STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES SPECIALIST

Ithaca College•Town of Ithaca, NY

7h•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Financial Services Specialist serves as an initial point of contact for current and prospective students and families, providing information and support related to financial aid, student accounts, billing, payments, and related processes. The position performs financial aid and student account processing, maintains accurate student information, responds to inquiries, and supports daily office operations in accordance with federal, state, and College requirements. The Specialist also uses student information and reporting systems to document activity, process transactions, and support accurate and timely service.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and one to three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Relevant experience may include work in a college or university student service area, including financial aid or bursar functions; significant interaction with students and families; student employment or work-study experience; or customer service work with a financial focus such as banking, loan processing, accounting or bookkeeping support, or debt collection.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally and provide respectful, responsive service to students, families, colleagues, and other constituents.
Experience using common office applications, including word processing and spreadsheets, with the ability to learn new systems and applications.
Ability to organize and prioritize work, maintain accurate information, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
Ability to handle detailed and sensitive information with accuracy and appropriate confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a college or university student service environment or in a setting involving financial transactions or account information.
Experience using an online student information system.

Responsibilities

Serve as an initial resource for current and prospective students, families, campus partners, and other constituents by explaining financial aid programs, application procedures, eligibility requirements, billing, payment deadlines, tuition rates, loans, forms, and related Student Financial Services information.
Assess individual questions and circumstances, provide appropriate information and forms, resolve routine processing and communication issues, and refer unusual, complex, or sensitive concerns to appropriate Student Financial Services staff.
Respond to phone, email, and in-person inquiries; schedule appointments as appropriate; provide clear and complete written and verbal communication; and document inquiries and responses in the student information system.
Maintain working knowledge of services provided by Admissions, Extended Studies/International Programs, Registrar, Residential Life, Student Employment, and other campus offices to connect students and families with appropriate resources.
Receive and review financial aid applications and supporting documentation for completeness in accordance with established guidelines; identify and resolve missing or incomplete documentation and prepare records for verification and packaging.
Enter and maintain financial aid application and award information, scan and organize documentation, and maintain accurate records in applicable systems.
Maintain current knowledge of financial aid program eligibility standards, federal and state regulations, College policies and procedures, and aid programs offered through private, state, and federal sources.
Process student account transactions, including cash, check, wire transfer, credit card, and other payments for deposits, tuition and fees, payment plans, ID Express, and other receivables; prepare receipts, post transactions, balance cash drawers, and reconcile daily activity.
Support collections, billing, payment posting, disbursement activity, and other student account operations during high-volume processing cycles and as assigned.
Receive and process forms and mail, route items requiring follow-up, and support accurate and timely processing within established office schedules.
Administer employee and graduate student payroll deduction payment arrangements by assisting with required forms, posting applicable credits to student accounts, and monitoring Payroll reconciliations to ensure deductions are completed.
Use student information systems, databases, and other office applications to review and maintain student records, document service activity, and support accurate processing.
Prepare reports, letters, correspondence, and other documentation; use reporting tools to develop reports as needed and collaborate with the Associate Director for Student Financial Services Information Systems when appropriate.
Maintain proficiency with systems and applications used by Student Financial Services and learn new tools and processes as operational needs evolve.