Lead, Student Accounts and Financial Services

College of The Albemarle•COA - Elizabeth City, NC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a critical-fill position located at College of The Albemarle – Elizabeth City in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. This is an on-site position and is not eligible for remote work. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. The Lead, Student Accounts and Financial Services coordinates the College's student accounts receivable and cashiering operations while performing advanced student account and financial services functions. The position supervises assigned Accounts Receivable staff, coordinates daily workflow, monitors financial transactions and internal controls, resolves complex account issues, and supports compliance, reporting, and process improvement activities. The Lead serves as the primary operational resource for student accounts receivable and cashiering and works collaboratively with College departments to ensure accurate financial processing and effective customer service. The Lead, Student Accounts and Financial Services reports to the Controller and directly supervises the Accounts Receivable Department.

Requirements

Associate's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution and progressively responsible experience in accounts receivable, cashiering, accounting, or financial operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in accounts receivable, cashiering, accounting, student accounts, or related financial operations.
At least one (1) year of supervisory or lead experience.
Experience interpreting and applying established financial policies and procedures.
Experience utilizing financial management, accounting, student information, or reporting systems.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
Experience in higher education or a North Carolina Community College System institution.
Experience with student accounts, accounts receivable, cashiering, or financial aid-related financial processes.
Experience with ERP systems such as Ellucian Colleague, Banner, or a comparable enterprise system.
Knowledge of NCCCS financial requirements and community college business operations.

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily student accounts receivable, cashiering, billing, payment processing, collections, and related financial operations.
Ensure timely and accurate billing and collection of tuition, fees, and other revenues due to the College.
Oversee daily cashiering activities and ensure the accurate handling, recording, reconciliation, and deposit of cash receipts.
Monitor accounts receivable balances and aging and coordinate resolution of outstanding balances and account discrepancies.
Coordinate payment plans, third-party billing, student refunds, returned checks, collection agency referrals, and account adjustments in accordance with established procedures.
Review delinquent accounts and prepare recommendations regarding write-offs and collection actions for appropriate approval.
Monitor and post incoming electronic payments and process electronic fund transfers as assigned.
Review and reconcile the Daily Cash Analysis (DCA) and research and resolve discrepancies.
Coordinate and support 1098-T tax reporting, including data validation, reconciliation, compliance activities, and timely distribution.
Provide operational backup and assistance with accounts receivable and cashiering functions as necessary.
Directly supervise assigned Accounts Receivable and cashiering staff, including participating in recruitment and selection, onboarding, training, scheduling, coaching, performance evaluations, and disciplinary recommendations.
Assign and coordinate daily workflow and monitor work for accuracy, timeliness, and completion.
Ensure adequate staffing and operational coverage for accounts receivable and cashiering functions.
Establish individual work expectations consistent with departmental goals and expectations established by the Controller.
Provide ongoing instruction, coaching, cross-training, and professional development to assigned employees.
Address routine employee and operational concerns and escalate matters requiring additional administrative review.
Promote a professional, collaborative, and customer-focused work environment.
Monitor compliance with established internal controls and segregation-of-duties requirements related to cash handling, accounts receivable, billing, refunds, payment processing, and financial reporting.
Ensure timely reconciliation of assigned accounts and research and resolution of discrepancies.
Identify internal control, compliance, or financial concerns and promptly report significant matters to the Controller.
Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation, responding to information requests, and assisting with approved corrective actions.
Prepare, review, and analyze reports related to student receivables, collections, cashiering activities, and related financial operations.
Ensure departmental operations comply with applicable College, NCCCS, state, federal, FERPA, and PCI DSS requirements.
Serve as the departmental liaison for Enhancing Accountability and Government through Leadership and Education (EAGLE) activities, as assigned.
Identify opportunities to improve departmental processes, internal controls, system utilization, and operational efficiency and make recommendations to the Controller.
Collaborate with Information Technology, Financial Aid, Student Services, and Business Office personnel regarding ERP functionality, reporting, testing, and operational issues.
Participate in testing, implementation, and validation of financial and student information system changes and upgrades.
Assist with documenting departmental processes and maintaining current procedures and training resources.
Provide staff training and support related to approved system and procedural changes.
Serve as a primary resource for students, faculty, staff, and appropriate external parties regarding student accounts, billing, payments, collections, and cashiering procedures.
Research and resolve complex or escalated student account and customer service concerns within established authority.
Refer matters involving policy exceptions, significant financial risk, or administrative decisions to the Controller.
Collaborate with Financial Aid, Student Services, Business Office personnel, and other departments to ensure accurate and timely financial transactions.
Maintain the confidentiality and security of student, employee, and financial information.
Perform other related duties as assigned.