Position Details

Req ID:

req17341

Position Title:

Financial Counselor

Position Type:

Staff Full-Time

Position Number:

AS7988

OSU Campus:

Stillwater

Department:

Bursar's Office

Location Address:

113 Student Union
Stillwater, OK, 74078

Hiring Supervisor:

Jessica Bates

Hiring Range
(Contingent upon available funding):

18.00 - 22.00, Hourly

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday 8:00 - 5:00

Faculty Appt Period:

Job Summary:

Responsible for counseling of clients regarding financial strategies as they pertain to Bursar accounts and methods/options of payment in a respectful and professional manner. Provides guidance and customer service for bursar account financial challenges, questions, and general processing of financial matters at the University. Assist with student retention while keeping student debt manageable. Must be comfortable discussing the details of a student’s bill and conducting necessary follow-up and outreach in order to collect payment. Maintain working knowledge of 34 CFR Part 99 Family Educational Rights to Privacy Act (Buckley Amendment) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Required to handle large volumes of phone calls, emails, and face-to-face discussions. Must be able to communicate professionally when confronted with disagreeable or argumentative individuals. Responsible to ensure internal and OSU policies and procedures are followed. Responsible for coordination and execution of daily phone calls, letters, emails etc. of outstanding Accounts Receivable. Responsible to ensure tracking and follow up communications are made about OSU debt. Responsible for the maintenance and analysis of documentation in the Bursar Information System in AIRS. Required to handle large volumes of phone calls, emails, and face-to-face discussions. Monitors and answers Automated Call Distributor (ACD) calls when needed.
Safeguard privacy and confidentiality regarding information accessible in the Bursar Office, according to FERPA (Family Educational Rights to Privacy At), HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability Act of 1996), GLB (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act), and all OSU policies and procedures. Federal, State, and University rules and regulations are the essential guidelines to govern financial functions. Maintain knowledge/practice of regulations pertaining to the Office of the Bursar. Any deviation could result in a penalty or loss of resources for the University. Develop and/or update/maintain written detailed procedures for position (desk manual). The office environment tends to be noisy as we deal directly with the public.

Working hours are from 8am - 5pm with a set time for lunch, any deviations from this schedule must be approved. Prior approval is required for overtime hours.

Due to the amount of money that is handled within this department, armed robbery is a possibility. Individuals receiving a difficult decision that they are unable to continue enrollment due to financial difficulties could become irate and possibly violent.

Special Instructions to Applicants

IMPORTANT: The following documents and information are required for consideration: *Online Application, * Cover Letter, *Resume, *List of previous supervisors’ names and phone numbers, *List of three references. The expectation of the Bursar Office is staff agree and are aware to comply with the ethical and legal responsibility to protect the privacy of students, prospective students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and others, including obligations to protect and safeguard confidential information. The Bursar Office is responsible for collections of past due accounts. Therefore, to be considered as an applicant, your bursar account must be in good standing with the University. This policy applies to all applicants considered for employment.

Education & Experience

Position Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Two years of experience in a counseling environment, financial aid, registration, finance, and/or accounts receivable.

A passion for customer service and assisting students. Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that focuses on student success and retention. Professional oral and written communication skills. Required to handle large volumes of phone calls, emails, and face-to-face discussions. Must be able to communicate professionally when confronted with disagreeable or argumentative individuals. Ability to react to clients quickly, thoughtfully, and courteously. Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills with ability to professionally collaborate with other departments and staff in a team environment. Must be able to communicate professionally when confronted with disagreeable or argumentative individuals. Self-starter must work both independently and in collaboration with diverse individuals.

Reliable, dependable attendance is required. Must react to customers quickly, thoughtfully, and courteously. Practices good interpersonal and customer service skills at all times, this includes working with others external and internal to the Bursar Office. An appreciation of and sensitivity to diverse cultures and lifestyles is required. Exhibit problem-solving, research, and public relations skills; ability to analyze, interpret data to make independent decisions.

Excellent communication skills. Professional oral and written skills. Aptitude for computerized record keeping systems and analytical ability. Ability to cope with stress in a positive manner. Strong attention to detail. Flexibility to handle multiple priorities with poise and professionalism.

Must be comfortable discussing the details of a student’s bill and conducting necessary follow-up and outreach in order to collect payment. Self-starter, ability to work both independently and in collaboration with diverse individuals. Practices good interpersonal skills when working with others. Able to work with little supervision and prioritize multiple tasks in a high-volume environment to meet deadlines. Good problem-solving, research, and public relations skills; ability to analyze and interpret data to make independent, logical judgment decisions. Critical thinking ability to process information quickly and accurately.

Maintains and learns technological computer skills, desktop computing (Microsoft Office, word-processing, spreadsheets, email, computer software, and the Web required to perform position efficiently. Learn and maintain technology skills required to perform duties efficiently. Proficiency in desktop computing (Microsoft Office word-processing, spreadsheets, email, and the Web). Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills. Safeguards privacy and confidentiality of information accessible in the Bursar Office. Reliable, dependable attendance is required. Ability to cope with stress in a positive manner. All employees must sign a Bursar Confidentiality Expectation Agreement to ensure staff agree and are aware to comply with the ethical and legal responsibility to protect the privacy of students, prospective students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and others, including obligations to protect and safeguard confidential information.

Since this office is responsible for collections of past due accounts, all Bursar Office employee bursar accounts must be in good financial standing. Therefore, this policy applies to any and all successful applicants considered for employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Business or Finance

Higher Education experience

Bursar and/or Financial Aid experience. Financial Planning. Customer Service/Relations Management. Banner experience

Oklahoma State University (OSU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, OSU conducts pre-employment background checks on final candidates. Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit eeo.okstate.edu.