Job Description
GENERAL FUNCTIONS:
The Student Financial Services Advisor will assist the Bursar and the Controller in the overall fiscal operations of the College, with responsibility for identifying specific student populations and providing general and one-to-one counseling to students to assist them in satisfying their financial obligations to the College. The position will be responsible for the oversight of third-party billing and processing of student account refunds.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Contact and communicate with students and financially responsible parties regarding outstanding student accounts to resolve and or explain their financial obligations to the College. Develop in-depth knowledge of procedures and regulations and explain complex concepts to customers. Collect payments and accurately post student payments submitted in various forms.
- Understand and communicate information regarding requirements and processes for veteran's benefits and third-party sponsorship (ACCES-VR, CSEA, etc.) and post deferments and payments to student accounts.
- Administer the Student Refund process in a manner complying with Title IV regulations and deadlines.
- Administer the third-party billing process, as it relates to Student Accounts, including but not limited to responding to inquiries, producing invoices and processing payments for our students.
- Serve as a contact for GCC's Online Payment Plan and Past Due Payment Plan.
- Assist the Bursar in student billings and communications, including but not limited to:
- Periodic billing & mailings.
- Prepare tailored communications to identified populations of students.
- Work with the Financial Aid Office in communicating and resolving outstanding requirements that prohibit the release of financial aid funds.
- Place phone calls to students with unpaid past due bills.
- Assist the Controller with periodic purge (de-registration) for non-payment.
- Respond to student questions regarding financial aid, student accounts and residency certificate requirements.
- Ensure compliance with regulations regarding timing and deadlines for certificates of residency. Contact counties as needed to resolve issues.
- Review and resolve expired checks on a monthly basis.
- Meet with students to address and resolve account issues.
- Assist with bookstore, housing, and meal plan charges and questions.
- Assist with implementation of Banner improvements for Student Accounts processes.
- Serve as Student Accounts representative to various committees as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned. (While the core job duties are summarized above, the position's activities may vary depending on the current needs of the department, regulatory changes and the discretion of the Bursar).
Job Requirements:
EDUCATION:
Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or related field.
EXPERIENCE:
One year of business operations experience with a bachelor's degree, or three years with an associate's degree. Experience working with student information systems (e.g. Banner) preferred. A high level proficiency using Microsoft Office products.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
The successful candidate must possess excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and a proven customer service orientation. Must be comfortable advising students regarding student account issues. Technical proficiency in computerized student and financial systems and report writing tools is desirable. Analytical ability and the ability to research and solve complex problems are necessary. Must have good independent judgement. Candidate must be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity.
Additional Information:
RELATIONSHIPS:
This position reports to the Bursar and works closely with the Controller, other Business Office staff, the Financial Aid Office, and other College staff and students.
SALARY AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
This is a full-time,12-month position and is compensated at $43,868.98. Salary, benefits, and conditions of employment are set by the GEA contract.
BENEFITS:
NYS Retirement
Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Insurance through Independent Health, Delta Dental and EyeMed.
FSA
20 days' vacation, 24 sick, 4 personal days and 14 holidays annually
May use up to 10 sick days for family illness
GCC Tuition Waiver for employee and dependents
SUNY Tuition assistance at 4-year institutions
May apply for Flexible Work Arrangement after 90 days of service
Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)