Business Office Administrative & Customer Service Specialist
About The Position
Cornell College seeks a Customer Service Specialist to serve as a welcoming, knowledgeable first point of contact within the Business Office. This position plays a critical role in supporting students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners by providing high-quality customer service across Student Accounts, Accounts Payable, and other Business Office operations. The Customer Service Specialist balances front-line service with administrative and transactional support, ensuring accurate processing, confidentiality, and a positive experience for all constituents. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who enjoys variety, problem-solving, and working collaboratively across departments.
Requirements
- High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of three years of customer service or administrative experience, preferably in an office or financial setting, preferred but not required.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and resolve concerns effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities with accuracy and professionalism.
Nice To Haves
- Proven ability to work as a positive, supportive, and collaborative team player in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.
- Knowledge of general accounting principles and office procedures.
- Strong organizational and data-entry skills with high attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Proficiency with standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, databases).
- Analytical skills related to receivables, reconciliation, and recordkeeping.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
- Commitment to ethical behavior, confidentiality, and customer-focused service.
- Comfort working with diverse populations in a higher-education environment.
Responsibilities
- Staff the Business Office/Information Desk and respond to inquiries in person, by phone, and via email.
- Serve as an initial point of contact for questions related to Student Accounts and Accounts Payable.
- Explain processes, policies, and timelines clearly and professionally, referring complex matters to appropriate staff when needed.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student and financial information with care and discretion.
- Receipt and process student payments; record and balance daily cash deposits.
- Assist with accounts receivable processing and monthly reconciliations.
- Support billing and collections activities, including working with ECSI on institutional loan processes.
- Assist with phone payments and respond to student and parent account questions.
- Provide cross-trained support for frequently asked Business Office and Old Sem information desk questions.
- Assist with special projects and peak-cycle work (e.g., billing periods, enrollment cycles, audits).
- Perform other duties as assigned to support overall Business Office operations.
Benefits
- Cornell College offers a fantastic benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, HSA & FSA accounts, a TIAA 403(b) retirement account, and tuition remission and exchange for employees and dependents.
- We also offer life insurance, disability insurance, travel insurance, and accident insurance.
- And, all full-time staff begin with a 4-week vacation accrual along with 14.5 paid holidays per year.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
