Manager - Student Finance

FVTC•Appleton, WI

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for billing, collecting, and refunding student tuition and fees while ensuring compliance with internal and external regulations, policies, and procedures. It is accountable for effective processes and the development or improvement of Student Finance procedures. The role works closely with Financial Services and Student Services and ensures excellent customer service for students, parents, employees, and other customers. The Manager provides leadership for the day-to-day operations of Student Financial Services, maintains accurate student account activity, and oversees staff understanding of policies and procedures. The position also leads process and technology improvements, coordinates cashiering controls with the Controller’s Office, and serves as the primary liaison among functional users, analysts, and IT staff for issues affecting operations and Workday Student Administration modules. Operational responsibilities include overseeing reconciliations, internal controls, audits and reviews, refunds, collections, bad-debt write-offs, bankruptcy-related accounts, suspected fraudulent accounts, and 1098-T production. The Manager also supports staff training and documentation and maintains Student Finance websites. The role may contribute to special projects, committees, system testing, cross-training, and backup coverage as operational needs arise. Work is performed in a hybrid environment, mostly in person, with virtual work possible; the environment may change based on college needs. Occasional travel may be required for professional development, committees, or meetings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as accounting or business.
Five years of recent related work experience.
Demonstrated fluency in Microsoft Office.
Proven skills using large ERP systems.
Advanced skills in Student Administration systems.
Ability to perform the essential duties of the position, including extended sitting and repetitive motions such as typing.
Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with employees, candidates, and stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

CPA license preferred.
A combination of education, training, and experience may be considered if it provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership for the day-to-day operations of Student Financial Services.
Maintain the accuracy of student charges, credits, payments, and refunds.
Ensure excellent customer service for students, parents, employees, and other customers.
Ensure staff understand policies and procedures; create and maintain documentation and provide ongoing training.
Investigate, recommend, and lead implementation of technology, tools, and system improvements that increase efficiency and quality in Student Finance.
Oversee cashiering policies, procedures, and systems with the Controller’s Office and ensure appropriate controls are in place.
Support Workday functional analysts, IT staff, and functional staff with setup and administration of Workday Student Administration modules.
Collaborate with functional users, analysts, and IT staff to resolve operational problems, serving as the primary liaison between the parties.
Ensure timely reconciliations and maintenance of internal controls.
Assist with audits and reviews, including those conducted by the Federal Department of Education, Federal Department of Veteran Affairs, and Wisconsin Technical College System.
Oversee refunding of credit balances, maintenance of direct deposit records, and resolution of deposit returns.
Oversee student account collections, bad-debt write-offs, and accounts affected by bankruptcy, ensuring coordination, documentation, and compliance.
Oversee identification, investigation, and resolution of suspected fraudulent student accounts in coordination with appropriate departments and external partners.
Direct the 1098-T production process, including communications, IRS reporting, and tax document distribution.
Assist with developing and delivering staff training, procedural documentation, and reference materials related to student account processes and departmental operations.
Maintain Student Finance and associated websites.
Assist with special projects, process improvement initiatives, and implementation of systems, procedures, and technologies related to student financial services.
Participate in cross-functional committees, institutional initiatives, and collaborative efforts supporting student success, operational efficiency, and institutional goals.
Provide backup support for other Student Financial Services functions as needed during high-volume periods, staff absences, or other operational needs.
Cross-train and provide backup within Student Financial Services.
Participate in evaluation and testing of system enhancements, upgrades, and workflow changes affecting student accounts, billing, payments, and collections.