Job Description

Position Summary:

Responsible for the management and oversight of the daily operations of Student Accounts within the Office of Student Financial Services. Oversees the assessment, billing, collection and payment processing for student tuition, fees, and other charges, including the collection of delinquent accounts. Authorizes and processes special adjustments and refunds, sign checks, and counsel students and parents regarding accounts obligations, and resolution of account related concerns. Participates in the development and implementation of policies and procedures, prepares reports and analyses, coordinates special projects, and serves as a liaison and consultant to students, parents, the campus community, and other constituents regarding Student Financial Services programs and services.

Supervision

Reports to: Director, Student Financial Services

Key Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Student Account Operations

• Plan, coordinate, and manage the assessment, billing and collection of tuition, fees, and other student charges; develop and maintain processes and relationships to facilitate communication with students, families and other constituents: and provide guidance regarding financial obligations.
• Develop and implement the billing process for all undergraduate, graduate, extramural, and special student populations; ensure bills are prepared accurately and timely; establish, test and maintain billing rules, dates and timelines; generate and review bills for accuracy and completeness; and ensure charges, financial aid and billing messages are accurately reflected.
• Manage the fee assessment and review process by establishing and testing fee assessment rules and detail codes; identify student populations requiring specialized assessment, including part-time, graduate, and students at special locations; and ensure appropriate charges are applied. In collaboration with the Director, initiate the production fee assessment process upon completion of testing..
• Process summer housing and meals charges, ensure tuition, housing, and meal plan charges are accurately reflected on the website, process health insurance waivers, add or release holds on student accounts.
• Generate, review, and annually file federal Form 1098-T Tuition Statements with the IRS.
• Oversee the creation of detail codes and collaborate with Financial Services to ensure proper use of account numbers.

Customer Service and Student Support

• Promote the Office of Student Financial Services’ commitment to outstanding customer service to students, families, and other constituents. Serve as a resource to staff in interpreting federal and state regulations and College and office policies and procedures.
• Respond to phone calls, emails, scheduled appointments, and walk-in inquiries and assist with other operational processes during peak volume periods.
• Provide payment counseling to a diverse population of students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, application procedures, federal and state regulations, and College policies and procedures.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Director to identify and resolve operational and service-related issues; promote teamwork and cross-functional collaboration; identify training and development opportunities for staff; and serve as a mentor.
• Partner with Dining, SAS, Housing, Traffic, Library, International programs, and other campus offices to provide training and oversight related to t departmental charges applied to student accounts.

Financial Administration and Compliance

• Oversee and manage the Perkins Loan portfolio and serve as the primary point of contact with ECSI.
• Serve as the liaison to collection agencies, including processing payments, uploading collection files, and processing write-offs.
• Process and finalize daily batches, process voided checks, stop payment requests, stale dated checks, and unclaimed funds; and work directly with banking institutions.
• Provide documentation and support for the annual audit.

Qualifications:

Required

• Associate degree and a minimum of 3 years relevant experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• In-depth knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database software applications.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Experience maintaining and monitoring financial accounts.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of various state, federal and institutional aid programs.
• Experience working with an on-line student information system in a college or university environment.

Work Environment:

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with regular interaction with students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The position requires regular communication, collaboration, and customer service in support of student engagement programs and services. Occasional evening hours may be required during the academic year.

Inclusive Excellence:

Ithaca College is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and welcoming campus community. Employees are expected to contribute to an environment that values diversity, promotes belonging, and demonstrates civility, respect and inclusive behavior in all interactions.

This position is 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants must apply online and attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references. Questions about online applications should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (607) 274-8000 or humanresources@ithaca.edu.

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

Hiring Range:

$62,353.20, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

We pride ourselves on providing our benefit-eligible employees with comprehensive benefits, including:

• Healthcare including vision and dental

• Generous Paid Time Off Policies

• 403B Retirement Savings Plan with Matching Employer Contribution

• EAP

• Flexible Work Plans

• Educational Benefits

• Career-Enhancing Trainings

• For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit https://www.ithaca.edu/human-resources/employee-benefits-wellness

In an effort to promote campus safety and the security of College resources, Ithaca College will, consistent with the requirements of the law and prudent practices, conduct criminal background investigations per College policy. This position is subject to a criminal background check. All offers of employment are contingent upon review of the criminal background check.

At Ithaca College, a comprehensive residential campus community of approximately 5,000 students, we strive to be at the forefront of the higher education landscape. We offer a distinct integrative learning experience that makes students ready for the personal, professional, and global challenges of our age.

We seek candidates who embrace integrative learning and want to be a part of this exciting time in Ithaca College history. We encourage creative collaboration and innovation in our faculty and staff, providing support and resources for them to grow in their fields and lead students to their own innovative ideas and achievements.

We welcome different ways of thinking and look for candidates with unique points of view and life experiences. We are inclusive of individuals with a wide range of cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds, talents, and skills. Our campus is a vibrant and rewarding community where diverse minds can learn, succeed, and excel.

When reviewing candidates, we are looking for indicators of a number of core competencies. Prospective candidates must be adaptable, collaborative, inclusive, respectful, responsive, results driven, and sustainable. They must communicate effectively, demonstrate leadership, exhibit professional integrity and ethics, take initiative, value personal and professional development, and show that they will engage in the college.

Nestled in the heart of New York State’s scenic Finger Lakes region, Ithaca College sits atop South Hill overlooking picturesque Cayuga Lake and is just minutes away from the city center. Combining small town warmth and charm with the vibrancy of a college community, the thriving and culturally diverse city of Ithaca has been rated by Kiplinger’s as one of the top 10 places to live in the United States.