Student Accounts Specialist

Excelsior • Albany, NY

42d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Student Accounts Specialist is responsible for managing student accounts, including third-party programs, payments, collections, and customer service. This role involves ensuring accurate and timely processing of student financial transactions and maintaining positive relationships with students and their families. The Student Accounts Specialist works closely with other departments to support the overall financial health and administrative functions of the institution. We believe work should fit your life, not the other way around. Our hybrid schedule includes two days on site in our Albany office, with the flexibility to work remotely the remaining days. Spend less time commuting and more time focusing on meaningful work or personal priorities. Core hours are 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, including a 1-hour lunch, for a 37.5-hour week.

Requirements

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Associate’s degree required.
• At least 1 year of experience in student accounts, accounting, finance, or a related area, preferably within a higher education institution.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.

Responsibilities

• Payments and Receipts: Process payments, including cash, checks, credit cards, and electronic payments. Record and reconcile payments against student accounts.
• Collections: assist students and families with overdue accounts.
• Customer Service: Respond to inquiries from students, parents, and other stakeholders regarding account balances, payment options, billing discrepancies, and related issues. Provide excellent customer service and support.
• Account Reconciliation: Regularly reconcile student accounts with the general ledger. Identify and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Financial Aid Coordination: Work with the financial aid office to ensure accurate posting of financial aid awards to student accounts. Assist students in understanding how financial aid affects their account balances.
• Payment Plans: Assist in the setup and management of payment plans for students. Ensure payment plan terms are clearly communicated and adhered to.
• Policy Compliance: Ensure all processes comply with institutional policies, as well as state and federal regulations. Stay updated on changes in regulations affecting student accounts.
• Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with students, parents, and other departments regarding billing and payment processes.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements in the student accounts area to enhance efficiency and accuracy

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree