Student Collections Coordinator

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Collections Coordinator is responsible for enforcing and maintaining the College’s collection policies and procedures; creating and maintaining state billings; performing reconciliations; performing accounts receivable duties within the department and the division.

Description of Duties

• Develops, executes, and maintains all aspects of the student account receivable collection process.
• Maintains knowledge and complies with applicable laws and regulations including the Fair Debt Credit Protection Act and bankruptcy laws.
• Makes continuous contact with outside collection agency representatives.
• Authorizes legal and/or bankruptcy actions related to past due accounts.
• Primary contact for authorizing and creating individual payment arrangements on accounts.
• Serves as a liaison for the College with students/families in handling difficult financial situations ensuring College policies and procedures are enforced.
• Serves as primary team member to lead the student refund process.
• Investigates and resolves student account complaints.
• Analyzes student accounts and authorizes late fees and holds.
• Creates and maintains the Returned Check list; prepares related monthly reports, and contacts students to collect outstanding debt.
• Prepares fiscal year audit reports for student account write-offs.
• Reconciles quarterly collection general ledger accounts.
• Maintains confidentiality of student records and information at all times.
• Performs cashier supervisor duties as needed which include analyzing, correcting, closing, and finalizing cashier sessions.
• Provides front-line customer service; serves students in person and via phone; receives and posts payments appropriately; sets up deferred payment plans; issues credit/debit card refunds.
• Collaborates with Financial Aid department on disbursement of financial aid discrepancy resolutions when needed.
• Collaborates with team on online payment collection processes such as application fees, tuition and fees and payment plan fees.
• Affirms and reviews internal accounts receivable processes and procedures on an ongoing basis.
• Works with third party vendors and internal team to create and maintain accurate reporting of student data, when requested.
• Manages the student refund appeals process through initial screening of applications and final processing of committee decisions.
• Serves as back-up person for analyzing and processing enrollment cancellations (drops) due to non-payment.
• Aids in future creation, implementation, and maintenance of electronic recordkeeping for the Bursar’s Office.

Description Of Other Duties

• Serves as back-up to Bursar Office front counter.
• Processes direct cash receipting.
• Prepares daily bank deposits.
• Serves as a back-up to Enrollment Services staff.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.)
• Associate’s Degree, minimum of 60 college credit hours, or relevant Collections work experience required.
• Minimum of three years’ work experience in accounting preferred.
• Higher education accounting experience preferred.
• Experience working for or with a collection agency preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
• Excellent customer service skills required.
• Computer experience required including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Previous experience with a computerized accounting system preferred.

Supplemental Information

Core Benefits:

• Medical Prescription Drug Plan
• Mail Order Pharmacy
• Dental
• Vision
• Basic Life Insurance
• Tuition Waiver
• Employee Assistance Program
• Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)/Dependent Care Account (DCA)
• Paid Holidays
• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Personal Days
• Retirement
• Pension Plans
• State University Retirement System of Illinois (SURS): Employees working in a regular and continuous position or one in which services are expected to be rendered on a continuous basis for at least four months or one academic term, whichever is less, may be eligible to enroll in SURS.

Optional 403b Tax-Deferred Investment Program

• Employees may set up a 403b plan through Empower Retirement.

PRINCIPAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Works directly with the Director of Accounting.
• Works directly with staff in the Bursar’s office, student services, bookstore, and finance division.
• Works cooperatively with staff and faculty college-wide.
• Works cooperatively with outside collection agencies.
• Works cooperatively with student and the general public.

Be sure to check out the Compensation section as well.