Accounting, Analysis Skills, Billing, Business Practices, Cash Management, Communication Skills, Customer Support/Service, Data Sets, Decision Support, Documentation, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Federal Laws and Regulations, Finance Software, Financial Aid, Financial Procedures, Financial Reporting, Financial Systems, Financial Transactions, Funding, High School Diploma, Higher Education, Information Technology & Information Systems, Internet Video, Journal Entries, Maintain Compliance, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Multitasking, Payment Processing, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Reconciliation, Record Keeping, Registrar, Resolve Customer Issues, Sales Management, Student Financial Services, Student Services, Team Player, Third-Party Payer, Trend Analysis, Tuition Fees, Website Conversion, Writing Skills
Posting Details
Position Information
Job Title Student Accounts Analyst Job Description
Position Overview
The Student Accounts Analyst serves as a critical point of contact for students, parents, and external stakeholders, ensuring the seamless administration of student billing and payment processes. This role requires a strong commitment to customer service and the ability to communicate effectively through in-person consultations, phone conversations, online video meetings, and written communications (email, mail, etc.). The Student Accounts Analyst also is responsible for cash receipt functions related to student accounts and college-wide. The position additionally manages payment plans, processes adjustments, and ensures compliance with institutional policies and federal regulations. This position works closely with various College offices such as Financial Aid and the Registrar to resolve account inquiries efficiently.
Essential Duties Summary
Essential Functions
- Provide exceptional service by addressing student and parent inquiries, escalating concerns as needed.
- Administer payment plans, process tuition adjustments, and reconcile student accounts following institutional policies.
- Cash Receipts: Process tuition payments, donations, and other cash receipts, maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with financial procedures.
- Perform cashiering duties, including processing payments, generating receipts, and ensuring compliance with Federal Title IV regulations.
- Prepare and post journal entries with appropriate supporting documentation to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Assist with third-party invoicing and payment transactions, as well as processing refunds and account write-offs.
- Respond to inquiries regarding 1098-T forms, correct records as needed, and issue duplicate tax documents.
- Adhere to FERPA and federal cash management regulations, maintaining confidentiality and ensuring accurate records.
- Utilize information systems to record and report financial transactions accurately.
- Analyzed large datasets from student information, financial systems to identify trends, support decision-making, and improve institutional effectiveness.
Additional Responsibilities
- Work closely with Financial Aid, Residential Life, and the Registrar to resolve student financial matters efficiently.
- Identify opportunities to improve payment processing workflows and suggest enhancements to business practices.
- Participate in cross-training initiatives to support departmental coverage during peak periods.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Physical and Cognitive Requirements
- Primarily sedentary, involving extended periods of sitting and significant computer use.
- Frequent verbal and written communication required.
- Capacity to organize and synthesize detailed information.
- Occasional walking/standing required.
Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of higher education, accounting or a related field required.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of accounting principles.
- A minimum of 1 to 3 years of experience in student accounts or a similar customer service role.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.
- Knowledge of basic accounting principles, including reconciliation and reporting.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a team and manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to work occasional nights and weekends, as required.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in higher education financial services or student accounts management.
- Familiarity with student information systems and financial software platforms.
- Knowledge of FERPA, federal regulations, and Title IV cash management rules.
EEO Statement
Sarah Lawrence seeks to recruit and retain a diverse administration, staff, and faculty. Every job opening is seen as an opportunity to increase diversity, and every effort will be made to expand the applicant pool in accordance with these goals. (Please see our Nondiscrimination Policy.) For information on Sarah Lawrence College, our curriculum, teaching methods, and philosophy of education, please see our website at: https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/.
Salary $55k-$60k Position Type Full Time
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number S00447P Open Date Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
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