Student Financial Services Counselor

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

The Student Financial Services Counselor is responsible for student financial support in the Student Financial Services' (SFS) Office. Working closely with Financial Aid to streamline joint procedures, the Student Financial Services Counselor will be responsible for all initial contact with students and their families, including processing of student related payments, answering student financial aid/account questions, and providing guidance as needed.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Provides comprehensive customer service to all students and their families by phone, in person and through email correspondence
• Support student accounts functions including but not limited to:
  • Posting adjustments
  • Prepare lists for reconciliation of student accounts and other responsibilities associated with the administration of student accounts and 3rd party billing
  • Process all student payments received by the University in all forms and delivery methods in a timely manner
  • Oversee the processing and correspondence of all financial related paperwork delivered to the office by or on behalf of students
  • Manage the processing and correspondence for corporate reimbursement students
  • Perform daily cash reconciliation and bank deposit
  • Investigate disputed delinquent account balances; correct any errors, including misapplied payments and miscellaneous charges
  • Prepare journal entries for approval of required corrections
  • Process student health insurance waivers and help with other student health insurance processes and reconciliations

Other Functions:

All members of the Student Financial Services Office team assist each other with the following functions:

• Maintains confidentiality of information and works in accordance with FERPA guidelines on the disclosure of information.
• Counter coverage as needed, assisting student who come into the Center for assistance.
• Assist in the processing of mail
• Assist in the management of department schedule
• Continuing professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating an environment where all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to process information quickly and accurately.
• Exceptional customer service orientation with a professional demeanor in all interactions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly.
• Highly organized with proven ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Skilled in building positive relationships and maintaining staff morale through effective team-building strategies.
• Proactive in addressing the needs of a diverse student population with empathy and tact.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel; familiarity with higher education software platforms (e.g., Datatel Colleague, ImageNow) preferred.
• Experience with cash handling, account balancing, and reconciliation processes.
• Knowledge of Title IV federal regulations and financial aid processes; prior experience in Financial Aid or Bursar functions preferred.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in accounting or equivalent financial experience required; Bachelors Degree preferred
• Experience working at a college/university preferably in financial aid and with First Generation population as well as Adult Learners.
• Understanding of financial aid awarding and title IV eligibility for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Experience with Higher Education software platforms desired; knowledge of Datatel Colleague and ImageNow preferred

Physical and Mental Requirements:

Work Environment

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Outdoor Weather Conditions

X

Work with fumes or airborne particles

X

Work near moving mechanical parts

X

Risk of electrical shock

X

Vibration

X

Physical Activity

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Talking & Hearing

X

Using hands/fingers to handle/feel

X

Climbing or balancing

X

Bending, pulling, pushing

X

Driving

X

Lifting Requirements

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Up to 10 pounds

X

Up to 25 pounds

X

Up to 50 pounds

X

Up to 75 pounds

X

Up to 100 pounds

X

Over 100 pounds

X

Vision requirements (Especially relevant if driving is required by the job)

_X_ Close vision (i.e., clear vision at 20 inches or less)

___ Distance vision (i.e., clear vision at 20 feet or more)

___ Color vision (i.e., ability to identify and distinguish colors)

___ Peripheral vision (i.e., ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

___ Depth perception (i.e., three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

spatial relationships)

___ No special vision requirements

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employees, spouse & dependents
• PTO program

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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