Student Accounts Operations Manager

OUTSTANDING BENEFITS UNLIKE ANY OTHER. Low-cost health benefits, 403b employer contribution, affordable tuition at Niagara University for you and eligible immediate family members, tuition exchange at other designated universities for eligible dependent children, generous holidays (20 days annually), PTO, and ½ day Fridays throughout the summer. Niagara University is also an approved employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Campus life is vibrant and offers free parking, on-site dining options, and fresh coffee at Tim Horton's and Starbucks, all in a beautiful park-like setting. If you'd like to know more, check out all of the NU Facts.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, the Student Accounts Operations Manager assists in the supervision of work flow in the Student Accounts Office. Responsibilities include but are not limited to managing the daily billing process; disbursement of financial aid; issuing student refunds; updates to the GL process; monitoring the out of school payment plan module; working with other university departments, students and families to resolve financial aid disbursement and billing concerns. The position assumes the responsibility for the Student Accounts operation in the absence of the Director and supervises two staff members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assist the Director in the billing process and collection of student receivables

• Work closely with the Director to provide leadership to the department and supervise two staff members who report directly to the position

• Provide direct leadership for counseling students and families on financing/payment options, holds, billing, collections and compliance

• Routinely updates billing tables, writes and troubleshoots billing rules in the Colleague student information system

• Manage and serve as the primary point person for the Bill/Payment module of the TouchNet billing system

• Disburses financial aid to student accounts

• Processes meal plan requests for student athletes and commuters

• Monitor refund reports to ensure accuracy; issue refunds to students within mandated timeframes

• Monitor outstanding check list and follow up on uncashed refund checks

• Review tuition accounts for pre-collection, collection and write off

• Work with delinquent payers, creating payment plans as needed; manage the out of school payment plan module

• Assist in filing annual 1098T, 1042S, T2202, T4A and TL11 tax forms

• Present to students and parents at new student orientation

• Provide coverage for front line customer service team and cashiering as needed

• Works closely with Financial Aid, the Registrar, the Controller's Office, and other university departments; ensures that functions performed are in compliance with federal and state regulations and University policies and procedures

• Review and apply all policies and procedures outlined in the university Affirmative Action Plan

• Maintain confidentiality of information (including but not limited to: student and employee personal information, student grades, etc.), both during and after their employment with the University. Any question regarding the confidentiality of material, should be referred to the supervisor. Any violation shall subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

• Perform other duties and projects as assigned

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

% of Time

35% Run billing process, maintain billing tables, disburse financial aid

30% Review and voucher student refunds; follow up on uncashed refund checks

20% Monitor the out of school payment plan and tuition collection processes

10% Counsel students, parents, faculty and staff on billing policies

5% Supervise staff members that report directly to the position

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong interpersonal customer service skills and written communication skills necessary to interact with students, parents and outside agencies.
• Experience interpreting and explaining complex policies and processes to customers in sometimes stressful situations
• Knowledge of basic math skills, basic accounting to verify tuition and loan payments and collection activities.
• Experience working in Colleague, TouchNet or similar information systems.
• Ability to receive telephone calls, respond to inquiries and communicate with others by telephone, email or other virtual means.
• Knowledge of financial operations with strong independent judgment skills.
• Ability to work on a project from start to finish with little or no help from the supervisor.
• Ability to interpret instructions and reports given by the controller and the functional officer.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

• Bachelor's degree is required
• A minimum of 3 years experience in student accounts, student financial services, accounts receivable, accounting or a related field
• A minimum of 2 years of managerial experience is preferred

Knowledge of federal and state regulations; organizational skills and ability to effectively communicate with students and parents in a high-pressure environment