Specialist, Collections

EKU Careers; Richmond (KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Kentucky University is seeking a Specialist, Collections to manage delinquent student accounts and Perkins Loan activities on campus in Richmond, KY. The role collaborates with external agencies and government entities to ensure compliance and maximize recovery outcomes.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree and 3 years of relevant experience, with on‑campus work hours and a full‑time schedule. Excellent customer service skills are essential for inquiries via phone and email.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Accounting/Finance preferred.
• Three years of experience in student financial services or collections.
• Experience with accounting or finance is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage delinquent student accounts in compliance with federal, state, and institutional procedures.
• Coordinate with internal teams, third‑party agencies, KY Dept. of Revenue, and the USEDepartment of Education.
• Track audits, monitor agency activity, and support recovery objectives.
• Provide customer service by phone and email to students and third parties.

Skills

3 years of experience

Education

Bachelor's degree; Accounting/Finance preferred

Job description

Title: Specialist, Collections

Position Type: Fulltime Staff

Search Type: External - minimum 7 days

Department: 68R000 - University Business Services

Division: 4R0000 - Financial Affairs

Position Location: Richmond Campus

Driver Classification: Non-Driver

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Schedule Type:Full Time (37.5 hrs per week or more)

Additional Schedule Details: This is an on-campus position. Normal office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm with the exception of some weeks during summer and winter which are Monday-Thursday, 7:30am - 5:00pm.

Posted Salary Grade: Exempt - G20

Retirement: KTRS

Contact Person: Ursula Felicicchia Cox

Job Summary/Basic Functions

The Student Accounting Services Collections Specialist is responsible for managing processes related to delinquent student Accounts Receivable (AR) and Perkins Loan accounts. This position oversees collection activities through internal efforts, external collection agencies, the Kentucky Department of Revenue, and the U.S. Department of Education while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations.
Key responsibilities include tracking and auditing student accounts, monitoring collection activity for accounts placed with third-party agencies, assigning Perkins Loan accounts to the U.S. Department of Education, resolving account discrepancies, and supporting the University's collection and recovery objectives. This role ensures accurate account maintenance, compliance with established procedures, and effective oversight of collection efforts to maximize account resolution and recovery outcomes.
The Specialist serves as a primary resource for students, parents, and third-party agencies by providing exceptional customer service and responding to inquiries related to collections and Perkins Loan accounts via phone and email. This role provides guidance, resolves account-related questions and concerns, and supports the Student Accounting Services team in delivering a positive, professional, and customer-focused service experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required. Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is preferred.

Experience: Three years of experience is required. Experience with student financial services, internal or external collections, and accounting or finance is preferred.

Job Duties

• 60% - Manages all aspects of delinquent student accounts ensuring Federal regulations and internal procedures are followed and performed at a high level of accuracy. This includes tracking and auditing student accounts, account placement with third party collection agencies and the KY Department of Revenue; processing agency payments and monthly reports, as well as tracking close and recovery rates for the agencies. - (Essential)
• 20% - Responds to phone calls and emails regarding collection accounts from students, parents, and third-party agencies, providing professional and exceptional customer service while addressing account-related inquiries and concerns. - (Essential)
• 15% - Maintains the Perkins Loan portfolio and manages account assignments to the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring accurate records and compliance with applicable regulations. - (Essential)
• 5% - Supports the office functions by completing all other duties and special projects as assigned. - (Essential)

Sponsorship:This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Funding Source: Institutional

Open Until Filled: Yes

EEO Statement

Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts or any employment policy or practice.

Background Check Statement

Offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.