Assistant Director

Description:
 

Job Description Summary:
 

Responsible for the billing, recording, and collection of all university tuition and fees for student accounts to ensure accurate financial reporting. Ensures the Student Financial System (PowerCampus) accurately reflects all billing, payments, and disbursements associated with student accounts. Provides leadership, training and guidance for the Student Accounts Office staff to achieve excellent customer service for students, parents and internal/external customers.

Responsible for compliance with (1) governmental and other external loan agencies’ rules and regulations and (2) disbursement of student refunds in accordance with US Department of Education guidelines. Independent thought and judgement is required as well as personal initiative in completing required and assigned tasks. Work is performed independently under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, University Budgets and Student Accounts. Performance evaluation is based upon completion of assignments and results obtained. The position also works closely with the Associate Vice President and Controller on all financial matters.

The position directly supervises the Student Loan Coordinator, the Business Office Specialist, and Accounts Receivable/Student Accounts Coordinator Lead.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, but not guaranteed, as in-office work is at the discretion of the university and based on current needs.  The initial probationary (training) period is anticipated to be 100% on campus.

Duties and Responsibilities:

[35%] General ledger reconciliations

• Prepare, analyze, and process corrections, as necessary, to ensure all monthly general ledger reconciliations accurately reflect all Student Account transactions and meet all internal and external compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director to ensure that any system revisions are updated in a timely manner to resolve any data integration errors/issues that result in reconciling items on the monthly reconciliations.

[20%] System maintenance and support

• Maintain the Student Accounts website to ensure accurate data is available for all students (current and prospective), faculty, staff, and external customers.
• In collaboration with the Associate Director, create and maintain PowerCampus code tables used for student billing.
• In collaboration with the Associate Director, maintain data integrations between existing university systems (i.e. PowerFAIDS to PowerCampus, PowerCampus to Workday, etc.).
• In collaboration with the Associate Director, evaluate, develop, test, and implement new and revised, student billing/cash receipt accounting systems to ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and university laws, policies and procedures, as well as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

[20%] Supervision of Student Accounts Staff

• Supervision of the Student Loan Coordinator - oversee and manage duties and responsibilities of the Student Loan Coordinator, in support of the Student Accounts Office operations.
• Supervision of Business Office Specialist - oversee and manage duties and responsibilities of the Business Office Specialist, in support of the Student Accounts Office operations.

[15%] Assist the Associate Director, URR with the oversight and management of the day-to-day operations of the Student Accounts Office and oversight of direct reports’ duties and responsibilities

• Oversight of the student loan portfolio and associated aging report and collections operations with external collection agencies for those student loans.
• Ensure loan compliance requirements are documented and accessible for the student loan portfolio.
• Oversight of daily bank deposits for the university.
• Oversight of posting financial aid awards received for the financial aid office.
• Assist with and oversight of the billing, refunds, and payments associated with student accounts.

[10%] Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct supervision of the (a) Student Loan Coordinator and (b) the Business Office Specialist.
• Ability to perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects/assignments simultaneously while assuring that daily tasks are being completed in a timely manner.

Skills and Abilities – the following are essential: 

• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of accounting principles and financial systems.
• Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP) and methods and terms, preferably with an emphasis on higher education accounting.
• Skilled aptitude for the analysis and interpretation of accounting and financial data..
• Exercises detailed knowledge and sound judgment to assure ongoing compliance with legal, policy and procedural standards established at Federal, State and institutional levels.
• Ability to plan, direct and evaluate a complex operation, using human resources, time, funds and other resources for the accomplishment of long-term and short-term goals of the institution.
• Ability to provide effective leadership while conducting multiple complex assignments in an environment that is always challenging is essential. Maintaining professionalism, proficiency and composure is expected.
• Ability to manage tasks effectively in a fast-paced work environment with a heavy focus on proficiency, accuracy and quality customer service.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all phases and processes related to a student’s enrollment, from admission application to graduation, to maximize customer service efficiency.
• General knowledge of general invoicing and collection practices and procedures.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication and problem resolution skills are essential.
• Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment, including related University software and email.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business or related field of study is highly preferred – but may consider 6+ years of directly related experience in lieu of degree.
• A minimum of three years of general ledger accounting and/or reconciliation experience is required.
• Five years of increasingly responsible work within a student services role in a university setting, preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to receive detailed information through verbal and/or written communication.
• Ability to sit and perform deskwork for 8 hours per day; however, must be mobile; some light lifting is required.
• Must be able to pull 10lbs for fireproof cabinets.
• Dexterity and flexibility of upper and lower body in order to push, pull, climb, stoop, bend, and stand.

Employee Status:

Regular

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Exempt)

Time Type:

Full time

Job Shift:

Pay Range:

$88,137 ~ $99,630 per year (exempt)Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.