Inside Higher Ed
Student Financial Services Specialist- Accounts Receivable
Inside Higher Ed, Jackson, Michigan, United States, 49203
Overview
Student Financial Services Specialist – Accounts Receivable role at Inside Higher Ed. The position is responsible for managing student account billing, collections, and payment processing to ensure accuracy and compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations. The specialist monitors accounts receivable activity, researches and resolves discrepancies, and assists with implementing payment plans and financial policies. The role supports timely reporting, reconciliations, and internal controls to maintain the integrity of student accounts, and provides exceptional customer service while promoting financial responsibility and student success. Responsibilities
Process and reconcile student account charges, payments, and adjustments to ensure accuracy and compliance. Monitor student accounts for delinquency; initiate appropriate collection actions in accordance with policies and regulations. Coordinate outreach efforts for outstanding balances, including registration reports and electronic communications related to non-payment drops and collection activities. Facilitate the non-payment drop process with Registrar’s office. Provide students and families with clear, accurate information regarding tuition, fees, billing, payment options, and account balances. Set up and manage payment plans; monitor compliance and follow up on missed payments. Research and resolve account discrepancies, collaborating with internal departments as needed. Generate reports on accounts receivable activity, aging, collections, and reconciliations. Coordinate student refund processing and ensure compliance with federal and institutional refund policies. Support audit preparation and compliance with internal controls, federal Title IV regulations, and institutional policies. Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer service within Student Financial Services. Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries via phone, email, and in-person interactions. Establish, communicate, and enforce tuition payment and refund policies; maintain communications with parents, students, and scholarship foundations or agencies. Provide back up cashiering support to the Student Financial Services Specialists. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Business and Student Financial Services, the Director of Finance, or the Chief Financial Officer. Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. Contacts
Internal: Coordinate and communicate with departments across the College to facilitate student enrollment; regularly interact with Student Services staff, faculty, and other departments to share information and align objectives. External: Maintain frequent contact with current and prospective students; engage with schools, businesses, and other external organizations as needed. Minimum Qualifications
Minimum/Required
Associate’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred. Minimum of 2 years of experience in accounts receivable, billing, or student financial services; higher education experience preferred. Strong understanding of accounting principles, billing, and collections practices. Familiarity with federal Title IV financial aid regulations and refund requirements are preferred. Proficiency with student information systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with ERP systems preferred. Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reconciliation skills. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, providing excellent customer service with tact and professionalism. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Preferred
Familiarity with college accounting policies and procedures. Knowledge of student services, including registration and financial aid processes. Experience with Ellucian Colleague and WEBI BI tools. Skills & Abilities
Mathematical Skills: Ability to apply concepts such as probability, statistical inference, and basic mathematical operations to practical situations. Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; interpret complex instructions and work with abstract and concrete variables. Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports and other documents; respond to inquiries and complaints from students and regulatory agencies. Physical Demands
Regular use of hands, arms, and voice; frequent sitting; occasional standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, or crouching. Ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds occasionally; vision includes close vision and focus adjustments. Work Environment
The work environment is typical office conditions; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Noise level: Moderate Supplemental Information
Jackson College only accepts online applications. For assistance, call 517-796-8468. Applicants must use legal first and last names on the application. The Jackson College nepotism policy prohibits hiring relatives in certain roles. Applications must include relevant education and experience; attach resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts if required. Final candidates may be subject to criminal background checks. Visa eligibility restrictions may apply. Equal Opportunity Employer that supports workforce diversity.
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Student Financial Services Specialist – Accounts Receivable role at Inside Higher Ed. The position is responsible for managing student account billing, collections, and payment processing to ensure accuracy and compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations. The specialist monitors accounts receivable activity, researches and resolves discrepancies, and assists with implementing payment plans and financial policies. The role supports timely reporting, reconciliations, and internal controls to maintain the integrity of student accounts, and provides exceptional customer service while promoting financial responsibility and student success. Responsibilities
Process and reconcile student account charges, payments, and adjustments to ensure accuracy and compliance. Monitor student accounts for delinquency; initiate appropriate collection actions in accordance with policies and regulations. Coordinate outreach efforts for outstanding balances, including registration reports and electronic communications related to non-payment drops and collection activities. Facilitate the non-payment drop process with Registrar’s office. Provide students and families with clear, accurate information regarding tuition, fees, billing, payment options, and account balances. Set up and manage payment plans; monitor compliance and follow up on missed payments. Research and resolve account discrepancies, collaborating with internal departments as needed. Generate reports on accounts receivable activity, aging, collections, and reconciliations. Coordinate student refund processing and ensure compliance with federal and institutional refund policies. Support audit preparation and compliance with internal controls, federal Title IV regulations, and institutional policies. Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer service within Student Financial Services. Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries via phone, email, and in-person interactions. Establish, communicate, and enforce tuition payment and refund policies; maintain communications with parents, students, and scholarship foundations or agencies. Provide back up cashiering support to the Student Financial Services Specialists. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Business and Student Financial Services, the Director of Finance, or the Chief Financial Officer. Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. Contacts
Internal: Coordinate and communicate with departments across the College to facilitate student enrollment; regularly interact with Student Services staff, faculty, and other departments to share information and align objectives. External: Maintain frequent contact with current and prospective students; engage with schools, businesses, and other external organizations as needed. Minimum Qualifications
Minimum/Required
Associate’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred. Minimum of 2 years of experience in accounts receivable, billing, or student financial services; higher education experience preferred. Strong understanding of accounting principles, billing, and collections practices. Familiarity with federal Title IV financial aid regulations and refund requirements are preferred. Proficiency with student information systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with ERP systems preferred. Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reconciliation skills. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, providing excellent customer service with tact and professionalism. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Preferred
Familiarity with college accounting policies and procedures. Knowledge of student services, including registration and financial aid processes. Experience with Ellucian Colleague and WEBI BI tools. Skills & Abilities
Mathematical Skills: Ability to apply concepts such as probability, statistical inference, and basic mathematical operations to practical situations. Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; interpret complex instructions and work with abstract and concrete variables. Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports and other documents; respond to inquiries and complaints from students and regulatory agencies. Physical Demands
Regular use of hands, arms, and voice; frequent sitting; occasional standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, or crouching. Ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds occasionally; vision includes close vision and focus adjustments. Work Environment
The work environment is typical office conditions; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Noise level: Moderate Supplemental Information
Jackson College only accepts online applications. For assistance, call 517-796-8468. Applicants must use legal first and last names on the application. The Jackson College nepotism policy prohibits hiring relatives in certain roles. Applications must include relevant education and experience; attach resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts if required. Final candidates may be subject to criminal background checks. Visa eligibility restrictions may apply. Equal Opportunity Employer that supports workforce diversity.
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