Finance and Student Accounts Specialist

General Job Brief TheFinance and Student Accounts Specialist is responsible for the daily activities to properly account for student finances, including creating and maintaining the Student Information System (SIS) for tuition and fees, recording charges and payments, drawing down and recording Financial Aid funding from G5. The role also supports non-student AR transactions, including miscellaneous receivables, daily deposits, and assistance with monthly close and annual audits. This role also requires a comprehensive understanding of and commitment to the unique Christian mission and vision of ACU to Transform Culture with Truth, and the ability to advance that mission and vision through the performance of its duties, including person-to-person mentorship and discipleship. Typical Duties Student Accounts System Management Configure and maintain the Student Information System (SIS) to implement approved tuition, fee, and payment schedules.Update payment plans within the SIS, annuallyAssist with maintaining General Ledger mappings and account coding within the Student Information System in coordination with Finance leadership Accounting and Student Financial Process Prepare billing statements, as directedReview and apply cash student payments, Federal Aid, and outside scholarship payments; post per student account, as neededRefund overages to student/funder as incurred by application of Financial Aid funding per federal guidelines and HCM requirements, as neededCommunicate and coordinate across various departments Review systems and processes for efficiency; make suggestions for improvementsMaintain appropriate internal controls and segregation of duties in the processing of student and non-student financial transactionsMonitor delinquent student accounts and assist with collection efforts in accordance with University policies Accounts Receivable and Cash Management Record student and non-student AR transactions, including miscellaneous receivables and third-party billingsProcess daily deposits and apply paymentsReconcile credit card transactions from payment terminal and merchant accountsOther Accounts Receivable tasks as requested Reporting, Close and Compliance Prepare and provide Student Accounts Reports for interested parties, as neededPrepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules for monthly and year-end financial close.Support annual audits by preparing required documentationPrepare and ensure the timely submission of IRS 1098-T Form; annuallyCoordinate with the Financial Aid Office to ensure accurate posting and reconciliation of federal, state, institutional, and outside financial aid Other Duties and Responsibilities Provide courteous and professional customer service to students, parents, faculty, and staff regarding student account inquiries while maintaining appropriate confidentialityMaintain the confidentiality of student financial records in accordance with FERPA and University policyCross-train with other Finance team members to ensure continuity of operationsPerform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of the Finance Department and University operations.Commitment to the Universitys faith statement, mission, and purposes; and an active Christian faith.Comfort and familiarity with the practice of praying with and for others, including students, faculty, and fellow University staff.The ability to meaningfully support and encourage students, faculty, and staff from a biblical worldview perspective, using relevant and applicable references from the Old and New Testaments and orthodox Christian writings.Demonstrated alignment with and enthusiastic support for the Christian Mission and Core Commitments of the University, including signing the University's Statement of Faith and Core Commitments annually. Knowledge Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) applicable to accounts receivable, cash receipts, and reconciliationsKnowledge of a SIS in a higher education environmentWorking knowledge of the Financial Aid process in the context of its accounting for in the Student Accounts processes Education and Experience Associate Degree in Business or Accounting preferred; or the equivalent of 5 years of experience in Accounts Receivable.Must possess a minimum of 3 years of hands-on technical accounts receivable experience, preferably in a non-profit environmentHigher Education experience is preferredExperience with higher education ERP or Student Information Systems (Populi preferred). Ability and Skills Ability to complete all duties with the utmost integrity, confidentiality, and professionalismHigh attention to detail and accuracy; highly organizedAbility to effectively communicate with others and to work harmoniously with related personnelAbility to organize and prioritize workAbility to review operations for efficiencies; make suggestions for improvementsHighly proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Google mail Fair Labor Standards Act This position is full-time exempt from overtime pay provisions as provided by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and any applicable state laws