Student Business Services Specialist I

Overview

This role reviews, analyzes, and implements procedures to update the student account ledger. Responsibilities include ensuring the accurate and timely posting of fees, payments, grants, scholarships, direct billing letters of credit and invoices, and Fresh start adjustments to student accounts. The specialist coordinates with Student Financial Services staff, interfaces with students and appropriate internal departments, and supports third-party servicers.

This position also supports student questions and concerns related to account transactions, maintains high productivity and accuracy, and ensures compliance with Title IV federal regulations and applicable university policies.

Compensation Range: Hourly $20.00 - $23.00

Responsibilities

• Download query reports, review results, and analyze accounts using standard operating procedures to return credit balances either to student, lender, California State Controller’s Office, or providers based on audit.
• Analyze reports to determine credit category based on last item type or conduct further audits.
• Scrutinize student digital records for a thorough review of accounts.
• Document necessary follow-ups on student account files.
• Troubleshoot student account concerns and conflicting information; research and follow through on solutions.
• Establish check requests using spreadsheet-based details and follow through to completion.
• Review outstanding check files on refunds and evaluate status to return funds either to student (reissue), lender, or provider.
• Ensure student accounts are kept current by providing monthly invoices and audits for timely payment; create, attach, and invoice third-party contracts; comply with noted terms and conditions.
• Work with UAS to determine Federal Perkins and NU institution loans (NU Help/NUTC) status and balance; offer available deferments, forbearance, loan rehabilitation, or loan settlements to bring the loan current.
• Maintain documentation of all communications via phone or written communication.
• Answer incoming calls using Five9.
• Determine if inactive credits due are to be returned to student, third-party, or lender to ensure compliance with Title IV and/or state regulations.
• Document payment plans on Flywire software and other balance settlements and/or payment match adjustments.
• Process student payments in TouchNet in compliance with PCI DSS security standards.
• Post Financial Aid single award disbursements to student accounts accurately and on time.
• Provide daily/weekly updates to Loan Science regarding inactive collection payments and status updates.
• Assist with resolution of student account discrepancies that may require other university teams and/or third-party vendors.
• Communicate with students regarding tuition questions, third-party contracts, master promissory notes, billing issues, refunds, attendance issues, and account adjustments.
• Generate student billing and review tuition and fees for accuracy.
• Monitor and communicate declined transactions.
• Conduct student audits in preparation for annual Escheat process.
• Review and authorize student tuition credits or refunds to credit card/bank account.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Review and finalize data for accuracy in preparation for annual 1098-T forms and Canadian tax forms.
• Review and execute annual tuition increase and monitor preferred tuition rates.
• Ensure timely processing of student aid refunds.
• Participate in ongoing department and special projects as needed.
• Maintain reasonable and consistent attendance to fulfill requirements of the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of student billing, financial aid, financial, or related experience required.
• Experience in higher education preferred.
• Experience working in a technology-driven enterprise preferred.
• All skills, abilities, and education will be considered for minimum qualifications.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills

• Ability to actively participate as a team member of the Business Unit, Department, and University.
• Personal accountability; proactively seeks resolution and supports honesty and respect.
• Working knowledge of Title IV Federal Student Aid programs; ability to handle confidential information with tact and discretion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to operate required equipment (personal computer and phone system).
• Ability to use and facilitate online communications.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to compute and comprehend rates, ratios, and percentages.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from students, university associates, licensing and accrediting agencies, and the public.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and other applications in the Microsoft Office Suite.
• General legal knowledge, including collections, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education.
• Experience working in a technology-driven enterprise.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay rate: $20.00 - $23.00 (commensurate with experience and based on a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and competencies).
• Base pay is one component of the total rewards package, including comprehensive well-being benefits for employees and their families. Details are available through the employer’s benefits materials.
• Part-time benefits information is available through the employer’s part-time resources.

Location

• Remote, USA

Travel

• No Travel Required

Equal Opportunity

This employer is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants per applicable federal, state, and local laws.