Inside Higher Ed
Overview
Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The College values inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices. The Director, Student Accounts has primary responsibility for planning, developing, managing, and administering programs that support the billing and collection of student accounts, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and overseeing cashier activities related to receipt, deposit, and accounting of student account funds. The role emphasizes customer service, accuracy, and collaboration with campus offices. The Director works with the Financial Aid Office to address student financial matters and with Information Technology Services to ensure system effectiveness. This position serves as the primary liaison between the Controller’s Office and other administrative offices to support proper billing, collection, re-enrollment, and graduation eligibility decisions. It also administers the Swarthmore College Monthly Payment Plan and provides timely management reports for auditing and decision-making. Supervises one full-time staff member and performs other relevant duties as needed. Essential Responsibilities
Directs the operational activities of the Student Accounts Office, including accurate and timely billing and collection of student accounts receivable; manages cashier function, security of funds, recording, deposits, and reconciliation of cash receipts. Manages the Swarthmore College Payment Plan and maintains accurate student records. Receives and processes receipts (lock-box, wire transfers, direct payments, e-check, and international payment methods). Manages student refund processes in compliance with Federal Title IV regulations; coordinates billing schedules with campus offices. Oversees e-bill and e-pay processes and promotes these services to students. Monitors, manages, and improves collections efforts; contracts with third-party agencies as needed and evaluates performance. Prepares reports for students in arrears and develops appropriate collection strategies; prepares journal entries for student receivables. Maintains expertise on the College’s database module (Banner moving to Workday) and participates in system implementations related to billing and collections. Provides reports on students with outstanding balances, conducts outreach, and documents results; ensures compliance with internal controls and federal regulations, including Title IV and FERPA. Maintains and updates website and office communications for students and parents. Communication and Relationship Management
Responds to questions, resolves problems, and maintains professional interactions with students regarding billing issues. Represents the Controller’s Office and collaborates with other departments to facilitate workflow and continuous improvement. Maintains external relationships with loan servicers, banks, and collection agencies. Account Reconciliation and Reporting
Prepares receivable balances lists and management reports for auditors; ensures balances align with the general ledger. Provides required information for internal or external reviews; responsible for 1098-T reporting and timely communication to students and the IRS. Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises the Student Accounts Assistant; organizes workflow, provides training, evaluations, and feedback; collaborates with Human Resources on disciplinary procedures. Participates in supervisory training and maintains a safe, diverse, and inclusive work environment. Who You Are
Proven leadership skills with broad knowledge of the field. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and time-management abilities. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and with confidentiality; maintains ongoing professional development in both finance and technology. Ability to handle sensitive situations with students and families; proffers creative solutions for efficiency; maintains high ethical standards. Effective time management, prioritization, and willingness to work beyond normal hours as needed. Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field and at least five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proficient with PC software and campus systems (e.g., Banner, Workday) and the ability to manipulate data for reporting. What You Will Get
Swarthmore College offers benefits and a collaborative work environment on a 420-acre campus. For full consideration, submit applications with a resume and cover letter by the stated deadline. The market salary range posted is $72,000–$104,000 per year, determined by factors including experience and education. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
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Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The College values inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices. The Director, Student Accounts has primary responsibility for planning, developing, managing, and administering programs that support the billing and collection of student accounts, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and overseeing cashier activities related to receipt, deposit, and accounting of student account funds. The role emphasizes customer service, accuracy, and collaboration with campus offices. The Director works with the Financial Aid Office to address student financial matters and with Information Technology Services to ensure system effectiveness. This position serves as the primary liaison between the Controller’s Office and other administrative offices to support proper billing, collection, re-enrollment, and graduation eligibility decisions. It also administers the Swarthmore College Monthly Payment Plan and provides timely management reports for auditing and decision-making. Supervises one full-time staff member and performs other relevant duties as needed. Essential Responsibilities
Directs the operational activities of the Student Accounts Office, including accurate and timely billing and collection of student accounts receivable; manages cashier function, security of funds, recording, deposits, and reconciliation of cash receipts. Manages the Swarthmore College Payment Plan and maintains accurate student records. Receives and processes receipts (lock-box, wire transfers, direct payments, e-check, and international payment methods). Manages student refund processes in compliance with Federal Title IV regulations; coordinates billing schedules with campus offices. Oversees e-bill and e-pay processes and promotes these services to students. Monitors, manages, and improves collections efforts; contracts with third-party agencies as needed and evaluates performance. Prepares reports for students in arrears and develops appropriate collection strategies; prepares journal entries for student receivables. Maintains expertise on the College’s database module (Banner moving to Workday) and participates in system implementations related to billing and collections. Provides reports on students with outstanding balances, conducts outreach, and documents results; ensures compliance with internal controls and federal regulations, including Title IV and FERPA. Maintains and updates website and office communications for students and parents. Communication and Relationship Management
Responds to questions, resolves problems, and maintains professional interactions with students regarding billing issues. Represents the Controller’s Office and collaborates with other departments to facilitate workflow and continuous improvement. Maintains external relationships with loan servicers, banks, and collection agencies. Account Reconciliation and Reporting
Prepares receivable balances lists and management reports for auditors; ensures balances align with the general ledger. Provides required information for internal or external reviews; responsible for 1098-T reporting and timely communication to students and the IRS. Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises the Student Accounts Assistant; organizes workflow, provides training, evaluations, and feedback; collaborates with Human Resources on disciplinary procedures. Participates in supervisory training and maintains a safe, diverse, and inclusive work environment. Who You Are
Proven leadership skills with broad knowledge of the field. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and time-management abilities. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and with confidentiality; maintains ongoing professional development in both finance and technology. Ability to handle sensitive situations with students and families; proffers creative solutions for efficiency; maintains high ethical standards. Effective time management, prioritization, and willingness to work beyond normal hours as needed. Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field and at least five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proficient with PC software and campus systems (e.g., Banner, Workday) and the ability to manipulate data for reporting. What You Will Get
Swarthmore College offers benefits and a collaborative work environment on a 420-acre campus. For full consideration, submit applications with a resume and cover letter by the stated deadline. The market salary range posted is $72,000–$104,000 per year, determined by factors including experience and education. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
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