Student Account Specialist

Student Account Specialist/Bursar

The Student Account Specialist/Bursar is primarily responsible for managing student accounts and accounts receivable functions, including bursar operations, gift review, account reconciliations, and assisting with the month-end close process.

This position oversees the Seminary's Student Accounts function and is responsible for recording and collection tuition, fees, and other accounts receivable; reviewing gifts and donations; and maintaining and improving procedures related to student billing, posting charges to student account, and account reconciliation. The Student Account Specialist/Bursar also ensures the accuracy and integrity of student account records while providing excellent customer service to students and other stakeholders.

Qualifications required:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting.
• 1-3 years of previous accounts receivable experience.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Effective and professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook.

Qualifications preferred:

• Previous non-profit experience, preferably in higher education.
• Previous Jenzabar experience.
• Experience with student billing and posting charges to student accounts

Essential functions and responsibilities:

• Assist the Controller with the timely completion of the monthly financial close, including account reconciliations and preparation of journal entries.
• Maintain accurate financial records and reconcile accounts managed by the Bursar's Office to ensure the accuracy and completeness of billing, receipts, disbursements, and outstanding accounts receivable.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies and applicable GETS, state, and federal regulations.
• Prepare and issue IRS Form 1098-T tax statements for eligible students.
• Process student billing and post tuition, fees, and other charges to student accounts each academic term.
• Process student refunds, including refunds resulting from credit balances and federal financial aid disbursements.
• Assist with the preparation and coordination of annual audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Review clearing accounts and equipment maintenance accounts on a quarterly basis to identify expenditures that should be capitalized as fixed assets.
• Prepare and post journal entries as assigned.
• Review and resolve student account holds and outstanding balances, communicating with students by phone and email as needed to facilitate registration.
• Promote and support student enrollment in Direct Deposit and Payment Plan programs.
• Prepare and process weekly bank deposits.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Success factors/job competencies:

• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent problem analysis and problem resolution at functional levels.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Customer service orientation and collaboration mindset
• Willingness to go above and beyond job scope to get things accomplished
• Strong team player.

Physical demands and work environment:

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to stand, walk, kneel, bend, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, and lift/move up to 25 pounds. The individual will regularly be required to communicate professionally in person, over the phone, and through email; and to sit, type, and stare at a computer monitor for prolonged periods.
• Work environment: Employee occasionally may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time but work is primarily performed indoors. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary