Accounting Coordinator III

Tennessee Tech•Cookeville, TN

13d

About The Position

The Accounting Coordinator III ensures that student financial accounts are maintained accurately and kept current, including charges, payments, and applicable refunds. The role requires maintaining current knowledge of relevant University, State, and federal laws and guidelines, analyzing policies and student accounts in light of those requirements, and coordinating with other campus offices. The employee communicates with students, parents, faculty, staff, and third parties as permitted by FERPA and other privacy laws. The position performs detailed account analysis and resolves inquiries from internal and external parties, including students, campus departments, committees, government agencies, and private sponsors. It administers student-account processes, issues applicable credit balances, manages payment and fee-related systems and calendars, supports reconciliations and fee implementation, and cross-trains in other accounts-receivable functions. The role also presents tuition, fees, and related information to incoming freshmen at SOAR orientation. The employee must learn and use relevant systems, attend annual training and webinars, and stay current on applicable laws, policies, industry developments, sponsor procedures, and software updates. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Physical demands are those typical of an office environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and four years of related professional experience, or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and two years of related professional experience.
Excellent mathematical and procedural analytical skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to meet frequent deadlines.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access.

Nice To Haves

Three years of experience in accounting or another related business field.
Two years of experience in a customer service-related field.
Experience in higher education and Accounts Receivable.
Experience with Ellucian Banner, Campus Receivable Collector, and TouchNet.
Experience with collection agencies and credit bureaus.

Responsibilities

Analyze student accounts and resolve issues arising from inquiries by internal and external parties, including inquiries about balances, 1098-T calculations, fee assessments, drop/add activity, withdrawals, payments, confirmations, discounts, and awards.
Administer account processes in accordance with applicable federal, state, and University guidelines.
Issue applicable student credit balances in accordance with federal, state, and University guidelines.
Design, set up, and manage Financial Aid exemption tables for the fee discount program.
Manage TouchNet deferred payment plans and the Bursar’s Office payment deadline and course refund calendar.
Prepare journal voucher entries for refunds, process returned checks, support the University withdrawal process for Accounts Receivable, and make student account adjustments.
Analyze and approve payment requests from University departments.
Assist the Bursar and Assistant Bursar with semester fee testing and implementation.
Assist with monthly University bank reconciliations by identifying problems and facilitating their resolution.
Cross-train in other accounts-receivable functions, including third-party contracts, delinquent accounts, and University loans.
Present tuition, fee, and related information to incoming freshmen at SOAR orientation and coordinate with Admissions, Financial Aid, and other departments to keep information accurate and current.
Learn and use relevant software, attend annual training sessions and webinars, and stay current on applicable laws, policies, industry developments, sponsor procedures, and software changes.