Collections Specialist

Hiring Department

Student Financial Aid

Job Description JOB SUMMARY The Collections Specialist provides technical, clerical, and financial services to students and the campus community. The position collects and processes required documentation and student data to support financial aid eligibility determinations, advises students and families regarding financial aid and student account matters, and provides financial counseling that supports a complete financial plan. The role performs cashiering services, processes payments and refunds, manages third-party billing activity, and supports the collection of delinquent accounts. The incumbent is expected to provide accurate, timely, and student-centered service while maintaining appropriate financial and student records.

Primary Responsibilities Student Financial Services and Counseling - 20%

• Provide technical and clerical assistance to students by collecting required documentation and processing relevant student data used to determine financial aid eligibility.
• Advise students, prospective students, and parents regarding financial aid programs, application processes, student accounts, and available payment options.
• Deliver financial counseling that helps students understand their obligations and develop a complete financial plan.

Cashiering and Payment Processing - 5%

• Provide cashiering services to students and other members of the campus community in accordance with established procedures.
• Receive, process, and accurately record student, third-party, and other campus payments.
• Respond to payment-related questions, research transaction concerns, and provide clear information regarding account activity and balances.

Billing, Refunds, and Account Administration - 25%

• Create and maintain third-party billing entries and coordinate the collection and application of related payments.
• Process student and corporate refunds accurately and in accordance with applicable university procedures.
• Maintain complete and accurate financial records and support coordination of financial aid information with data processing systems as assigned.

Delinquent Accounts and Collections Support - 50%

• Review delinquent student accounts and complete required steps to refer or process accounts for collection.
• Communicate professionally with students and other responsible parties regarding past-due balances, payment requirements, and account resolution options.
• Document collection activity, update account information, and coordinate complex or unresolved matters with the appropriate office or supervisor.
• Review and process intercepted tax offset accounts and adjust accounts as necessary.

As with all positions, may perform other job-related responsibilities as needed to support departmental and campus-wide needs.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Student-centered customer service
• Financial aid and student account knowledge
• Cashiering, billing, and payment processing
• Collections and account resolution
• Accuracy, confidentiality, and recordkeeping
• Clear communication and financial counseling

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements Work is primarily performed in an office and customer service environment with frequent interaction with students, families, campus departments, and members of the university community. The role requires regular use of a computer, telephone, cashiering equipment, and student financial systems, along with sustained review and processing of detailed financial and student information. The position involves handling payments and confidential records, managing multiple priorities, and communicating with individuals regarding sensitive financial matters.

Supervisory Responsibilities This position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities.

Shift

8am - 5pm Monday through Friday with some extended hours during peak volume times.

Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications 5 years of experience

Anticipated Hiring Range

$19.25 -$27.40

Grade: GGS-010

University Title: MANAGER II STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

• Application materials include a cover letter and resume. Finalists will be asked to provide references at a later date.
• Applicants must combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as a resume attachment to the UMSL Careers: https://www.umsl.edu/services/hrs/careers/index.html
• Limit document name to 50 characters. Maximum size limit is 11MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). For questions about the application process, please email [email protected]. If you are experiencing technical problems, please email [email protected].

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at [email protected].