Purpose

This position will directly report to the Accounting Director and will oversee the Accounts Receivable team. This position plays a key role in assisting with student accounts and collections of outstanding AR balances. The individual will work alongside the Accounting Director to find ways to improve the department's processes and procedures and minimize bad debts and student account write-offs. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the Accounts Receivable team, including supervision of four staff.
• Maintains an open line of communication with other departments, including but not limited to, Financial Aid, Accounting, Registrar, Student Advising, on student related matters including student payments and charges, student status changes, etc.
• Assist the staff with student correspondence, including email, phone and in-person communications.
• Reviews the weekly student stipend register for accuracy and reasonableness before sending to the President for approval.
• Manages and supports the department on escalated student cases, as necessary. 
• Prepares and reviews various daily, weekly, and monthly AR reports, including but not limited to, cash postings, payment plan applications, past due active and inactive student balances report, RBS for outreach and withdrawal submission.
• Monitors and evaluates effectiveness of outside collection efforts. Sends list of accounts to outside agencies on a quarterly basis and reviews monthly status reports and makes recommendations when collections efforts need to cease in compliance with the Collections policies and procedures.
• Improve student cash collections and minimize student account write off.
• Manages and leads the annual student 1098T tax exercise.
• Ensures high level of efficiency and productivity by reviewing, recommending, and implementing modifications to existing operating procedures. Continue to find ways to automate the processes of the department. Create and/or update the department's operating procedures on a periodic basis.
• Reviews collection and recovery of account balances with the AR staff, including but not limited to comparing historical trends through charts and graphs with the aim to strive for better results each period.
• Reviews accounts for write off proposal on a semi-annual basis with the VP Business Office and Accounting Director.
• Stays current on changes in regulation, accounting rules and industry news, including but not limited to, collection laws in various states.

Non-Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Facilitate a sense of community within the department that comes from a common purpose. 
• Advocating for students while maintaining the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and customer service.
• Contribute to the overall success of the department and The Los Angeles Film School by performing all other duties as assigned by Leadership. 
• Maintain student confidentiality and adhere to legal and regulatory guidelines (FERPA)
• Must perform ethical, fair, and honest business practices.
• Coordinate with staff members to provide timely and accurate answers.

Other Responsibilities:

• Other duties as assigned or implemented.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise four staff.
• Monitor staff productivity and effectiveness with collections.

Competencies | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills: ability to communicate effectively in challenging situations.
• Strong work ethic; adaptable to changes.
• Reliable and must maintain a high degree of confidentiality and trust.
• Able to multi-task and ability to prioritize, meet critical deadlines and work independently.
• Pro-active and a team player with a willingness and determination to collaborate with its staff.

Education | Experience:

• BS in Business, a plus but not required.
• At least 3 years of related experience in accounts receivable with emphasis on collection and customer service.
• Higher education industry experience strongly preferred but not required.
• Working knowledge and familiarity on accounting practices and procedures, collection laws and education/school compliance regulations, a plus.

Certificates | Licenses | Registrations:

• Not applicable

Computer Skills:

• Strong proficiency with PC (Excel including pivot tables, MS Word, Outlook).
• Knowledge of Campus View a plus but not required.

Environmental Factors

• Computer use up to 8 hours per day.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift up to 10lbs, etc.

Emotional & Mental Demands

Ability to assist complex students and parents with various personalities, etc