Director, Student Accounts

Bethune-Cookman University

Job Title: Director, Student Accounts

Reporting Structure: Vice President, Enrollment Management and Student Experience

Division: Enrollment Management and Student Experience

Job Summary: The Director is responsible for supporting the success of the Bethune Cookman University community, as well as the University’s short and long-term financial well-being, through the effective management of student accounts and university accounts receivable, as well as through payment collection, administration, and reconciliations. The Director of Student Accounts provides leadership and direction for tuition and fee structures, refund processing, billing, receivables, and payments. The Director of Student Accounts is also responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to student finances and other areas of responsibility. Finally, the Director is responsible for implementing and maintaining a dynamic and responsive advising and analysis program for students and stakeholders, ensuring compliance, working collaboratively with various university departments, and developing solutions to elevated requests and concerns.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Direct, supervise, and mentor employees to develop and maintain a high-performance culture that values accountability, leadership, sound planning, service, and excellent execution. Set and evaluate goals for team member performance and actively develop team members.
• Lead and participate in strategic planning, departmental goal setting and evaluation, and continuous process and service improvement.
• Oversee the student accounts receivable program, including billing, payment plans, account reconciliations, payment administration, collection procedures, write-offs, bad debt, resolving discrepancies, and communication.
• Coordinate the accurate preparation and completion of state and federal tax forms and reports including forms 1098T and 1042S. Ensure timely submittal of payments and reports to the IRS and other government entities.
• Prepare, evaluate, and process student account refunds in accordance with Title IV regulations, federal and state law, and University policy.
• Manage third-party billings for payment by government entities, employers, and other outside organizations.
• Maintain and update billing tables in the University’s financial system to assure all revenue and expenses are reflected appropriately in the general ledger.
• Utilize discretion in the enforcement and application of university policies, including holds, collections placements, late fees, policy exceptions, drops, withdrawals, and appeals.
• Analyze student accounts for accuracy, resolve discrepancies in a timely manner and ensure the proper posting of all charges and payments.
• Partner with the university bookstore, health center, dining services, housing, and other departments to ensure the timely assessment and accuracy of charges.
• Coordinate Title IV, federal, state, and VA payment receipts, including maintaining compliance with federal, state, and institutional disbursement and collection policies.
• Oversee and maintain merchant and payment services, including online and credit card payment systems. Ensure processing methods are modern and meet the changing needs of those we serve.
• Serve as the principal liaison to partners and vendors associated with student accounts and merchant services.
• Collaborate with enrollment management, financial aid, registrar’s office, housing, student affairs, academic affairs, finance, and other internal departments to ensure student account accuracy and the proper flow of information.
• Create systems, structures, and processes to prioritize requests, activities, and workflows in a customer-friendly manner.
• Facilitate the use of data to inform decision-making and planning.
• Run regular processes in the University finance system.
• Partner with the finance team to ensure the timely completion of monthly and year-end close processes.
• Collaborate with the finance team to manage the University’s accounts receivable program.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and institutional laws, policies, and procedures.
• Communicate effectively to students, parents, faculty, staff, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in various University events and committees as assigned.
• Coordinate, in collaboration with financial aid and the finance team, the accurate posting of internal and external financial aid to student accounts.
• Manage the University’s petty cash program to include safeguarding resources, ensuring compliance, and accurate reporting.
• Serve as a working manager on the team and provide backup to team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Master’s degree in a related field or a combination of relevant education and experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Critical thinking and analysis and appropriate decision-making.
• Professional, positive, and energetic leader able to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Strong initiative with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Student-focused and strong commitment to superior customer service.
• Proficiency in computers and software including Microsoft Office suite.

Preferred Skills, Experience and Education:

• Master’s degree in accounting or business.
• Experience in higher education accounting, collections, AR, and student/customer financial services.
• Effective leader who can build and sustain leadership and management in a complex organization.
• Ability to independently set priorities to meet the needs of the organization.
• At least 5 years of related experience with at least three (3) years supervisory/leadership experience.
• Experience in the resolution of complaints and disputes; demonstrated ability to balance adherence to policies with a need to support student success.

Physical Requirements:

Requires some physical effort, i.e., some standing and walking, frequent light lifting (5-15 lbs.); and manual dexterity in the operation of office equipment; extensive periods of time at a keyboard; occasional hours outside the normal University schedule; and extensive travel.

The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, retaliation, marital status, religion or disability, or any other applicable local, state or federal regulation. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities, equal employment opportunity and Title IX matters should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at 386-481-2049.

The university reserves the right to modify job descriptions at any time in its attempts to improve the operations of the university.