Student Accounts Collections Specialist

ATS Institute of Technology; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement & continuing ed

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Mission-driven work

Job summary

ATS Institute of Technology in Chicago seeks an experienced Student Accounts & Collections Specialist to manage student balances, pursue past-due accounts, and work with students on practical payment solutions.

This role requires strong collections skills, a professional, student-focused approach, and the ability to coordinate with Financial Aid, Admissions, and Student Services to resolve billing concerns and ensure enrollment continuity.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• 2+ years in collections, accounts receivable, or student accounts preferred.
• Strong communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to manage sensitive financial matters with professionalism.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
• Proficiency in accounting software and CRM systems.
• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on resolution and compliance

Responsibilities

• Manage past-due student accounts through consistent phone and email follow-up.
• Establish payment arrangements and follow up on missed or incomplete payments.
• Monitor balances, process payments, and resolve account discrepancies.
• Assist students with tuition, billing, and account-related questions.
• Maintain accurate records of collection activity, payments, and student communications.
• Collaborate with Financial Aid, Admissions, and Student Services to resolve account issues.
• Support account reporting and ensure institutional policies are followed

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation abilities

Detail-oriented

Problem-solving mindset

Education

Associate's degree in Business/Accounting/Finance

Tools

Accounting software

CRM systems

Job description

ATS Institute of Technology is seeking an experienced, results-driven Student Accounts & Collections Specialist to manage student account balances, resolve past-due accounts, and work directly with students to develop practical payment solutions.

This is an ideal opportunity for a collections or accounts receivable professional who is confident managing difficult financial conversations, negotiating payment arrangements, and following accounts through resolution - while providing professional and respectful service.

In this role, you will play an important part in both the financial health of the institution and the success of our students. You will work directly with students to resolve outstanding balances, establish payment plans, process payments, and help remove financial barriers that could interfere with their continued enrollment.

What You'll Do

The Student Accounts & Collections Specialist manages student account balances, follows up on past-due accounts, establishes payment arrangements, and works directly with students to resolve billing concerns. This role requires strong collections skills, consistent follow-through, and a professional, student-focused approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Collections & Outreach - Manage past-due accounts through consistent phone and email follow-up
• Payment Plans - Establish payment arrangements and follow up on missed or incomplete payments
• Account Management - Monitor balances, process payments, and resolve account discrepancies
• Student Support - Assist students with tuition, billing, and account-related questions
• Documentation - Maintain accurate records of collection activity, payments, and student communications
• Collaboration - Work with Financial Aid, Admissions, and Student Services to resolve account issues
• Reporting & Compliance - Support account reporting and ensure institutional policies are followed

Why You Should Join Us

• Make an Impact - Every account you manage directly contributes to a student's ability to stay enrolled and succeed.
• Collections with Purpose - Apply your collections skills in a mission-driven environment where you're helping people, not just collecting payments.
• Professional Growth - Gain valuable higher education finance experience with opportunities to advance.
• Supportive Team Culture - Work with colleagues who value professionalism, teamwork, and student success

Requirements

Education

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

Experience

2+ years in collections, accounts receivable, or student accounts preferred.

Skills

• Strong communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to manage sensitive financial matters with professionalism.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
• Proficiency in accounting software and CRM systems.
• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on resolution and compliance

Benefits

At ATS Institute of Technology, we believe our staff deserve the same level of dedication and care that they give to their students. We're proud to offer a benefits package that supports your well-being, professional development, and long-term success.

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $55,000 - $60,000. Compensation is subject to change at the sole discretion of the institution, based on institutional needs.

Our benefits include:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage designed to support your well-being so you can continue supporting others
• 401(k) with Employer Match to help you plan for your future with confidence
• Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Education Opportunities to invest in your professional growth and keep your skills at the forefront of nursing education
• Dedicated Paid Time Off including vacation, personal, and sick days for balance and rejuvenation
• Paid Holidays to enjoy well-deserved time with loved ones
• Mission-Driven Work where your expertise directly shapes the next generation of nurses and advances the quality of patient care