Accounting Coordinator III

Tennessee Tech • Cookeville, TN

13d

About The Position

The Accounting Coordinator III ensures 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; coordinating with campus offices; and communicating effectively with students, parents, faculty, staff, and third parties within FERPA and other privacy-law restrictions.

The position handles detailed account analysis and issue resolution, manages payment and refund processes in accordance with applicable requirements, and supports Business Office operations such as reconciliations, fee testing, and account adjustments. The coordinator also provides tuition and fee information to incoming students and keeps informed about higher-education policy and software changes. Relevant systems include Ellucian Banner, TouchNet’s U.Commerce Suite, and Microsoft productivity software.

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 inquiries from internal and external parties, including students, academic and administrative departments, committees, government agencies, and private third-party sponsors.
• Research and respond to inquiries concerning account balances, 1098-T calculations, fee assessments, drop/add activity, withdrawals, payments and confirmations, fee discounts, and awards.
• Manage 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 exemption tables used by Financial Aid to administer the fee discount program.
• Manage deferred payment plans in TouchNet and the Bursar’s Office payment deadline and course refund calendar.
• Prepare journal voucher entries for refunds, process returned checks, and handle the University withdrawal process for Accounts Receivable and student account adjustments.
• Analyze and approve payment requests from University departments.
• Assist the Bursar and Assistant Bursar with semesterly fee testing and implementation.
• Assist with monthly University bank reconciliations by identifying problems and facilitating resolution.
• Cross-train with other accounts receivable positions, including third-party contracts, delinquent accounts, and University loans.
• Present tuition, fee, and other relevant information to incoming freshmen at Business Office SOAR (Freshman Student Orientation).
• Work with Admissions, Financial Aid, and other departments throughout the year to ensure information provided to students is current and accurate.
• Learn and use relevant software systems, including Ellucian Banner, TouchNet’s U.Commerce Suite, and Microsoft productivity software.
• Attend annual training sessions and webinars to stay informed about higher-education changes, sponsor policies and procedures, and relevant software updates.
• Stay current on applicable federal and state laws, TBR policies, and University policies.

Benefits

• Initial accumulation of one vacation day per month.
• One sick leave day per month.
• Thirteen University holidays.
• Medical and life insurance with shared cost between the employee and University.
• Retirement benefits.
• Optional 401(k).
• Educational benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED