Accountant II

Job Description

TITLE: Accountant II (Student Account Coordinator)

REPORTS TO: Assistant Vice President, Finance & Operation

SALARY: Grade 12 ($52,170 - $72,170)

ROLE: The Accountant II is responsible for overseeing all aspects of student accounting. This position assists with the analysis, planning, and implementation of new processes and information systems to better meet the needs of both internal and external customers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage the accurate and timely semesterly billing of all undergraduate and graduate programs:

Coordinate Registrar/Financial Aid/Student Services/IT efforts as they pertain to billing.

Update billing tables, charge codes, fee statement preparation each semester in J1.

Prepare student portal and website communications as they relate to billing and college policies.

Reconcile accuracy of charges with various departments.

Coordinate student Health and Tuition Insurance waiver processes. Reconcile accounts to vendor’s invoices and assist students/families with tuition insurance claims.

Responsible for all receivable/collection efforts:

Responsible for supervising the payment plan process, including reviewing and monitoring accounts, billing/communications, and creating plan terms.

Responsible for maintaining relationship with third party payment plan company and refund processor.

Coordinate all third-party invoicing.

Manage all collection efforts including monthly late fees, write offs, and processing accounts to be relinquished to outside collection agency. Prepare timely AR aging reports for Asst VP of Finance’s review.

Provide financial counseling for parents and students regarding payment options. Resolves problems and questions with students or parents regarding student finances. Contacts and initiates the settling of student

account balances in escalated or special situations.

Manage all student account refunds:

Apply financial aid disbursements to student accounts ensuring all refunds are in compliance with college, federal, and financial aid guidelines.

Monitor student account balances for the timely preparation of refunds. Create supporting documentation for each student account refund, processes direct deposit and physical refund checks.

Coordinate the recording of withdrawn student’s financial records: subsidiaries, fines, 1Card, and refunds.

Reconcile Outside Scholarships, PELL, SEOG, and Direct Loans. Process and record G6 Federal draws.

Perform cashier function for the Annapolis campus:

Record all cash transactions in the Admissions Slate system, Lockbox, Flywire, Third Party Pmt Plan Distributions, G6 draws, Wires, Square, and Operating account via campus deposits.

Record, upload and communicate all Advancement receipts.

Additional Responsibilities:

Compile and review data for the preparation of the IRS Form 1098-T (Tuition Statement).

Prepare Student Accounts related communication letters including Asst VP of Finance letters to accompany release of FS, communication of WD policy, advanced deposit notices, and annual tuition rates.

Record, communicate to student, and invoice: Library fines, Student Service fines, parking violations, and duplicate diploma invoicing.

Work with IT department mySJC student portal forms and communications. Notify and follow through with obtaining missing SJC required forms: FRA and Direct Deposit.

Prepare adjustments/closure of student’s 1Card balances.

Provide inter-department resource for Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, and the SF student account office.

Review and reconcile general ledger accounts, as assigned.

Special project planning and analysis and backup to other Finance Office functions, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Applicant should be physically capable of walking or standing a post outdoors for extended periods of time, as well as ascending and descending stairs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or related field preferred; or an associates degree in a related field with an acceptable combination of education and experience

At least 2 years of experience in a business-related field is preferred, with preference given to accounting, financial aid or customer service.

Knowledge of and ability to work with accounting software. Preferred Experience with Jenzabar Products.

Previous experience with third party student account plan and refund vendors a plus.

Knowledge of Title IV rules FERPA permissions.

Ability to work independently to locate and resolve problems.

Ability to interact tactfully and to deal courteously and effectively with others.

Ability to satisfy customer inquiries related to accounts receivable.

Ability to implement procedural changes needed due to change in regulations and policies.

Ability to coordinate with other areas of the college and external agencies to perform duties.

Ability to analyze accounting and administrative systems to ensure accuracy and recommend and initiate modifications if necessary.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Performs all duties while considering the impact of any actions on the college.

Position requires a great deal of organization and coordination skills.

At times a stressful position due to volume of work, confidentiality, dealing with students/family’s personnel finances, and outside agencies.

Higher education or non-profit experience preferred.

Ability to prioritize work with a sense of urgency.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong problem-solving and follow-up skills.

Ability to work well with St. John’s College community.

Full-time