Director, Student Accounts

Palm Beach Atlantic University•West Palm Beach, FL

About The Position

In support of the 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 role partners with Financial Aid, Enrollment, the Registrar, Finance, Information Technology Services, and other university departments to maintain accurate student financial records, meet regulatory requirements, improve operational efficiency, and provide an exceptional student financial experience. The Director sets departmental goals, performance metrics, and service standards; maintains internal controls and written policies and procedures; and leads continuous process improvement. The position oversees the ERP Accounts Receivable Module as business owner, including testing, configuration, workflow improvements, and system optimization. It also oversees student refunds, collection strategies, third-party billing programs, external collection agency relationships, receivable analysis, and monthly and year-end processes. The Director leads and develops Student Accounts personnel, including coaching, performance evaluations, succession planning, professional development, and cross-training. The role directs financial and regulatory reporting, including AR aging, reserve and bad debt analysis, collection statistics, key performance indicators, IRS Form 1098-T and 1042-S reporting, and support for the annual financial statement audit. The position also oversees student-account adjustments and documentation, Student Accounts content in the University catalog and website, and communications to students, parents, and university personnel.

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.
Ability to work non-routine hours during certain times of the year.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
Demonstrated competencies in customer service, professionalism, adaptability, attention to detail, confidentiality, conflict management, developing others, communication, trust-building, leadership, problem-solving, project and time management, accountability, self-development, teamwork, collaboration, and technology.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Higher education experience, with 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 oversight for student billing, receivables, payment administration, account processing, collections, third-party billing, and refunds.
Establish and evaluate internal controls to ensure 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 ensure account accuracy and proper information flow.
Partner with the Business Office on timely monthly and year-end processes.
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, and recommend operational improvements.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations related to student accounts.
Ensure departmental participation in university initiatives, orientations, enrollment events, and training programs.
Lead and direct Student Accounts personnel, including coaching, performance evaluations, succession planning, professional development, and cross-training.
Establish and maintain written Student Accounts policies and procedures.
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 changes in federal, state, tax, and higher education regulations.
Lead departmental support for the annual financial statement audit.
Oversee review and approval of student-account adjustments and correcting entries, ensuring appropriate documentation.
Oversee Student Accounts portions of the University catalog and website and direct departmental 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 holiday time off, 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.