Business Office Receptionist/Cashier

Bethel University•Mishawaka, IN

46d•Onsite

About The Position

The Business Office Receptionist serves as a vital member of the administrative support team for the Controller, Student Accounts Manager, Staff Accountant, Business Office, and Financial Aid. This front-facing position is responsible for providing excellent customer service while performing financial transactions, maintaining accurate records, and supporting daily operations. The role includes receiving, reconciling, and preparing deposits of cash, checks, and credit card payments received by the university. The receptionist is also responsible for data entry across multiple systems, maintaining accurate filing systems (both digital and manual), and serving as a welcoming first point of contact for students, parents, faculty, staff, and campus visitors-both in person and by phone.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Entry-level; six months of similar or related experience preferred.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion.
Courtesy, professionalism, and diplomacy are essential when interacting with students, families, and university staff.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Ability to operate standard office equipment (printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines).
Accuracy and dependability in handling money and processing financial data.
Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in customer service, cash handling, or office administration is a plus.
Familiarity with financial or student information systems preferred.
Basic accounting knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

Receive and process payments accurately in designated financial systems.
Perform daily cashier duties, including reconciling and posting transactions and deposits.
Assist with cash audits to ensure adherence to cash management procedures.
Greet visitors, answer incoming calls, respond to inquiries, and direct individuals to appropriate personnel.
Provide customer service related to student billing, balances, award letters, and account status.
Maintain and organize student account records, including manual and digital filing.
Issue and record campus parking tags and keys.
Monitor and order office supplies as needed.
Complete remote deposits and maintain backup documentation to support financial compliance.
Process and import large batches of external transactions, such as: Campus Store charges Bookstore charges RA payroll deductions
Run and analyze hold reports; remove holds as appropriate and escalate account issues to the Student Accounts Manager.
Approve bookstore accounts in collaboration with Financial Aid to establish available credit.
Prepare collections reports and follow up with students on missed payments or past-due balances (60/90/120 days).
Set appointments for students to establish in-house payment plans.
Send statements, letters, and make outbound phone calls related to account maintenance and collections.
Enroll students in online past-due payment plans; track non-sufficient funds and terminated payments.
Record third-party transactions, including ACH/EFT payments, verify accuracy, and notify students of receipt.
Assist families during registration and move-in events with payment processing and account questions.
Guide students in using online financial tools (e.g., Nelnet, Flywire, Papercut, Formstack, My.Bethel).
Manage and respond to the department's email and voicemail to ensure timely and accurate communication.
Perform account maintenance and adjustments with proper authorization and documentation.
Provide general administrative support and other duties as assigned.