Student Accounts Specialist - Cornerstone University

JOB TITLE: Student Accounts Specialist

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, Hourly

REPORTS TO: Director of Student Financial Services

DEPT: Enrollment Management

LOCATION: Grand Rapids, MI

SUMMARY

The Student Accounts Specialist is responsible for supporting the Student Financial Services' daily operations by processing, reviewing, and distributing billing and account information to prospective and current students at Cornerstone University. The person employed in this position will be able to accurately, effectively, and efficiently communicate and perform pertinent duties, so account information is clearly communicated to students and the office functions in a consistently smooth manner. This person will also act as a main point of contact to prospective and current students who have questions related to their financial aid and/or billing. The core of Cornerstone University is defined and driven by its Christ-centered mission and Biblical confession.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represent Cornerstone University in a Christ-like, professional manner to many different internal and external constituencies, consistently exhibit enthusiasm toward the institution
• Exhibits effective organizational and technical skills to create and manage the billing and reporting processes for prospective and current students
• Counsels and assists prospective and current students on the financial aid and billing process, using innovation and critical thinking skills to present creative and realistic ways to fund a Cornerstone University investment
• Advises students on payment plan options and federal and institutional policies
• Regularly monitors a variety of reports to determine items such as: outstanding balance reports from current and withdrawn students, registration changes, adjustments to student accounts, credit balances, etc.
• Works closely with third-party vendors on assisting students with payment plan options
• Comprehends and can explain to students' aspects of their Title IV funding, as well as state and institutional and regulations
• Maintains and/or refines administrative procedures to ensure the proper processing and distribution of sending out regular tuition statements to students, as well as billing to third parties
• Manages and refines a variety of communication plans via print, email, text and phone for students related to billing, payment plans, overdue balances, financial aid hold notification, etc.
• Performs core daily tasks as assigned by the supervisor or director
• Assists with the set up and use of the Student Information System for financial aid processing and student account tracking
• Collaborates with other University departments, (e.g. Registrar’s, Accounting & Finance, Admissions)
• Completes assigned goals, tasks, and projects in an accurate and timely manner
• Leads financial aid and billing training sessions for prospective and current students
• Performs other related duties and projects as assigned by the supervisor or director

• All Cornerstone University employees will regularly interact with students in a variety of projects, activities, and settings. As such all employees are expected to serve as Christian leaders and mentors by effectively living a gospel-centered lifestyle, ministering and discipling through a biblical worldview.
• Other duties may be assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Adheres to confidentiality standards required
• 2+ years’ professional experience in administration, communication, business, public policy; higher education experience preferred
• Experience in federal financial aid, including use of automated financial aid systems
• Detail-oriented and goal-oriented
• Excellent communicator with a desire to support people as they fund their educational investment
• Clear and compelling vision of excellence in Christian liberal arts education
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer systems and/or software
• Strong collaboration, problem solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to spend extended periods of productive time conducting business on the computer and telephone
• Self-starter, exercising initiative, ability to work independently, with a clear understanding of the concept of prioritization and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities
• Knowledge of current research and best practices in financial aid and student account management

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an active Christian commitment.
• A theology that supports the values and mission of Cornerstone University core commitments evidenced by an ability to affirm and sign the university’s doctrinal statement, “The Cornerstone Confession.”
• Four other foundational pillars, along with the university’s mission and confession, form Cornerstone’s Core Commitments.
  • The Cornerstone Christian World View
  • The Cornerstone Academic Vision
  • The Cornerstone Beautiful Christian Community
  • The Marriage and Human Sexuality Position Statement

These core commitments convey who we are, what we believe and how we live and work together in community. Employees are expected to faithfully attend an evangelical and biblical church whose core beliefs and practices are consistent with Cornerstone’s confession and core commitments.