Position Purpose:

This position supports the operational aspects of Student Accounting, including fee assessment, third-party billing, application of payments, and refund processing. In addition, this position will be responsible for executing and overseeing certain aspects of the Bates Student Health Insurance Program including monitoring health insurance enrollment and waivers, performing outreach to parents and students during the summer, resolving billing/enrollment disputes, and participating in the overall management of the program. This position is the functional backup to the Assistant Director of Student Accounting, and provides customer service to students and parents as a backup to the SFS customer support team.

This position will require the individual to be present on campus five days a week. 

*Review of applications will begin on September 15th*

Job Duties:

Student Accounts Receivable Operations

• Processes checks electronically using bank scanning systems and software,
• Processes and applies private outside scholarship payments, and assists in federal and private loan disbursement.
• Assists in overseeing daily cash handling, cash deposits, and internal controls.
• Performs electronic downloads/uploads of payment data and resolves problems/discrepancies.
• Assists in processing student refund checks.

Customer Support / Problem Resolution

• Responds to email and telephone inquiries, and provides customer support to students and parents regarding payment and billing.
• Works closely with students and parents to review and explain the application of payments to the student account, answer financial aid questions, and describe payment options.
• Responsible for responding to email correspondence related to student billing received through sfs@bates.edu.

Bates Student Health Insurance Program

• Works closely with campus representatives from Student Health Services and Systems Development and Integration before and during the insurance enrollment period.
• Monitors student health insurance enrollment.
• Communicates with and provides outreach to students and parents by email and phone.
• Serves as the point of contact to the college’s insurance provider.
• Researches and resolves disputes regarding enrollment and billing, and uses judgment to escalate issues to the Senior Associate Director of Student Accounting when appropriate.

Other

• Serves as the functional backup to the Assistant Director of Student Accounting.
• Interacts significantly with department colleagues and other members of the college community, including students, their parents, and alumni of the college.
• Works closely and collaborates with colleagues in Student Health Services, System Development and Integration, Global Education and the Registrar’s Office.
• Responsible for understanding and complying with cash management rules and regulations pertaining to Title IV federal financial aid.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent experience will be considered, Bachelor's degree preferred. 

Experience

Experience in accounting, customer service or equivalent work experience, preferably in higher education.

Skills and Knowledge

• Commitment to equity and inclusion, and serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal and presentation) skills.
• Sound analytical and problem- solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities. 
• Commitment to handling highly confidential information and data.
• Impeccable organizational (time, task, project management) skills and ability to coordinate resources and staff within the college community.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships.  Must be flexible, collaborative and have a positive attitude.
• Ability to handle nuanced information and situations with ease and care
• Commitment to continuous professional growth and learning.
• Proficiency in basic data management systems and computer applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Banner and Argos experience helpful. 
• Willingness and ability to learn additional applications as needed.
• Ability and willingness to work during the college’s winter break, typically for one day.
• Ability and willingness to travel (by car, air, train or bus).

Benefits:  

Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, 9% retirement contribution with potential for an additional 3% match, 10 days of vacation*, 13 paid holidays, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more), and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug- and smoke-free workplace.