Director of Student Accounts
: Job Details :

Position Title Director of Student Accounts Job Description

Ashland University, in partnership with the national search firm, Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of Student Accounts. The Director of Student Accounts provides leadership for the overall operation and management of the Student Accounts Office. The Director is responsible for all student accounts; billing, day-to-day operations, cashiering and cash management, federal loan disbursement and reconciliation, collection activities, refunds, and coordinating relationships with all student services and academic offices to ensure the highest level of customer service. The Director ensures the integrity, accuracy, confidentiality and maintenance of student financial records in compliance with all state and federal regulations.

* Hire, train and develop the Student Accounts Department staff, including oversight, evaluation, and direction to the staff. Coach and mentor staff including performance improvement plans, disciplinary procedures, and salary adjustments.

* Responsible for the daily operations of student account processes including billings, finance charges, outsourced payment plans, electronic data transfers to and from third-parties, and other departments, accuracy of the student accounts database, and compliance with government regulations.

* Direct all aspects relating to student accounts receivables, including the Ellucian Student Accounts Receivable modules and ACI.

* Manage credit/debit card terminals and receipt of funds through various channels and merchant accounts.

* Ensure cashiering, student and third-party billing, book voucher processing, external scholarship processing, 1098T reporting, student account reconciliations, and tuition remission processing are completed in a timely and accurate manner.

* Oversee the refund process and ensure student refunds are accurate and timely and in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

* Directs month-end and year-end department closing procedures.

* Develop and maintain operational policies and procedures of the Office of Student Accounts to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and policies.

* Develop, plan, and implement strategies to create operational efficiencies, execute process improvements and quality control in the Student Accounts' Office.

* Develop and prepare periodic reports to analyze and understand trends in tuition and fee revenue, student accounts receivable, and collections.

* Develop and implement University strategies to help reduce student account delinquencies and maximize collections.

* Oversee the collection on delinquent accounts, managing in-house collections and working with multiple collection agencies; representing the University in collection cases as necessary.

* Advise colleagues of regulatory changes and interpretations, and manage Student Accounts responses for those changes.

* Facilitate communications with students, families, staff and third-party agencies.

* Provide financial counseling for students and parents regarding payment options and alternatives and payment plans with the authority to negotiate special arrangements.

* Investigate and resolve student and parent billing issues and concerns.

* Works with third-party student health insurance carrier regarding website maintenance and online forms. Reconciles and ensures payment is sent to insurance company on time.

* Stay well-informed of federal regulations relating to student financial aid disbursement, refunding, debt collection, tax reporting, payment processing, etc.

* Stay current on market trends and identify and assess opportunities for innovation to adapt in the changing environment.

* Ability to manage multiple assignments and projects, meet deadlines, use sound judgment, and interpret local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations; through self-directed professional readings and attending professional development training.

* Serve on various University committees and task forces as required.

* Ability to work after hours and weekends as needed.

* Other duties as assigned.

About Ashland University:

Ashland University, founded in 1878, has a rich tradition as a private, comprehensive institution preparing students for exciting professions and careers. The university consists of four academic colleges - the College of Arts & Sciences, Dauch College of Business & Economics, Schar College of Education and Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences - as well as Ashland Theological Seminary.

Ashland University places great emphasis on the importance of each individual. The phrase Accent on the Individual has been an AU core value for many years and characterizes well the nature and content of the campus environment. It means that our concern for the student extends beyond ensuring a quality education in the classroom and laboratory to include a commitment to provide a stimulating and supportive environment in every respect. These ideas must be evidenced daily in the classroom, residence halls, each teaching site, on the playing fields and in our interaction with others.

Ashland University's Mission: Ashland University, guided by our Christian heritage, is a comprehensive, private university that provides a transformative learning experience, shaping graduates who work, serve and lead with integrity in their local, national and global communities.

View fast facts on Ashland University here.

About the Community:

Ashland, Ohio, has small-town charm, rustic scenery, and world-class cultural offerings combined in one lovely package. With a population of around 20,000 residents, Ashland offers a close-knit community atmosphere, set against the backdrop of Ohio's picturesque rolling hills. Known as The World Headquarters of Nice People, Ashland is home to Ashland University, which adds to the town's cultural vibrancy with theater performances, art exhibitions, and lectures. The city's historic downtown features locally owned shops, cafes, and restaurants, while its numerous parks and trails provide outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike. From the Ashland County Fair to the local symphony orchestra, Ashland blends tradition with modern amenities, making it a welcoming place to live and visit.

Required Qualifications

* Bachelor of Science or Arts in accounting, finance, operations, or a related area from an accredited university or college

* One (1) to three (3) years of accounting, accounts receivable, collections, systems management, and supervisory experience

* Knowledge of the Ellucian Colleague system

* Ability to influence and motivate individuals and teams to achieve high level results, enhancing the customer experience, along with meeting policy and compliance mandates

* Ability to hire, retain, and develop quality talent

* Attention to detail, with the ability to identify errors and discrepancies, identify potential problems, anticipate issues and provide recommendations

* Analytical and problem-solving skills

* Ability to synthesize complex or diverse information with large data sets

* Ability to provide high-level and timely customer service to students and their families

* Ability to collaborate with others to achieve stated objectives and goals

* Effective verbal and written communication skills

* Ability to maintain high-level of confidentiality to ensure personal identifiable information (PII) is protected

* Proficiency in data management systems and computer applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

* Master of Business Administration or other related graduate degree

* Five (5) + years of accounts receivable and cashiering experience

Physical Demands

* This position operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

* The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

* The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to fingers, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

* This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

* This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From time to time working hours may be modified and exceed the standard work week.

* The position may require occasional travel.

Anticipated Start Date of New Hire 01/20/2025 Anticipated Number of Hours Working per Week 40+ Shift Required? First

Job Duties

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number S862P Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 01/20/2025 Job Open Date 09/19/2024 Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

All correspondence relating to the position of Director of Student Accounts at Ashland University should be directed in confidence to the University's executive search consultant:

Adam W. Barrett, Associate Vice President

Scott Healy & Associates

...@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

* Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;

* Updated CV;

* Three (3) professional references with contact information, title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by October 31, 2024, will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

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