Student Account Specialist - Vanderbilt University

Position Summary:



The Student Account Specialist is an integral part of the Student Accounts team at Vanderbilt University. By partnering with the Student Accounts Management Team, this position ensures that all required office procedures and functions including but not limited to invoice and payment processing, receipting, accounts receivable, student refund processing, account consultation and customer service are handled in an appropriate and timely manner. The Student Account Specialist exhibits strong analytical skills and provides direct insight into collectability patterns, process improvements, and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the systems, support and reporting required for the Office of Student Accounts.



As a member of the Student Accounts team, the Student Account Specialist facilitates and maintains strong, collaborative relationships with Vanderbilt’s faculty, staff, and student population, and identifies additional ways to be of service, while ensuring complete customer satisfaction. This individual must maintain a high level of professionalism and responsibility and be capable of acting independently in decision making and problem solving.



About the Work Unit:



The Office of Student Accounts is the centralized billing and collection point for student accounts and institutional and federally funded student loans. The primary function of the office is to create and issue invoices, receive payments, and provide information to help all parties (internal and external) understand all aspects of a Vanderbilt student account and/or student loan.



Key Functions and Expected Performance:





+ Responsibilities include but are not limited to student receivables (including 3rd Party), charge and credit application, account analysis and adjustment, monthly billing, refund distribution and customer service functions.



+ Exhibits a strong understanding of office policies and procedures and has the ability to independently answer questions and solve problems autonomously in a quick and efficient manner with little to no oversight.



+ Serves as an advocate and advisor to our student and parent population by helping them understand their rights and responsibilities regarding their financial obligations to the university.



+ Produces and provides student account research and analysis. Fosters the ability to analyze large and complex sets of data related to both student accounts and student loans. Can summarize data efficiently and present in an organized and thoughtful manner for administrative level review.



+ Receives and applies student account payments in accordance with office policy and procedures. Ensures student account posting information is accurate and demonstrates attention to detail.



+ Monitors and maintains aging receivables by tracking appropriate accounts and working with payers through delays in payments, conflicts, and other areas of concern.



+ Displays a strong understanding of the reporting requirements surrounding federally required forms such as the IRS Form 1098-T.



+ Exhibits a thorough understanding of Financial Aid policies and procedures. Ensures strong collaborative efforts between the Office of Student Accounts and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.



+ Participates in various campus activities such as First Year Move in, Class Orientations, etc.



+ Collaborates with other university departments to ensure knowledge and information transfer in order to create a better quality of service for students and customers.



+ Complies with federal and state regulations as well as institutional and departmental policies.



+ Ensures the privacy of all Vanderbilt Students by understanding and exhibiting a strong understanding of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).



+ Documents and maintains business procedures strengthen internal controls. Participates regularly in process improvement initiatives under indirect supervision and oversight.



+ Applies critical thinking as needed within the scope of responsibilities, research issues/questions related to Student Financials, and communicate information to management in a timely and effective manner.



+ Demonstrates eagerness to cross-train and learn all functions and duties assigned to Student Accounts and related Enrollment Management areas.



+ Exercises sound judgment and is able to effectively handle multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline driven environment.



+ Strong verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills.



+ Proven ability to excel in fast-paced, changing, and challenging environments.



+ Other duties as assigned.





Supervisory Relationships:



This position reports administratively and functionally to the Manager of Student Accounts.



Education and Certifications:





+ A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.



+ A Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field is preferred.





Experience and Skills:





+ 3+ years’ experience in a billing and payment services related field is preferred.



+ 3+ years’ experience in Student Financials from an accredited institution of Higher Education is preferred.



+ Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite programs is necessary.



+ Time management skills and the ability to work well in a team environment is necessary.



+ Proven detail-oriented work style in collaboration with effective written and verbal communication skills is necessary.



+ Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people, understanding their needs and goals is necessary.



+ Ability to work co-operatively with others as part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively, is necessary.



+ Openness to change, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a variety of situations, with individuals or groups is necessary.



+ Ability to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue is necessary.





Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders is necessary.


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.