Associate Director, Student Accounts

William Paterson University•Wayne, NJ

1d•$82,500 - $128,800•Onsite

About The Position

Under the leadership of the Director of Student Accounts, the Associate Director assists in the overall management and administration of the Office of Student Accounts, including billing, receivables, collections, cashiering, payment processing, refunds, tax reporting, and related technologies. The Associate Director is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the Collections, Customer Service, and Cash Processing units, consisting of five staff members, and ensures the efficient and effective operation of each functional area. The Associate Director shares responsibility for maintaining Banner fee assessment rules, student refunds, and payment processing systems while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and University policies. The position assists in the development and implementation of operational improvements, oversees critical technology resources including Banner and TouchNet, and works collaboratively with campus partners to improve student financial services and operational efficiency.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in student accounts, bursar operations, accounts receivable, or higher education finance, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Experience with student financial systems and student account operations, including billing, receivables, collections, payment processing, and refunds.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations, accounting principles, internal controls, and student account compliance requirements.
Strong leadership, analytical, organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a related field.
Experience working in a public college or university.
Experience with Ellucian Banner Student Accounts and TouchNet.
Experience managing Banner fee assessment, tuition structures, 1098-T reporting, or other complex student account system administration.
Experience leading system implementations, process improvements, or major technology initiatives.

Responsibilities

Assists in the overall management and administration of the Office of Student Accounts by supporting departmental planning, implementing operational improvements, establishing internal controls, and ensuring compliance with University policies and applicable federal and state regulations.
Administers and maintains Banner Student Accounts and related technologies, including TouchNet and other student financial systems. Coordinates system testing, validates upgrades, investigates system issues, recommends enhancements, and assists with implementation of new technologies and business processes.
Oversees the University's tuition and fee assessment processes, including Banner billing rules, detail codes, tuition structures, and fee assessment for Main Campus, WP Online, High School, and other specialized student populations. Ensures data integrity and accuracy of student billing.
Manages student refund and payment processing operations, including Banner auto-refunds, TouchNet refund files, direct deposit, paper check processing, payment plans, credit card refunds, Marketplace/uPay administration, user access, and related payment technologies.
Performs and oversees financial reconciliations related to student accounts, financial aid, bookstore deferments, payment processing, and other accounts receivable activities. Investigates and resolves discrepancies and prepares adjusting and closing journal entries as required.
Coordinates regulatory reporting and compliance activities, including annual IRS Form 1098-T reporting, Nursing Faculty Loan Program reporting, and other required federal, state, and institutional reporting requirements.
Develops, analyzes, and distributes operational, financial, collection, and management reports to support departmental operations, strategic planning, decision-making, and compliance requirements.
Assists with internal and external audits by preparing work papers, responding to auditor inquiries, providing supporting documentation, and implementing recommendations as appropriate.
Supervises the daily operations of the Collections, Customer Service, and Cash Processing units, including assigning work, establishing schedules, approving leave, monitoring productivity, evaluating performance, coaching staff, and ensuring appropriate office coverage.
Provides leadership and guidance to staff by fostering collaboration, accountability, customer service excellence, professional development, and continuous process improvement while promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.
Interprets and applies University policies and procedures related to student accounts, billing, collections, payment plans, tuition refunds, and other financial processes. Resolves complex student account issues requiring independent judgment and managerial decision-making.
Serves as a primary liaison with Financial Aid, Business Services, Information Technology, the Registrar, Residence Life, Admissions, auditors, vendors, banking partners, and other internal and external stakeholders to coordinate student financial operations and improve cross-functional processes.
Assists the Director in developing departmental policies, procedures, strategic initiatives, and operational goals designed to improve efficiency, strengthen internal controls, enhance customer service, and support the University's strategic objectives.
Represents the Office of Student Accounts and the University on committees, professional organizations, conferences, training programs, and other meetings as assigned.
Performs other duties as assigned that are appropriate to the scope and responsibilities of the position.