Director, Student Accounts

Palm Beach Atlantic University•West Palm Beach, FL

1d•$75,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

In support of Palm Beach Atlantic University’s mission and objectives, the Director of Student Accounts provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for student billing, receivables, payment administration, collections, third-party billing, compliance, customer service, and related financial reporting. The Director partners with Financial Aid, Enrollment, the Registrar, Finance, Information Technology Services, and other departments to maintain accurate student financial records, meet regulatory requirements, improve operational efficiency, and support a strong student financial experience. The role leads Student Accounts operations, establishes departmental goals and service standards, maintains internal controls and written procedures, and drives continuous improvement. The Director oversees the ERP Accounts Receivable Module as its business owner, including testing, configuration, workflows, and system optimization. Responsibilities also include managing collections and third-party billing programs, overseeing student refunds, collaborating on monthly and year-end processes, and managing relationships with outside collection agencies. The Director supervises and develops Student Accounts personnel, fostering accountability, leadership, professional development, cross-training, and excellent service. The position directs receivables and collections analysis, monitors performance indicators, oversees tax reporting and compliance, supports the annual financial statement audit, reviews account adjustments, and manages Student Accounts content and communications. The role may require non-routine hours at certain times of the year and prolonged periods of sitting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, management, finance, accounting, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 3 years of experience in Student Accounts, Accounts Receivable, Finance, or a related field, including supervisory experience.
Strong supervisory skills.
Ability to work non-routine hours during certain times of the year.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods.
Demonstrated competencies in customer service, professionalism, adaptability, attention to detail, confidentiality, conflict management, developing others, effective communication, trust-building, leadership and influence, problem-solving, project and time management, results orientation and accountability, self-development, teamwork and collaboration, and technology aptitude.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Higher education experience and knowledge of legal requirements pertaining to higher education.
Management experience.
Experience with account collections.

Responsibilities

Develop departmental goals, performance metrics, and service standards; monitor results and implement continuous process improvements.
Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for student billing, receivables, payment administration, account processing, collections, third-party billing, refunds, compliance, and customer service.
Establish and evaluate internal controls, including appropriate segregation of duties, protection of University assets, accurate student accounts, and compliance with University policies.
Promote a student-centered service culture by simplifying processes, improving communication, and enhancing the student financial experience.
Serve as business owner for the ERP Accounts Receivable Module, including testing, configuration, workflow improvements, and system optimization.
Develop collection strategies that balance stewardship of University assets with customer service.
Oversee third-party billing programs for contractual compliance, accurate billing, timely reimbursement, and effective partner relationships.
Oversee approval, processing, and compliance of student refunds under Title IV and University policies.
Collaborate with Financial Aid, Enrollment, the Registrar’s Office, Residence Life, PBA Card, ITS, and other departments to maintain account accuracy and information flow.
Partner with the Business Office to complete monthly and year-end processes on time.
Manage outside collection agency relationships, including account placement, reconciliations, performance monitoring, and recovery reporting.
Direct analysis of receivable trends, delinquency metrics, refund activity, and financial performance; recommend operational improvements.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations related to Student Accounts.
Represent the department in university initiatives, orientations, enrollment events, and training programs.
Lead and direct the Student Accounts department and establish and maintain its written policies and procedures.
Supervise staff, including coaching, performance evaluations, succession planning, professional development, and cross-training.
Direct development and analysis of AR aging, reserve analysis, collection statistics, receivable trends, and bad debt analysis.
Develop and monitor KPIs, including receivable aging, collection rates, refund processing times, payment plan participation, write-offs, and customer service metrics.
Oversee annual IRS Form 1098-T and 1042-S reporting and related tax compliance; monitor regulatory changes affecting federal, state, tax, and higher education requirements.
Lead departmental support for the annual financial statement audit.
Oversee review and approval of adjustments and correcting entries to student accounts and ensure appropriate documentation is maintained.
Oversee Student Accounts sections of the University catalog and website, and direct communications to students, parents, and University personnel.
Cultivate partnerships with external agencies to support accurate payment application, payment plans, and monthly reconciliations.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
Short-term disability, long-term disability, and employer-paid life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program for confidential personal and work-life support.
Wellness Program, including access to the Greene Complex Health & Fitness Center.
Retirement Savings Plan with a 7.25% employer match.
Paid holidays, including Good Friday and Easter Monday, the day before and after Thanksgiving, and a two-week Christmas Break.
Vacation and sick leave.
Paid parental leave.
Spiritual retreat days.
Tuition benefit for eligible full-time employees and their dependents for courses at PBA.
Free parking.
One complimentary meal per week in the Fraser Dining Hall.
10% discount at the PBA Campus Store.
Commuter discounts for Brightline and Tri-Rail.
Free admission to the Norton Museum of Art.