in one-on-one meetings.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and implement federal, state, and/or University regulations, policies, and procedures.