Student Billing Specialist

Bennington College seeks a Student Billing Specialist to serve as the first point of contact for all student billing inquiries directed to the Business Office, facilitating communication between students, faculty, staff, and the office.

About the role

This position delivers an exceptional customer service experience while providing general administrative support for various operational and administrative activities within the Business Office. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the role maintains close daily interaction with students and supports all Business Office staff to ensure effective coordination of duties and operations. This is a hybrid position; on-site expectations will be reviewed at manager discretion.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for all student billing inquiries, responding to routine questions in a timely manner and determining the nature and urgency of each request to facilitate expedient resolution.
• Enter new student billing information based on data received from the Registrar’s Office.
• Prepare and coordinate all routine student billings, ensuring timely mailing and online posting through the student billing system.
• Process daily transactions related to students, including charges, credits, refunds, and payments, and verify incoming wires/ACH payments.
• Handle daily phone and email contact with students and parents, resolving billing discrepancies proactively and efficiently.
• Manage month-end processing, including entering journal entries in the General Ledger and reconciling transactions to the AR subledger and general ledger.
• Reconcile A/R accounts by tracing transactions, comparing original documents, and preparing correction documents as needed.
• Handle collection of past-due accounts and establish payment arrangements.
• Process and maintain payment plans.
• Reconcile financial aid billing transactions to financial aid records and reconcile common application fees and enrollment deposits to admissions records.
• Collaborate with Financial Aid, the Office of Student Life, the Registrar’s Office, Campus Safety, the Library, and other departments to adjust bills for fines or charges incurred by students.
• Prepare schedules for external auditors and respond to information requests as directed.
• Assist students with basic 1098-T inquiries and direct them to the online site as appropriate.
• Verify daily deposits for student receivables, miscellaneous receivables, and other receivables; prepare deposit tickets and send daily deposits to the bank.
• Provide overflow assistance with general business office functions, including accounts receivable, and maintain organized filing and archive systems.
• Maintain files for record retention and disposal in accordance with college regulations.
• Act as a liaison with other departments and outside agencies, promoting a positive and congenial atmosphere.
• Use proper judgment to ensure efficiency of assigned duties and recommend improvements to the Controller.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; Associate’s degree in a related field (e.g., Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance) or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of business administrative experience, including general administrative or financial experience, preferably in a business or finance office.
• Demonstrated effective customer service skills, with a friendly and professional demeanor, especially during stressful situations.
• Basic knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and methods acquired through work experience.
• Ability to learn and master new and changing technology.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities, with the capacity to work independently and adjust to shifting priorities.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and handle a high volume of work with ease.
• Superior interpersonal skills to maintain open communication with a variety of constituents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive or confidential information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Gmail, Google Docs, or similar programs.
• Experience with accounting software and student financial billing software is desired.
• High attention to detail and demonstrated ability to coordinate, proofread, and facilitate projects independently or with limited supervision.
• Ability to maintain composure, organization, and accuracy amid interruptions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• Retirement benefits and tuition benefits, including Tuition Exchange scholarships.
• On-site fitness center.
• Generous time-off benefits.

Pay

Annual salary for this position starts at $60,000.