Student Accounts Manager

The Student Accounts and Receivables Accountant is primary point of contact with students on their financial standing with the College. They facilitate complete and accurate student billing for tuition, fees, room & board as directed by the Registrar's Office and post aid as directed by the Financial Aid Office. They are responsible for analyzing and reconciling general ledger accounts of tuition receivable and third-party payor receivables to subsidiary ledgers, designing reports, preparing journal entries and audit schedules. In addition to Registrar and Financial Aid, this role coordinates with the offices of Residence Life, Undergraduate and Graduate School Admissions, and Auxiliary Services.

Essential Duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Account Analysis, Reporting, and Audit Support (30%)

• Reconcile various general ledger accounts monthly and prepare journal entries
• Provides reports and other information regarding student accounts as needed, including
  • Status of outside scholarships
  • Overdue accounts
  • Accounts on hold
  • Credit balance accounts
• Calculates the taxable portion of the employee education benefit each semester according to IRS regulations and coordinate with Payroll Administrator for processing taxable imputed income.
• Responds to requests from auditors for supporting documentation and schedules
• Manages the processing and issuance of 1098-Ts.

Student Billing and Financial Aid Refunding (45%)

• Coordinate with Registrar's Office and IT to create proper billing codes in preparation of registration and ensures proper fees and general ledger codes are present in billing routines.
• Processes Global Assessments to post payments received from various payment platforms, preparation of daily deposits.
• Coordinates with the Financial Aid Office to assure that financial aid disbursements are posted timely and accurately.
• Manages tuition payment plans
  • Coordinates with payment plan service provider to assure timeliness, availability, and accuracy of data.
  • Reconciles payment plan records with student system and general ledger monthly.
• Analyzes student account credit balances and process refunds for all eligible students according to College and Federal regulations.
• Gathers data on overdue accounts for periodic transmission to collection agents, and coordinates payments and negotiations with agencies.
• Customer Service
  • Interact and communicate with students, parents, and colleagues in other departments related to student accounts, payment concerns, overdue accounts, and registration holds.
  • Provide support and guidance to students and their families on student account issues.
  • Establish and maintain good working relationships with colleagues in other departments.
  • Respond to all internal and external inquiries regarding charges, payment policies and procedures, and refer concerns to appropriate office and/or individual.

Third-Party Billing and Payments (25%)

• Manage third-party billing and payment processes including posting anticipated financial aid to student accounts and tracking payments. These third-party arrangements include:
  • Employers with which Hood College has agreements
  • Section 529 Tuition Payment Plans
  • Montgomery County Public Schools, Frederick County Public Schools, Washington County Public Schools
  • Fort Detrick
  • Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission
  • Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Americorps
  • Veteran's Administration and Department of Defense
• Coordinate with the Registrar, the Financial Aid Office, and the Graduate School to assure accuracy of student accounts and third-party payments.

Qualifications

We seek a candidate who values diversity, equity and inclusion in all that they do. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to work thoughtfully, accurately, independently and, when necessary, collaboratively with partners across campus in support of Hood College's mission as a student-centered, liberal arts institution.

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in accounting or business and three to five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Ability to research, identify and resolve discrepancies, and develop solutions is essential.
• Experience in designing reports and combining data from multiple sources is critical to success in this position.

Technology Skills

Proficient in MS Office Word and Excel, e-mail, and Internet. Ellucian Power Campus is a plus. Ability to learn new applications quickly including organization-wide information systems and department-specific software applications.

Language Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively provide information and positively respond to questions from both external and internal customers both in person and by phone. Ability to draft routine reports and correspondence.

Mathematical Skills

Proficient in financial concepts, particularly revenue recording, receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts, and bad debt. Must have the ability to apply those concepts to tracking, projections, goal setting, and interpreting reports. Must be able to draw conclusions from reports and make cost effective decisions regarding programs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a number of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to work independently and as a member of a group in developing and executing project plans. Ability to work in the theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.

Compensation

This is a position with an annual starting salary range of $52,650 to $58,500 depending on circumstances including an applicant's skills and qualifications, certain degrees and certifications, prior job experience, training, and other relevant factors. Hood College has provided a compensation range representing its good faith estimate of what the College may pay for the position at the time of posting. The College may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. Hood College offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and tuition benefits. Learn more about Hood College. 

To Apply

We invite qualified candidates to apply online via our electronic application which requires submission of a cover letter, resumé and three professional references.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please email or call

Hood College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, religion, or age in recruitment, admission and access to, or treatment, or employment in its programs, services, benefits, or activities as required by applicable laws including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and complies with the law regarding reasonable accommodation for disabled applicants and students. Inquiries about discrimination or reasonable accommodation should be referred to the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator at Alumnae Hall, 401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD AD 312), For complete information on Hood College's nondiscrimination policy, please visit