Lead, Student Accounts and Financial Services

College-of-the-Albemarle; Elizabeth City (NC); On-site; USD 58,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

College of The Albemarle in Elizabeth City, NC, seeks a Lead, Student Accounts and Financial Services to oversee student accounts receivable and cashiering, ensuring accurate processing and customer service.

The role includes supervising AR staff, coordinating daily operations, ensuring internal controls and compliance, and collaborating with college departments on financial processing and reporting.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field, with relevant experience.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in AR, cashiering, accounting, student accounts, or related financial operations.
• At least one (1) year of supervisory or lead experience.
• Experience interpreting and applying established financial policies.
• Experience using financial management or reporting systems.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily student accounts receivable, cashiering, billing, and collections.
• Oversee daily cashiering activities and deposits.
• Monitor accounts receivable aging and resolve discrepancies.
• Supervise AR staff, onboarding and training.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, FERPA and PCI DSS.
• Prepare reporting on student receivables and collections.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Accounts receivable

Cashiering

Customer service

Financial reporting

Education

Associate's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

Banner

Job description

This is a critical-fill position located at College of The Albemarle – Elizabeth City in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. This is an on-site position and is not eligible for remote work.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

The Lead, Student Accounts and Financial Services coordinates the College's student accounts receivable and cashiering operations while performing advanced student account and financial services functions. The position supervises assigned Accounts Receivable staff, coordinates daily workflow, monitors financial transactions and internal controls, resolves complex account issues, and supports compliance, reporting, and process improvement activities.

The Lead serves as the primary operational resource for student accounts receivable and cashiering and works collaboratively with College departments to ensure accurate financial processing and effective customer service.

Student Accounts Receivable and Cashiering — 35%

• Coordinate daily student accounts receivable, cashiering, billing, payment processing, collections, and related financial operations.
• Ensure timely and accurate billing and collection of tuition, fees, and other revenues due to the College.
• Oversee daily cashiering activities and ensure the accurate handling, recording, reconciliation, and deposit of cash receipts.
• Monitor accounts receivable balances and aging and coordinate resolution of outstanding balances and account discrepancies.
• Coordinate payment plans, third-party billing, student refunds, returned checks, collection agency referrals, and account adjustments in accordance with established procedures.
• Review delinquent accounts and prepare recommendations regarding write-offs and collection actions for appropriate approval.
• Monitor and post incoming electronic payments and process electronic fund transfers as assigned.
• Review and reconcile the Daily Cash Analysis (DCA) and research and resolve discrepancies.
• Coordinate and support 1098-T tax reporting, including data validation, reconciliation, compliance activities, and timely distribution.
• Provide operational backup and assistance with accounts receivable and cashiering functions as necessary.

Supervision and Department Operations — 25%

• Directly supervise assigned Accounts Receivable and cashiering staff, including participating in recruitment and selection, onboarding, training, scheduling, coaching, performance evaluations, and disciplinary recommendations.
• Assign and coordinate daily workflow and monitor work for accuracy, timeliness, and completion.
• Ensure adequate staffing and operational coverage for accounts receivable and cashiering functions.
• Establish individual work expectations consistent with departmental goals and expectations established by the Controller.
• Provide ongoing instruction, coaching, cross-training, and professional development to assigned employees.
• Address routine employee and operational concerns and elevate matters requiring additional administrative review.
• Promote a professional, collaborative, and customer-focused work environment.

Internal Controls, Compliance, and Reporting — 20%

• Monitor compliance with established internal controls and segregation-of-duties requirements related to cash handling, accounts receivable, billing, refunds, payment processing, and financial reporting.
• Ensure timely reconciliation of assigned accounts and research and resolution of discrepancies.
• Identify internal control, compliance, or financial concerns and promptly report significant matters to the Controller.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation, responding to information requests, and assisting with approved corrective actions.
• Prepare, review, and analyze reports related to student receivables, collections, cashiering activities, and related financial operations.
• Ensure departmental operations comply with applicable College, NCCCS, state, federal, FERPA, and PCI DSS requirements.
• Serve as the departmental liaison for Enhancing Accountability and Government through Leadership and Education (EAGLE) activities, as assigned.

Systems and Process Improvement — 10%

• Identify opportunities to improve departmental processes, internal controls, system utilization, and operational efficiency and make recommendations to the Controller.
• Collaborate with Information Technology, Financial Aid, Student Services, and Business Office personnel regarding ERP functionality, reporting, testing, and operational issues.
• Participate in testing, implementation, and validation of financial and student information system changes and upgrades.
• Assist with documenting departmental processes and maintaining current procedures and training resources.
• Provide staff training and support related to approved system and procedural changes.

Customer Service and College Collaboration — 10%

• Serve as a primary resource for students, faculty, staff, and appropriate external parties regarding student accounts, billing, payments, collections, and cashiering procedures.
• Research and resolve complex or escalated student account and customer service concerns within established authority.
• Refer matters involving policy exceptions, significant financial risk, or administrative decisions to the Controller.
• Collaborate with Financial Aid, Student Services, Business Office personnel, and other departments to ensure accurate and timely financial transactions.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of student, employee, and financial information.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution and progressively responsible experience in accounts receivable, cashiering, accounting, or financial operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in accounts receivable, cashiering, accounting, student accounts, or related financial operations.
• At least one (1) year of supervisory or lead experience.
• Experience interpreting and applying established financial policies and procedures.
• Experience utilizing financial management, accounting, student information, or reporting systems.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education or a North Carolina Community College System institution.
• Experience with student accounts, accounts receivable, cashiering, or financial aid-related financial processes.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Ellucian Colleague, Banner, or a comparable enterprise system.
• Knowledge of NCCCS financial requirements and community college business operations.

Knowledge of:

• Accounts receivable, cashiering, billing, collections, reconciliation, and cash-handling practices.
• Basic accounting principles and internal control practices.
• Financial recordkeeping and reconciliation procedures.
• Applicable confidentiality, financial, and student-record requirements.
• Customer service practices in a financial or business office environment.

Skills in:

• Coordinating and reviewing detailed financial transactions and records with a high degree of accuracy.
• Supervising, training, coaching, and coordinating the work of assigned employees.
• Researching account discrepancies and resolving operational problems.
• Using financial software, spreadsheets, reporting applications, and enterprise information systems.
• Communicating financial information and procedures clearly to individuals with varying levels of financial knowledge.
• Providing professional and effective customer service, including in difficult or sensitive situations.

Ability to:

• Coordinate multiple accounts receivable and cashiering functions while meeting established deadlines.
• Apply established policies and procedures consistently and recognize matters requiring administrative review or approval.
• Analyze financial information, identify discrepancies, and recommend appropriate corrective action.
• Exercise sound judgment while operating within established authority.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriately safeguard student and financial information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, employees, administrators, and external parties.
• Manage multiple priorities and remain effective during registration, fiscal year-end, and other high-volume periods.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment requiring extensive use of computers, financial systems, and related technology. The position requires frequent interaction with students, employees, vendors, auditors, and external agencies regarding sensitive financial matters. Periodic extended hours may be required during registration periods, fiscal year-end processing, audits, system implementations, and other operational deadlines.