Job DescriptionPosition Summary:The Student Accounts Manager shares oversight responsibility with the Senior Manager and Executive Director of Student Accounts by providing direct supervision and management of the Student Accounts team and their responsibilities (including but not limited to payment processing, receipting, accounts receivable, and account consultation) while showing a consistent and comprehensive understanding of the Institutional mission and vision, and meeting the goals of the business unit with a strong understanding of student financial services and Vanderbilt University policies and procedures.
As a member of both the Student Accounts and University Enrollment Affairs teams, the Manager of Student Accounts facilitates and maintains strong, collaborative relationships with Vanderbilt's faculty, staff, and students and identifies additional ways to be of service, while ensuring customer satisfaction.
Key Functions and Expected Performance: - Monitors and oversees daily operations/activities of direct reports. Primary assistance required daily in Accounts Receivables (including 3rd Party), student financial system setup and maintenance, monthly billing, payment processing, refunding, and customer service (Walk-ins, phones and email).
- Assists in problem solving and answering questions for students and other payers about transactions on their student account. Troubleshoots and assist students, parents, payers and internal departments with any student account discrepancies or issues that may arise. Provides detailed account analysis as needed.
- Monitors reviews and maintains controls surrounding the monthly billing processes. Oversees staff that are responsible for the accurate and timely creation and upload of monthly student account invoices.
- Acts as primary liaison with and maintains a close relationship with the Financial Aid Office to ensure all governmental controls and regulations regarding Title IV funding are met in accordance with institutional and governmental rules and regulations.
- Assists with developing and documenting business processes and policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls. Evaluates and recommends improvements for existing processes, policies, and procedures.
- Monitors and maintains internal Student Account calendars and timelines as needed to ensure all critical processes and communications are completed at the appropriate time.
- Acts as the primary point of contact for our partnership with Transact (Billing and Payment Portal Provider). Monitors and maintains this relationship to ensure communication of changes in processes, procedures, and governmental regulations in order to prevent unnecessary timing delays that negatively affect operations and cashflows.
- Assists with content creation and participates in orientation opportunities (both online and on campus) for our student, parent and payer populations. Assists and performs Student Account related training sessions for university staff members. Contributes to conference, seminar and webinar content when requested by the Executive Director of Student Accounts.
- Monitors and maintains a relationship with the Student Health Department and the Student Health Insurance provider to ensure accurate and timely posting of health insurance charges and waivers to student accounts.
- Applies critical thinking to financial and other information presented within the scope of responsibilities, research issues/questions, and communicate information to appropriate areas in a timely and effective manner.
- Balances a dynamic workload encompassing weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly deadlines, maintaining smooth operations amidst high volumes.
- Demonstrates strong analytical/accounting skills, as well as an ability to grasp and thoroughly understand university policies and procedures.
- Proficient with Peoplesoft and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
- Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of staff and departments to maximize performance, creativity, problem solving, and results.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and 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.
Supervisory Relationships: - This position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior manager of Student Accounts. This position supervises two Student Financial Analysts.
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: - 5+ years in a Higher Education/Student Account related field is required.
- 5+ years of PeopleSoft experience is preferred.
- Skill in intermediate Excel and Word applications 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.
