Assistant Director of Student Accounts

About Susquehanna

Susquehanna University is the future-ready institution for today, invested in cultivating intellectual grounding, active learning and global citizenship for all students. Renowned as one of the finest U.S. national liberal arts colleges, Susquehanna inspires and challenges 2,200 enterprising, bright-minded students studying the arts, business, humanities and sciences. Our students seize opportunities through exceptional worldwide internships, expert-guided research and an acclaimed study-abroad program, leading to a transformative education that empowers each graduate to realize their unique potential and lead a successful and meaningful life.

The Susquehanna River Valley with its fresh air and overall pleasant year-round climate, provides four distinct seasons amidst a backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage, occasional winter snowfalls, flower-filled springs and warm summer evenings illuminated by fireflies. Nearby outdoor recreational areas for hiking, kayaking, fishing and skiing - and the bustling cultural and commerce hubs of New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia within a three-hour drive - present abundant opportunities for learning and discovery.

Job Summary

The Assistant Director, Student Accounts within the Student Financial Services (SFS) department serves as the functional lead and subject matter expert for the system analysis, planning, design, and support for all student account management activities. The Assistant Director will manage the activities of the Student Account Specialist to act as the primary advisors for students and families in all matters related to their student account at Susquehanna. This includes, but is not limited to, configuration and functional set-up for billing tables within Ellucian Colleague and Nelnet Campus Commerce, the assessment of tuition, educational fees and other charges, payment plans, loans (federal, institutional, and private), federal/state aid and institutional financial aid. The Assistant Director will work collaboratively with campus partners to ensure accurate, timely and complete billing and collection of most charges associated with a student's enrollment at the university. This position is defined as a non-exempt position under FLSA regulations.

Specific Responsibilities

• Responsible to ensure that all revenue and other student charges activity is accounted for correctly within Ellucian Colleague.
• Working closely with the Senior Director of SFS in developing, interpreting, and implementing polices to provide efficient and effective student account / cash management in compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations.
• Lead review and testing of Ellucian Colleague patches and upgrades including working with end users on new functionality and determine effect on current enhancements/modifications. Assist IT and SFS partners (financial aid systems) with testing of new enhancements/modifications.
• Lead, manage and train the Student Account Specialist (I) to perform billing for all student account educational expenses; requires collaboration with campus partners, including but not limited to Finance, Admissions, Registrar, GO, Hawk Hub, Residence Life, Campus Safety, Health Center, Library, Academic Schools, Athletics, IT.
• Collect all student account payments on behalf of the university; includes posting to appropriate general ledger and subsidiary accounts receivable accounts; performs daily reconciliation, prepares bank deposit, and deposits funds at the bank.
• Coordinate with external vendors (such as ROTC, VA, Voc. Rehab., Heartland ECSI, international cultural ministries) in billing, generating statements, collections, financing fees and posting of payments for student accounts; ensuring credits are posted in an accurate and timely manner.
• Partner with the GO program to ensure accurate billing for students participating in a GO program and counsels families accordingly regarding the billing process.
• Assists Senior Director of SFS with the development of collections communication plan for new and returning students; collaborates with Senior Technical Specialist for electronic communication campaigns.
• Oversee the Student Account Specialist's (I) processing of the annual student 1098-Ts tax forms.
• Provide cross-functional assistance with prospective and upper-class student financial aid application process; includes recording receipt of application materials and working with families to complete files.
• Collaborate with Finance and ensure the proper configuration of billing tables (annual tuition, fees, charges), testing and role access within the university's ERP.
• Oversee the Student Account Specialist's generation of weekly reports necessary to process eligible student refunds in coordination with the Accounts Payable Specialist.
• Work closely with the Senior Director of SFS to provide various analyses related to student account receivables and assists with the determination of bad debt allowances; reports on other metrics as requested.
• Oversee the posting, maintaining, and reconciliation of payment plan contracts by the Student Account Specialist; maintains effective working relationship with providers; evaluates service and recommends change as needed.
• Oversee the Student Account Specialist's review, posting, and reconciliation of all miscellaneous charges for student accounts and collaboration with campus partners.
• Reconciles EIIA student health insurance reports; ensures accurate billing of international and domestic student health plan charges.
• Manages collections process for uncollectible accounts and submits these accounts to collection agencies; maintains effective working relationship with agencies; evaluates service and recommends change as needed.
• Manages the placement and removal of financial holds on student accounts.
• As needed, assist Student Account Specialist (I), SFS, and campus partners when needed for daily interactions (phones/emails/visits).
• Work with SFS staff to maintain accurate and complete procedure manuals.
• Supervise and train SFS staff and campus partners on the utilization of Ellucian Colleague billing and Nelnet Campus Commerce student payment portal.
• Attend university events as needed; weekend or evening hours may be required.
• Maintain a commitment to service excellence in all internal and external interactions.
• Contact for ECSI our Perkins and Institutional Loan Servicer. Review of Perkins Loans for Government Assign

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

High School Diploma and 5 years of job experience; or bachelor's degree with one years of relevant experience or associate degree with three years of relevant experience in student financial aid or student accounts receivable is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Knowledge and understanding of regulations related to student financial aid and student accounts receivable; Proven skills in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook; Excellent oral and written communications skills; ability to write clear, concise letters and emails; ability to effectively communicate with students and parents in-person, on the phone or via email while maintaining patience, tact and professionalism; Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to understand financial ledgers and perform timely and accurate calculations as needed; Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments; Ability to handle confidential information in a professional, compliant and ethical manner; Ability to analyze data, interpret data and solve problems within established guidelines and policies; Ability to work evenings and weekends on occasion; and Must be able to attend professional conferences in the field of student financial services.

Additional Information for Applicant

Physical Demand

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time. Operates a computer, scanner, calculator, copier, fax machine and printer. The person in this position frequently communicates with students and families who have inquiries about their tuition bill or financial aid package; must be able to exchange accurate information in these potentially stressful situations, whether individually or in a group. Position requires the ability to occasionally lift ten pounds. Working conditions are indoor.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/susqu/jobs/5480149/assistant-director-of-student-accounts