Student Financial Operations Specialist

James Madison University • Harrisonburg, VA

2d • $39,500 - $42,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The University Business Office is seeking a Student Financial Operations Specialist to provide exceptional customer service and operational support for student account services. This position serves as a key point of contact for students, parents, authorized users, faculty, and staff regarding student account activity, payment processes, university billing, and declining balance accounts.
The successful candidate will administer FLEX and Dining Dollars Gold (DDG) account processes, perform account maintenance activities, assist with accounts receivable communications, reconcile financial transactions, and support daily office operations.

Requirements

• Providing direct customer service and effectively communicating complex financial information to a broad customer population.
• Explaining policies, procedures, or financial information to customers.
• Researching and resolving account-related issues.
• Maintaining records with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Managing competing priorities while maintaining established deadlines.
• Using strong analytical skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting student financial services, student accounts, financial aid, banking, accounting, or accounts receivable operations.
• Experience handling cash management, payment processing, reconciliations, or financial audits.
• Experience working in a decentralized organization with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience composing professional correspondence regarding financial matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional, timely assistance to students, parents, authorized users, faculty, and staff by phone, email, and in person.
• Analyze student account information and explain university billing, payment, refund, and account policies.
• Respond to inquiries using multiple university systems, including PeopleSoft, Cashnet (Illumia), Flywire, and BankMobile.
• Prepare account statements, invoices, and related documentation as requested.
• Serve as backup support for other customer service and business office functions.
• Administer FLEX and Dining Dollars Gold account transactions and maintenance activities.
• Reconcile daily financial activity between university payment systems and declining balance account systems.
• Research and resolve discrepancies involving payments, deposits, and account transactions.
• Process transfers and adjustments involving FLEX accounts.
• Remove declining balance funds associated with returned or unsuccessful payments.
• Maintain detailed records and ensure compliance with university financial procedures and internal controls.
• Monitor returned payment activity and perform required account adjustments.
• Place and remove administrative holds in accordance with university policies.
• Notify students and authorized users regarding returned payments and resulting account impacts.
• Research and resolve account issues while maintaining accurate records of communications and actions taken.
• Support communications related to student accounts receivable processes and outstanding account balances.
• Manage outgoing communications regarding billing deadlines, payment issues, registration holds, financial account requirements, and related topics.
• Assist with welcome communications and outreach efforts for new students and their families.
• Support student engagement activities during orientation sessions and other university events.
• Serve as backup for daily audit and reconciliation activities.
• Review Deposit Type Forms and related documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with financial reporting, data entry, document imaging, and electronic records management.
• Support compliance with university policies, audit requirements, and record retention standards.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and cross-training activities.
• Assist with departmental projects and special assignments.
• Provide backup support during peak operational periods and staff absences.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed