Collections Specialist

Posting Title

Collections Specialist

Overview

As a vital member of the Enrollment Services accounts receivable team, you will ensure the effective collection of student tuition and fee revenue. You will serve students, alumni, faculty, and the general public by managing student records and financial services to support the university's broader mission. This role is critical to maintaining the university's financial health and ensuring students remain eligible for federal financial aid through diligent regulatory compliance.

The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is: $40,000- $45,000.

Responsibilities

Account Management & Collections

* Auditing accounts with outstanding balances and contacting former or current students to establish payment arrangements.

* Monitoring active payment arrangements to ensure ongoing compliance.

* Coordinating the assignment of overdue accounts to external collection agencies.

* Managing the demand letter process and responding to credit bureau dispute notifications.

Loan Processing & Accounting

* Certifying loan verification certificates and processing applications for federal student loan consolidation.

* Sending Perkins and institutional loan payments to servicers and processing monthly payments from collection companies.

* Handling loan overpayment refunds and processing Perkins loan assignments to the Department of Education.

Collaborative Support & Compliance

* Working with other university departments to resolve questions regarding charges, credits, and financial aid.

* Providing high-quality customer service by meeting with students and authorized payers to explain account details and payment options.

* Ensuring strict compliance with university policies as well as federal and District of Columbia regulations, including FERPA.

* Assisting the student services and processing teams as needed to ensure adequate telephone and service area coverage.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

* Preferred: A Bachelor's Degree with one year of accounts receivable experience (experience in an academic environment is a plus).

* Alternative: A High School diploma or G.E.D. with four years of accounts receivable experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Technical Skills

* Proficiency in Microsoft Office, e-mail, and web browsing.

* Experience with enterprise-wide information systems; knowledge of PeopleSoft is preferred.

* Aptitude for developing proficiency in complex information systems and identifying solutions to improve service productivity.

Core Competencies

* Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail.

* Excellent oral and written communication skills with a focus on customer service.

* Ability to exercise sound judgment, think creatively to solve problems, and escalate issues when appropriate.

* Ability to work effectively as a collaborative team member in a fast-paced environment.