Student Accounts and Financial Services Specialist

This position has been designated as a priority recruitment to address immediate operational needs. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position may be filled prior to the closing date. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly. The Student Accounts and Financial Services Specialist performs a broad range of cashiering, student accounts, accounts receivable, and financial services functions in support of the College's Business Office operations. This position is responsible for processing and reconciling financial transactions, supporting student account administration, maintaining accurate financial records, and providing high-quality customer service to students, faculty, staff, and the public. The position supports daily cashiering operations, student billing, collections, refunds, third-party payments, and accounts receivable activities while ensuring compliance with College procedures, internal controls, and applicable regulations. Work requires attention to detail, sound judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment utilizing systems such as Ellucian Colleague/Datatel, FundFive, Etrieve, and other financial and electronic document management systems. The Student Accounts and Financial Services Specialist reports to the Cashiering and Accounts Receivable Supervisor. Receive, verify, process, receipt, and reconcile cash, checks, credit card transactions, wire transfers, third-party payments, departmental deposits, and other financial transactions in accordance with established procedures. Provide professional and customer-focused service to students, faculty, staff, and the public regarding student accounts, payments, refunds, payment plans, account balances, and related financial matters. Communicate with students regarding account balances, delinquent accounts, payment arrangements, account holds, and account resolution. Review, research, reconcile, and adjust accounts receivable balances and student account discrepancies as appropriate. Process third-party billing, exemptions, reimbursements, sponsorships, and related account transactions. Assist with preparation, distribution, and support related to IRS Form 1098-T statements, monthly billing statements, and past-due notices. Respond to inquiries regarding student account activity, tax reporting documents, payment history, and billing procedures. Support collection activities, including preparation and submission of delinquent account information to debt setoff programs and third-party collection agencies. Process and reconcile collection payments and account adjustments. Assist with daily cashiering functions, including balancing, reconciliation, daily bank deposits, petty cash transactions, and financial reporting activities. Support preparation and reconciliation of the Daily Cash Analysis (DCA) to ensure completeness and accuracy of financial transactions. Process student refunds for Curriculum and Continuing Education programs in accordance with established policies and procedures. Assist during registration periods by processing payments and resolving student account issues. Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with internal controls, audit standards, and confidentiality requirements. File, scan, process, and maintain paper and electronic financial records utilizing Etrieve and other electronic document management systems. Assist with maintenance and updates within the Ellucian Colleague system and related financial software platforms. Provide operational support and assistance to faculty, staff, and students across all College locations. Serve as backup support for cashiering, student accounts, and accounts receivable operations as assigned. Assume limited operational responsibility for cashiering functions in the absence of the Cashiering and Accounts Receivable Supervisor. Participate in departmental meetings, professional development opportunities, and required trainings related to systems, procedures, compliance, and customer service. Work flexible schedules, including occasional evenings, weekends, irregular hours, and adjusted lunch schedules as operational needs require. Perform other related duties as assigned. Typical Qualifications Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered qualifying. Required Education and Experience Associate degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university. Two years of progressively responsible experience in cashiering, accounts receivable, accounting support, banking, financial services, or a related field. Experience working with computerized financial systems, office software applications, and standard office technology. Preferred Qualifications Experience working in a higher education or community college business office environment. Experience using Ellucian Colleague/Datatel, FundFive, Etrieve, or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) and document management systems. Experience with student accounts, collections, cashiering, or financial reconciliation processes.

Knowledge of:

Cashiering, accounts receivable, and general accounting practices and procedures. Financial recordkeeping, reconciliation, and cash handling procedures. Customer service principles and conflict resolution techniques. Standard office software, financial systems, and electronic document management systems. Internal controls, confidentiality requirements, and applicable financial procedures.

Skill in:

Providing professional and effective customer service with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism. Maintaining accuracy and attention to detail while handling financial transactions. Organizing, prioritizing, and completing multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment. Verbal and written communication. Interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and financial guidelines.

Ability to:

Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive financial and student information. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the public. Analyze and resolve account discrepancies and financial issues effectively. Work independently and collaboratively in a high-volume, customer-service-oriented environment. Handle financial transactions and cash collections with a high degree of accuracy and accountability. Adapt to changing priorities and operational needs while maintaining professionalism and accuracy.