Associate Director, Student Accounts & Financial Operations

WPU The William Paterson University of New Jersey; United States; On-site; USD 83,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

William Paterson University invites applications for the Associate Director of the Office of Student Accounts. The role oversees billing, receivables, collections, cashiering, refunds, tax reporting, and related technologies, supervising five staff across Collections, Customer Service, and Cash Processing.

You will ensure Banner and TouchNet operations, compliance with federal/state rules, and drive improvements in financial services and cross‑functional processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in student accounts, bursar operations, accounts receivable, or higher education finance, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with student financial systems and student account operations, including billing, receivables, collections, payment processing, and refunds.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations, accounting principles, internal controls, and student account compliance requirements.
• Strong leadership, analytical, organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience working in a public college or university.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner Student Accounts and TouchNet.
• Experience managing Banner fee assessment, tuition structures, 1098‑T reporting, or other complex student account system administration.
• Experience leading system implementations, process improvements, or major technology initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the overall management and administration of the Office of Student Accounts by supporting departmental planning, implementing operational improvements, establishing internal controls, and ensuring compliance with University policies.
• Administer and maintain Banner Student Accounts and related technologies, including TouchNet and other student financial systems.
• Coordinate system testing, validate upgrades, investigate system issues, recommend enhancements, and assist with implementation of new technologies and business processes.
• Oversee the University’s tuition and fee assessment processes, including Banner billing rules, detail codes, tuition structures, and fee assessment for Main Campus, WP Online, High School, and other specialized student populations.
• Ensure data integrity and accuracy of student billing.
• Manage student refund and payment processing operations, including Banner auto‑refunds, TouchNet refund files, direct deposit, paper check processing, payment plans, credit card refunds, Marketplace/uPay administration, user access, and related payment technologies.
• Perform and oversee financial reconciliations related to student accounts, financial aid, bookstore deferments, payment processing, and other accounts receivable activities.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies and prepare adjusting and closing journal entries as required.
• Coordinate regulatory reporting and compliance activities, including annual IRS Form 1098‑T reporting, Nursing Faculty Loan Program reporting, and other required federal, state, and institutional reporting requirements.
• Develop, analyze, and distribute operational, financial, collection, and management reports to support departmental operations, strategic planning, decision‑making, and compliance requirements.
• Assist with internal and external audits by preparing work papers, responding to auditor inquiries, providing supporting documentation, and implementing recommendations as appropriate.
• Supervise the daily operations of the Collections, Customer Service, and Cash Processing units, including assigning work, establishing schedules, approving leave, monitoring productivity, evaluating performance, coaching staff, and ensuring appropriate office coverage.
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff by fostering collaboration, accountability, customer service excellence, professional development, and continuous process improvement while promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Interpret and apply University policies and procedures related to student accounts, billing, collections, payment plans, tuition refunds, and other financial processes.
• Resolve complex student account issues requiring independent judgment and managerial decision‑making.
• Serve as a primary liaison with Financial Aid, Business Services, Information Technology, the Registrar, Residence Life, Admissions, auditors, vendors, banking partners, and other internal and external stakeholders to coordinate student financial operations and improve cross‑functional processes.
• Assist the Director in developing departmental policies, procedures, strategic initiatives, and operational goals designed to improve efficiency, strengthen internal controls, enhance customer service, and support the University’s strategic objectives.
• Represent the Office of Student Accounts and the University on committees, professional organizations, conferences, training programs, and other meetings as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are appropriate to the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical

Communication

Customer service

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field

Master’s degree in a related field

Tools

Ellucian Banner

TouchNet

Job description

William Paterson University invites applications for the Associate Director of the Office of Student Accounts. The role oversees billing, receivables, collections, cashiering, refunds, tax reporting, and related technologies, supervising five staff across Collections, Customer Service, and Cash Processing.

You will ensure Banner and TouchNet operations, compliance with federal/state rules, and drive improvements in financial services and cross‑functional processes.