Under the direction of Associate Vice President with daily guidance of the Senior Accounts Receivable Associate, supports student account billing and collections with a significant focus on serving graduate, adult, and non-traditional students. The Senior Accounts Receivable Associate oversees billing and collection activities, establishes work priorities, and provides guidance on complex student account manners. The role works closely with Edgewood Central, Graduate Admissions, the Registrar's Office, Residence Life, and Security, to understand and accurately explain financial aid, charges, and other account activity.
Responsibilities
- Prepare third party billing for graduate students including federal, state, and partnership agreements.
- Serve as the primary resource for students by responding to billing inquiries and resolving account-related questions.
- Counsel students regarding billing procedures, payment options, and University payment policies.
- Assist students with domestic and international payment processes, include the University payment portal, wire transfers, and other approved payment methods.
- Work under the direction of the Senior Accounts Receivable Associate to manage billing deadlines, communication plans, and students with unique or complex financial circumstances.
- Communicate proactively with students via email and telephone regarding past-due balances.
- Place or remove a registration hold in accordance with University policies.
- Support graduate enrollment, retention, and success by helping students navigate financial processes.
- Partner with Graduate Admissions and other campus offices to ensure accurate billing communication for graduate students.
- Serve as primary Business Office contact especially for graduate students, providing professional, responsive, and student-centered support through in-person, phone, and electronic communication.
- Maintain compliance with FERPA (Family Education and Privacy Act) regulations in all job aspects.
- Stay current on University policies, graduate program requirements, departmental procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations to ensure accurate guidance and support to graduate students.
Customer Service
- Under the direction of the Senior Accounts Receivable Associate, serve as the primary point of contact for graduate students and a key resource for undergraduate students, regarding student billing, account inquiries, and related financial manners.
- Provide personalized support to graduate students, including those enrolled in accelerated, professional and partnership programs.
- Perform cash receipting and cash handling and related processing in accordance with University policy.
- Respond to routine and complex billing and accounting inquiries through phone, email and in-person, with particular attention to the unique needs of graduate learners.
- Explain student billing procedures, payment plans, financial procedures, international payment options, and University processes to graduate and undergraduate students in a clear and supportive manner.
- Develop and maintain an understanding of international payment methods and the University's payment portal to assist students with payment-related questions.
- Foster a welcoming, student-centered environment that supports enrollment, retention, and success of graduate and undergraduate students.
Business Office/Other Functions
- Participate in process improvement initiatives.
- Perform other duties as requested, delegated, or assigned.
Job Qualifications
Necessary Education or Work Experience
- Bachelor's degree in accounting related field or equivalent work experience.
- Minimum of 2 years' experience in accounts receivable, collections, student accounts, or a related field.
- Demonstrated customer service experience with the ability to respond to inquiries quickly, accurately, and professionally.
- Ability to effectively communicate and build relationships with a diverse student population, including graduate and non-traditional learners.
- Proven ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, work effectively under pressure while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
Required Knowledge And Skills
- Strong customer service and communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with students, faculty, and staff.
- Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accuracy while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while building relationships with diverse populations.
- Adaptable and flexible with the ability to manage interruptions and changing priorities while maintaining a positive, student-centered approach.
Specialized Technology Skills
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe, and SharePoint.
- Strong technical aptitude with the ability to learn and utilize financial, accounting, and enterprise software systems.
- Ability to leverage technology to improve efficiency, reporting, accuracy, and workflow processes.
- Ability to quickly learn new software, adapt to changing technologies, and support system-related processes.
- Strong data management and problem-solving skills with attention to accuracy and detail.
Other Qualifications
Edgewood University, a Catholic university sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to academic excellence through diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. Candidates must demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities are especially encouraged to apply. The selected candidate must actively support the mission of the University by working with faculty, staff and students to share in our core values - truth, compassion, justice, partnership, and community.