Student Financial Operations Specialist (HR Title: Student Financial Specialist)

Student Financial Operations SpecialistSalary Range: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications About SMU SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact. SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.About the Position: This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The Student Financial Operations Specialist, under the direction of the Associate Director of Student Financial Operations, is primarily responsible for overseeing and managing the refunding process to ensure compliance with federal, state, and University policies. This includes overseeing various refund worklists, managing file transfers for third-party services, and planning refunding assignments for other team members involved in the refunding process. The Specialist will analyze student accounts, research account discrepancies, reconcile items as needed, and provide excellent customer service.Essential Functions: Oversee refunding of student accounts: Create and manage refunding worklists, review and analyze student accounts for refunding per federal and University policies and Title IV compliance regulations, review and process student accounts for debit/credit transfers, manage file transfers to third-party vendors, and oversee refunding assignments for other team members. Assist with general account maintenance: Perform operational functions necessary for student financial operations as it relates to refunding, including processing void/stale-dated refunds, stop-payment requests, posting of wire transfers, the escheatment process, assisting with accounts receivable, and processing credit card chargebacks/disputes. Resolve student account inquiries: Respond to inquiries from students, parents, faculty, and staff. Serve as a primary point of contact for issues involving refunding, deposits, wire transfers, and withdrawals. Support student financial operations: Actively participate in various team initiatives, including staff development activities, supporting admissions orientation programs, and processing daily deposits. Position requires working extended hours during peak periods, including occasional evenings and Saturdays, as needed.Qualifications Education and Experience: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Associate's degree is preferred. A degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field desired. A minimum of two (2) years of work experience is required, preferably in financial field. Experience in higher education is preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. A strong customer service orientation is essential. Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills. A strong focus on attention to detail is essential. Candidate must have the ability to analyze and evaluate a student account and track payments. Knowledge of compliance with federal regulations is a plus. Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of Word, Excel, and Outlook. The ability to learn new software quickly is preferred. Physical and Environmental Demands: Sit for long periods of timePrimary Location: USA-TX-DallasJob: Finance and AccountingOrganization: Office of Budget & FinanceSchedule: RegularShift: StaffEmployee Status: Individual ContributorJob Type: Full-timeJob Level: Day JobTravel: No