Student Accounts Operations Manager

Niagara University•Niagara University, NY

7h•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Student Accounts Operations Manager assists in supervising workflow in the Student Accounts Office. The role manages daily billing, financial aid disbursements, student refunds, updates to the general ledger process, and the out-of-school payment plan module. It works with university departments, students, and families to resolve billing and financial aid disbursement concerns. The position assumes responsibility for Student Accounts operations in the Director’s absence and supervises two staff members. The manager supports student receivables billing and collection, provides leadership to the department, advises students and families about financing and payment options, and ensures that operations comply with federal and state regulations and university policies. The role also provides customer-service and cashiering coverage as needed, supports tax-form filing, and presents information at new-student orientation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 3 years of experience in student accounts, student financial services, accounts receivable, accounting, or a related field.
Strong interpersonal customer-service and written communication skills for interacting with students, parents, and outside agencies.
Experience interpreting and explaining complex policies and processes to customers, including in stressful situations.
Basic math and accounting knowledge to verify tuition and loan payments and collection activities.
Experience working in Colleague, TouchNet, or similar information systems.
Ability to receive telephone calls, respond to inquiries, and communicate by telephone, email, or other virtual means.
Knowledge of financial operations and strong independent judgment.
Ability to complete projects from start to finish with little or no help from a supervisor.
Ability to interpret instructions and reports provided by the controller and functional officer.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations.
Organizational skills and ability to communicate effectively with students and parents in a high-pressure environment.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of managerial experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the Director with the billing process and collection of student receivables.
Provide department leadership and supervise two staff members who report directly to the position.
Counsel students and families on financing and payment options, holds, billing, collections, and compliance.
Update billing tables and write and troubleshoot billing rules in the Colleague student information system.
Manage and serve as the primary point person for the Bill/Payment module of the TouchNet billing system.
Disburse financial aid to student accounts.
Process meal-plan requests for student athletes and commuters.
Monitor refund reports for accuracy and issue student refunds within mandated timeframes.
Monitor outstanding checks and follow up on uncashed refund checks.
Review tuition accounts for pre-collection, collection, and write-off.
Work with delinquent payers, create payment plans as needed, and manage the out-of-school payment plan module.
Assist with filing annual 1098T, 1042S, T2202, T4A, and TL11 tax forms.
Present to students and parents at new-student orientation.
Provide front-line customer-service and cashiering coverage as needed.
Coordinate with Financial Aid, the Registrar, the Controller’s Office, and other university departments, ensuring functions comply with federal and state regulations and university policies and procedures.
Review and apply policies and procedures outlined in the university Affirmative Action Plan.
Maintain confidentiality of student and employee information during and after employment; refer questions about confidentiality to the supervisor.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Benefits

Low-cost health benefits.
403b employer contribution.
Affordable tuition at Niagara University for the employee and eligible immediate family members.
Tuition exchange at designated universities for eligible dependent children.
20 holidays annually.
Paid time off (PTO).
Half-day Fridays throughout the summer.
Eligibility as an approved employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Free parking.
On-site dining options.
Fresh coffee at Tim Horton's and Starbucks.