Student Account Specialist

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

6d•$65,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Account Specialist is a vital member of the Business Office/Student Accounts Department, reporting to the Bursar within the Administration & Finance (AF) Division. This role serves as the primary point of contact for all student financial accounts, taking responsibility for the accurate billing and collection of tuition, residence charges, and related fees across Undergraduate, Graduate, and Continuing Education Programs. The ideal candidate possesses a passion for helping people while performing an essential customer service function by counseling a diverse population of students and parents. The Specialist is expected to educate students/families on MassArt policies and procedures, including enrollment and payment options, while exercising sound judgment and sensitivity in these interactions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Minimum of two years of experience working in a student accounts environment.
One year of experience with database computer systems is required.
An understanding of accounting concepts
Comprehensive knowledge of accounts receivable processes and procedures
Expertise in credit and collection principles, regulations, and standards.
Knowledge of federal and state financial aid policies.
Demonstrated knowledge of higher education principles, practices, and procedures related to student account operations.
Experience with personal computer and database computer systems
Experience with the Colleague ERP by Ellucian.
Advanced technical skills in Microsoft applications, particularly Word and Excel.
Strong analytical, organizational, and quantitative skills
Ability to work in detail while addressing multiple priorities and deadlines.
Demonstrated superior customer service experience
Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills
Excellent communication (oral and written) and group presentation skills.
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in meeting customer needs is critical.
Maintaining confidential records and information in a secure manner is essential.
Must be eligible to work in the US at the time of employment
Must complete all onboarding tasks including a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) background review
Provide proof of eligibility to work in the US by completing the Form 19, Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Required to show proof of your identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of the start of your employment.

Nice To Haves

Passion for helping people

Responsibilities

Manages the day-to-day activity related to student accounts, including billing, refunding, and collection.
Oversees the timely posting of Title IV and other financial aid, records all disbursements and refunds in adherence to state/federal regulations and MassArt policies, and coordinates/resolves refund batch issues with accounting.
Makes adjustments, waivers, and exemptions to accounts with proper approval, and assists students with third-party vendor invoices for items like health insurance and meal plans.
Performs weekly and monthly reconciliations of ledger and sub ledgers, and provides weekly summary reports of all student accounts.
Responsible for the oversight of our credit card payment processing systems, including scheduling their use by student groups, training users on its use, reconciling payments, and working with the Bursar to ensure payments are properly routed.
Assists in the hiring, training, and development of student workers.
Supports the Bursar's Office staff by triaging questions from students and families, making necessary referrals to departments like Financial Aid, the Registrar's Office and Residence Life, and escalating complex customer service issues.
Assists the Bursar in developing and implementing policies, programs, and initiatives.
Involved in the semester billing set up, including creating rate tables and fees, posting tuition in Colleague, and issuing student bills, while coordinating with Continuing Education on deadlines and procedures.
Performs essential weekly and monthly reconciliation with the general ledger concerning Financial Aid, cash receipts, and student account invoicing.
Performs other related duties as assigned, which can include participation in Search Committees and Governance Committee projects.
Represents the office on college wide committees.
Ability to perform other duties as assigned, as well as availability to work extended and/or flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
Must exercise independent judgment, particularly when interacting with students in situations that may require conflict resolution skills.