Student Account Specialist

Reports to: Dean of Student Financial Services

Location: Chapman Hall

Primary Objective

The Student Account Specialist is a student-centered and student-facing role at Lawrence University. This position works collaboratively with other departments across campus to efficiently and accurately steward the billing and payment aspects of the student experience. As part of a “one stop shop” student services center that includes the Financial Aid and Registrar’s Offices, the Student Account Specialist will continually strive for equitable policies, procedures and solutions related to student accounts to help students be successful and stay on track to graduation.

Job Responsibilities

Process student account transactions

• Responsible for the operation of student accounting processes in the Ellucian Banner software to include: billings, deposits, scholarships, finance charges, holds, payment plans, refunds, electronic data transfers to and from 3rd parties and other departments.
• Cashier student account payments and other university receivables as assigned.

Maintain accuracy of the student account ledger

• Investigate and resolve billing concerns identified with internal audit procedures when necessary.
• Process student status changes for student leaves and withdrawals
• Coordinate room and board charges with the Residential Education and Student Life offices to ensure correct charges/credits are made to accounts.
• Work with Admissions and International Student Services to ensure accurate billing for international exchange students and scholars.
• Work with Off-Campus Programs to ensure accurate charges/refunds for study abroad programs. Reconcile and code invoices when received.

Provide excellent customer service

• Communicate professionally and effectively with a diverse student body, their families, alumni, staff and faculty, and third parties.
• Create and publish monthly student statements through Transact, and monitor monthly payment plans in Transact.
• Answer inquiries and resolve concerns regarding student account issues. Assist students and families to understand student account charges and payment options.
• Collaborate regularly with offices such as Financial Aid, Registrar, dining services and Student Life to make Student Information System operations as seamless as possible for students.
• Identify and recommend improvements to policies and procedures related to student accounts that could improve clarity, efficiency, equity, and/or reduce obstacles to student retention, persistence, and progress toward graduation.

Maintain compliance with federal, state and institutional policies

• Send federal loan notification letters as required under Title IV Regulations.
• Ensure correct permissions are set up for parents and students in regards to FERPA regulations.

Working Relationships

Will work collaboratively with all members of Financial Services, Financial Aid, Registrar, Student life, Residential Education, some faculty and other members of the diverse Lawrence community, including students, parents, alumni, collection agencies, and loan service providers.

Knowledge And Skills Required

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to effectively and professionally communicate orally and in writing with diverse populations.
• Ability to organize work flow, balance multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy with paper and electronically imaged files.
• Strong analytical skills with outstanding attention to detail.
• Equity-minded, problem-solving approach.
• Ability to work both independently utilizing various resources and in a team environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information with strong integrity and ethics.
• Knowledge of basic accounting for accounts receivables.

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree in related field or substantial experience in a similar position
• At least one year accounting or related experience.
• Possess proficient computer skills, including advanced experience in the Microsoft Suite
• Previous Higher Education experience welcomed.
• Experience in ERP systems preferred.