Billing Specialist III

Join The National Student ClearinghouseBy joining the National Student Clearinghouse, you can be sure that the work you do now will help shape the future of education and the workforce in the U.S. As the trusted source for higher education data since 1993, the Clearinghouse is the leading provider of transcript and data exchange services, automated enrollment and degree verifications, learner insights and research, and compliance solutions for schools, businesses, and learners nationwide. In addition, the Research Center publications inform policymakers and business leaders about student educational pathways. Using our unique combination of data, analytics, and software to drive our mission, security and privacy is paramount. Join us as we continue to invest in our talent and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data on behalf of all learners.About the RoleThe Specialist III, Billing is a senior-level finance professional responsible for overseeing complex billing activities, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of invoicing processes, and supporting revenue-related analyses in a high-volume, transaction-driven environment. This role serves as a subject matter expert for billing operations, partnering closely with Finance, Operations, Sales, Customer Success, and other internal stakeholders to resolve complex billing issues, improve processes, and support accurate revenue reporting.In addition to facilitating day-to-day billing activities, the Specialist III plays a key role in reconciliation efforts, identifying trends and discrepancies, analyzing billing and revenue data, and supporting month-end close activities. The role works closely with our Financial Analysts and other Finance team members to provide insights into revenue activity, improve data quality, and strengthen internal controls.The Specialist III is expected to exercise independent judgment, provide guidance on billing-related matters, and proactively identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience.Currently, this is a remote-first position, and this position may be required to periodically work on-site at our office and the frequency would depend on the department/division's requirements. Therefore, candidates must either reside within a reasonable distance to commute to our office or be willing to travel to our office in Herndon, when required.How You ContributeDemonstrate the Clearinghouse's core competencies: Customer Focus, Optimizes Work Processes, Collaborates, Communicates Effectively, and Be Open and Authentic.Oversee and execute complex billing transactions across multiple revenue streams, ensuring invoices are accurate, complete, and issued in accordance with contractual requirements and billing schedules.Review customer contracts, service agreements, and pricing terms to ensure accurate billing treatment and identify potential risks or discrepancies.Serve as a subject matter expert for billing processes, systems, and procedures, providing guidance and support to team members and business partners.Perform detailed account reconciliations, investigate variances, and resolve complex billing discrepancies in collaboration with internal stakeholders.Partner with Operations, Customer Success, Sales, and other departments to research and resolve billing issues, clarify contract terms, and improve billing accuracy.Analyze billing and revenue data to identify trends, anomalies, risks, and opportunities for operational improvement.Support the Senior Financial Analyst and broader Finance team by preparing billing-related analyses, reconciliations, and reporting that contribute to revenue review and month-end close activities.Assist in validating billing data to support accurate revenue recognition and financial reporting.Review and approve billing adjustments, credits, and manual invoices within established authority levels and processes.Monitor billing workflows and controls to ensure compliance with company policies, audit requirements, and established procedures.Lead efforts to identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, strengthen controls, and improve data integrity.Assist with billing system configuration, testing, and enhancements, including support for Sage Intacct and related platforms.Develop, maintain, and improve billing documentation, procedures, and training materials.Support audits by providing billing documentation, reconciliations, and transaction support as requested.Participate in cross-functional projects, system implementations, and process improvement initiatives related to billing, accounts receivable, and revenue operations.Review recurring issues and trends and provide recommendations to management for corrective action and process optimization.Mentor and provide informal guidance to junior billing team members.Position may be required to perform other duties as assigned.What You Bring to the TableBachelors degree in finance, accounting, or any related field. A combination of education and experience including military service will also be considered.4 years of progressively responsible direct and relevant experience in billing, accounts receivable, accounting, revenue operations, or a related finance function.Demonstrated experience managing complex billing processes and resolving non-routine billing discrepancies.Advanced knowledge of billing, invoicing, accounts receivable, and related financial processes.Strong understanding of financial controls, reconciliations, and data accuracy requirements.Ability to analyze large data sets and identify trends, exceptions, and opportunities for improvement.Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to independently investigate and resolve complex issues.Ability to interpret customer agreements and apply billing requirements appropriately.Advanced attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.Ability to build effective working relationships across departments and influence outcomes through collaboration.Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including functions such as lookups, pivot tables, data analysis, and reconciliation activities.Experience working with ERP, billing, or accounting systems.Ability to recommend and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and strengthen controls.Demonstrates the Clearinghouse's core competencies: customer focus, optimizes work processes, communicates effectively, collaborates, and is open and authentic.Must live within a commutable distance to Herndon, VA (preferred) or in one of the Clearinghouse's approved States for hiring purposes. Refer to our HR Policies Page, located on our Careers site at for more details.Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We do not intend to sponsor external applicants for work visas, and may consider sponsorship only if no qualified candidates can be found who are authorized to work without sponsorship.Must be at least 18 years old.Physical DemandsUse of a computer for 8 or more hours a day.Use of a telephone and/or copy machine.Frequently required to sit for 7 or more hours per day.Occasionally required to use hands and fingers to operate, handle, and reach.Vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.Benefits and Related InformationThe National Student Clearinghouse provides a robust benefit program designed to help meet the needs of each employee and their family, both now and in the future. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life and disability insurance benefits, for employees and their qualified dependents. Health care, dependent care, and limited purpose flexible spending accounts, as well as a health savings account with annual employer contributions of $300 for employees and $600 for employees who are enrolled with their spouse and/or dependents, voluntary supplemental health plans for Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage, and infertility coverage are options available for employees to set aside pre-taxed dollars for certain qualifying expenses. We offer a very generous 401k matching contribution program with the opportunity to defer pre-tax and Roth contributions, as well as catch-up contributions for those who are eligible! We are proud to offer a competitive paid leave program consisting of vacation, sick, and personal time, as well as paid holidays, up to 3 weeks of paid parental leave during a 12-month period, and up to 5 days of paid military leave per calendar year. Vacation time will accrue based on length of service, and new full-time hires can accrue up to 13 days of vacation and up to 10 days of sick time per year. On an annual basis, new employees may use up to 32 hours of accrued sick time as personal time. Additionally, the Clearinghouse observes at least 15 paid holidays per year, including company year-end close between Christmas and New Years Holidays. Another perk is that employees have the option to get reimbursed for basic wholesale company and