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Job Description
The UAA Office of the Bursar invites applications for the role of Student Account Specialist. We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team. The Office of the Bursar serves the university community by managing student billing and is the central collection point for all university receipts. We strive to provide quality customer service to our students and the university community in a professional and courteous manner, while maintaining the highest possible standards of accuracy and compliance in the administration of student accounts, university receivables, and cash management. The Student Account Specialist serves as an expert resource to students, Office of the Bursar team members, and other members of the university community in matters of the student account.
Duties:
25Customer Service – Provide support to the Office of the Bursar Call Center, department email accounts, and lobby check-in system, providing the highest level of customer service. Counsel, advise, investigate, problem-solve, and resolve issues from current and former students, parents, sponsors & other third parties, and other members of the university community. Provide accurate information in a professional manner to students inquiring about their account status including charges, credits, adjustments, and payments as well as University policies and procedures. Provide support and guidance to other Office of the Bursar team members and other areas of the university as needed. Identify inefficiencies to promote operational excellence and coordinate process improvements of service to students and the University community.Essential
35Agency Billing & 3rd Party Sponsorships – Point of contact for agencies, donors, and students who wish to establish 3rd party billings and private scholarship payments. Coordinate and respond to inquiries from UAA staff, faculty, and the university community while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Liaise with UAA Military & Veteran Student Services, UAA Bookstore, UAA Athletics, and other university departments and campuses regarding student accounts, information, certification, and other required documentation for invoicing and account payments. Set up agency contracts, tuition waivers, contract exemptions, VA certifications, purchase orders, and tuition assistance forms to determine authorized tuition, fees, and books/course materials to be billed to third party agencies and the percentage to be paid by the student. Adjust student/agency accounts when add/drop or cancellation of classes occurs and when additional financial aid or contract amendments are received. Contact the agency/donor regarding incorrect, missing, and/or changes to authorization forms. Review textbook charges and communicate with bookstore staff to resolve discrepancies. Reconcile financial accounts related to student accounting and third party receivables; ensure the charges comply with the contract and have been recorded accurately to the appropriate account. Prepare invoices and required supporting documentation in the format required by each agency. Receive agency payment notifications, compile information and forward to the Cashiering Office for posting to the appropriate account. Perform an analysis of past due accounts by review of aging reports. Initiate appropriate collection activity to obtain payment. Submit quarterly analysis and description of collection effort of doubtful accounts to supervisor.Essential
35Financial Aid Refunds – Process direct deposit, paper check, and credit card refunds for payments in excess of account charges to students in accordance with established University of Alaska Cash Management and Office of the Bursar policies & procedures, as well as applicable Federal, state, agency, and donor criteria. Ensure student eligibility for various funding sources by researching student accounts in Banner, verifying enrollment requirements, academic standing, and that their account is current with no active holds according to University, Federal, State, and private regulations. Process athletic stipends for any room and/or board approved student-athletes. Process private loan and scholarship returns based on donor criteria. Lead student employees in processing of daily work. Receive student Petition for Refund requests and required supporting documentation. Compile documentation, log receipt in Banner, and prepare for committee review. Follow up with students missing required documentation. Process approved refund exceptions in Banner in coordination with applicable financial aid (Title IV Aid, private scholarships, and 3rd party sponsorships including VA). Archive processed requests.Essential
5Fiscal Records Management – Maintain department fiscal records according to established UA retention criteria. File daily work and scan records to OnBase. Purge records beyond retention schedules. Gather documentation in response to internal and external audit requests.Essential
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- General Accounting knowledge, including proper use of debits & credits, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and internal controls
- Oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with diverse populations
- Organizational skills with the ability to independently prioritize and work on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, often with interruptions
- Ability to work with a high volume and a high degree of accuracy to meet deadlines
- Ability to provide excellent customer service with a great deal of tact and diplomacy in confidential matters
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
- Ability to build successful relationships across departments to accomplish goals
- Ability to research and independently resolve problems
- Verification, monitoring, and account reconciliation skills preferred
- Ability to correctly interpret and apply complex policies, rules & regulations to accounts
TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:
- College coursework in Accounting or related field and two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience
- Customer service experience
- Computer experience to include Excel, Word, Email, and database
- Experience working collaboratively with other departments to meet goals
- Experience working with Banner or other accounting information systems preferred
REQUIRED EDUCATION OR TRAINING:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Associates degree in Accounting or related field preferred
This is an in-person position located on the Anchorage campus. Remote work is not available for this position.
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:
To apply for this position, please submit: a current resume; a cover letter directly addressing qualifications and experience as they relate to the position duties and requirements; a name and contact information for three professional references.
This is a regular full-time, Grade 77, minimum $21.81 hourly DOE, 12-month position complete with a competitive salary and UA employee benefits package. This position is open until filled with the initial application review taking place September 10, 2021. To ensure your application is considered, apply by 11:55 PM, September 9, 2021. Applications received after this date may not be considered. A complete application will include a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement:
The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.
Affirmative Action Statement:
UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination
Background Check:
The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.
Probationary Period:
Pursuant to University Regulation 04.07.020, new employees of the University are employed in an at-will probationary status for the first six months of employment. During the probationary period, employment may be terminated for no reason or any reason. Promoted employees also serve a probationary period with limited rights of retreat.
Public Disclosure Statement:
Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.
University of Alaska is a Drug-Free Workplace.
University of Alaska campuses are Tobacco-Free.
Training Policy:
It is the policy of the University of Alaska (UA) that all employees are required to complete training to meet the requirements of the positions they hold, and to complete the required training within a specified period to remain employed at the UA.
Contact Information:
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact University of Alaska HR at 907-450-8200.
Advertised: 25 Aug 2021 Alaskan Daylight Time
Applications close:
