Student Finance Associate

About Us

Howard Community College (HCC) is an exciting place to work, learn, and grow We are proud to have received the Great Colleges to Work For honor for 12 consecutive years, 2009-2020.

Howard Community College values diversity among its faculty, staff and student population. We are an innovative institution that is committed to responding to the ever-changing needs and interests of a diverse and dynamic community. No matter where you want to go in your career, you can get there from here

Position Title Student Finance Associate FLSA Non-Exempt FT/PT Full Time Hours Per Week 37.5 Work Schedule M-F 8:30am - 5pm Grade 10 Minimum Compensation $44,959 General Responsibilities

Employee works closely with college staff to coordinate, execute, and monitor contract billings. Employee is responsible for invoicing facility rentals, contract courses, vendors, non-credit residency adjustments, and other special programs. Employee is responsible for applying manual waivers to adjust customer invoices. Employee performs full cycle accounting work in the areas of accounts receivable and cash receivable staff by processing all incoming accounting data such as cash, checks and credit card payments, wire transactions, financial aid and purchase order payments, and by assisting students and completing a range of tasks related to student billing/invoicing. Employee produces outgoing material such as receipts, invoices and statements Work is performed in an accurate and timely manner under supervision and in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) guidelines.

Work Performed

Employee must comply with payment card industry data security standards (PCI DSS) and complete annual training. Employee must be well-informed about changes to student finance views to understand and educate student body and have knowledge of all policies and procedures that impact the student account from a college wide prospective.

* Receives, verifies, logs, and processes all incoming data in batch processing. Prepares all necessary documents for each transaction and reconciles all transactions at the end of the day. * Assists and helps students over the telephone, by email, and in person, with issues related to registration charges, financial aid, Nelnet payment plan, and refund vendor inquiries. * Provides full service to patrons during window hours by taking payments, processing refunds, and answering inquiries. Requires extensive knowledge of Financial Aid & Registration policies and procedures as well as an understanding of the transactions from those offices on the student account. * Verifies, computes, and processes student and vendor refunds in compliance with Title IV regulations, including card activation and identification verification with the refund vendor.

Responsible for calculating, preparing, and monitoring invoicing for the College including facility rentals, contract courses, vendors, and other miscellaneous billings.

Assists Accounts Receivable staff with monitoring collections for facility rentals, contract courses, vendors, and other miscellaneous billings.

Recommends, implements, and coordinates student finance outreach and communication strategies to resolve delinquencies and support college enrollment/retention goals. Ensures student billing, and written notifications regarding debts are sent, in compliance with state regulations.

Assists with ensuring waivers and discounts are properly applied, including Social Security waivers, dependent waivers, contracted employee waivers, and employee fee deferment.

Assists the Student Account Assistant Manager and Student Account Manager with military and veteran financial matters.

Reconciles and provides data to cost center managers about revenue earned and outstanding collections.

Assists with managing phone calls to students for past due balances.

Monitors and maintains proper restriction holds on student accounts.

Assist with maintaining student records in document imaging system.

Investigates, researches and resolves discrepancies in student & vendor accounts. This requires good accounting skills and the ability to analyze a very complex accounting system.

Responds in detail to all inquiries related to non-credit accounts such as refunds, fee charges, locations and course cancellations.

Prepares outgoing materials such as vendor billing and student invoices. Updates A/R files for further action.

Assists with the preparation, filing, and coordination of 1098-T reporting in accordance with current IRS policy.

Ensures security and confidentiality of all accounting documents and assets in regards to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) compliance.

Files and maintains all cashiering and A/R documents in compliance with PCI regulations. Responsible for securing and locking up the office area at the end of the shift.

Assists with managing the front lobby when necessary.

Maintains work area in order.

Trains temporary, part-time, and work study staff.

Minimum Education Required High School or equivalent Minimum Number of Years Experience Required 3 Other Knowledge Required

* AA degree (accounting preferred) or a minimum of 3 years of related experience required, preferably in higher education. * Extensive experience using computerized accounting software including spreadsheets and word processing software. Experience with Ellucian's Colleague and Microsoft Excel preferred. * Knowledge of accounting principles and procedures related to accounts receivable and revenue. * Ability to work independently to locate and resolve problems. * Ability to analyze and tabulate various reports. * Ability to interact tactfully and to deal courteously and effectively with others. * Ability to satisfy customer inquiries related to accounts receivable. * Understands PCI DSS. * Understands the FERPA ensuring confidentiality of all student documentation.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

* Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. * Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. * Ability to have a flexible schedule as hours fluctuate during periods of high demand such as lunch coverage or start of term. * Regular attendance is a requirement of this job. * Performs all duties while considering the impact of any actions on the college's sustainability initiatives in the areas of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic prosperity.

Working Conditions

Highly stressful position due to high volume of work, confidentiality, cash handling, accuracy, good work habits, and dealing with entire college community and outside agencies. Compliance with federal and financial aid guidelines required.

Requires constant attention to the service at the cashiers' windows, not allowing much time away from the service window, especially at busy times. Breaks can often be limited.

Some evenings required and overtime required during busy periods.

Flexibility in scheduling required including daytime, evening, and select weekend hours.

Supervisory Postion? No Division Finance Department Finance DEPT