Job Description

Position Summary

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.

Supervision

Reports to: Director for Student Financial Services (SFS)

Supervises: None

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Student & Family Support

• 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.

Financial Aid Processing

• 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.

Student Account Operations

• 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.

Systems & Reporting

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment and requires regular use of a computer and other office equipment. The position involves frequent interaction with students, families, colleagues, and other members of the College community.

Inclusive Excellence

Ithaca College is committed to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive community. Employees are expected to treat others with dignity, value diverse perspectives, and contribute to a culture of belonging and collaboration.

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 Rate: $20.00 per hour

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.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact our ADA Coordinator, Linda Koenig, at lkoenig@ithaca.edu or 607-274-7761. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.

To learn more about Ithaca College, visit us at http://ithaca.edu