What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Collections Coordinator position at Black Hawk College?
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Collections Coordinator is responsible for enforcing and maintaining the College’s collection policies and procedures; creating and maintaining state billings; performing reconciliations; performing accounts receivable duties within the department and the division.DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Indirect supervision given to student workers/work study students, and/or interns.
OVERALL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Develops, executes, and maintains all aspects of the student account receivable collection process.
- Maintains knowledge and complies with applicable laws and regulations including the Fair Debt Credit Protection Act and bankruptcy laws.
- Meets, transacts with, and maintains continuous contact with outside collection agency representatives.
- Authorizes legal and/or bankruptcy actions related to past due accounts.
- Primary contact for authorizing and creating individual payment arrangements on accounts.
- Serves as a liaison for the College with students/families in handling difficult financial situations ensuring College policies and procedures are enforced.
- Serves as primary team member to lead the student refund process.
- Investigates and resolves student account complaints.
- Analyzes student accounts and authorizes late fees and holds.
- Creates and maintains the Returned Check list; prepares related monthly reports, and contacts students to collect outstanding debt.
- Prepares fiscal year audit reports for student account write-offs.
- Reconciles quarterly collection general ledger accounts.
- Maintains confidentiality of student records and information at all times.
- Performs cashier supervisor duties as needed which include analyzing, correcting, closing, and finalizing cashier sessions.
- Provides front-line customer service; serves students in person and via phone; receives and posts payments appropriately; sets up deferred payment plans; issues credit/debit card refunds.
- Collaborates with Financial Aid department on disbursement of financial aid discrepancy resolutions when needed.
- Collaborates with team on online payment collection processes such as application fees, tuition and fees and payment plan fees.
- Assesses and reviews internal accounts receivable processes and procedures on an ongoing basis.
- Work with third party vendors and internal team to create and maintain accurate reporting of student data, when requested.
- Manages the student refund appeals process through initial screening of applications and final processing of committee decisions.
- Serves as back-up person for analyzing and processing enrollment cancellations (drops) due to non-payment.
- Assists with future creation, implementation, and maintenance of electronic recordkeeping for the Bursar’s Office.
- Serves as back-up to Bursar Office front counter.
- Processes direct cash receipting.
- Prepares daily bank deposits.
- Serves as a back-up to Enrollment Services staff.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
- Associate’s Degree, minimum of 60 college credit hours, or relevant Collections work experience required.
- Minimum of three years’ work experience in accounting preferred.
- Higher education accounting experience preferred.
- Experience working for or with a collection agency preferred.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
- Excellent customer service skills required.
- Computer experience required including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Previous experience with a computerized accounting system preferred.
Indirect supervision given to student workers/work study students, and/or interns.
OVERALL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Demonstrates Black Hawk College core values.
- Maintains confidentiality of records and information.
- Maintains up-to-date job knowledge.
- Provides quality customer service.
- Accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of work.
- Works directly with the Director of Accounting.
- Works directly with staff in the Bursar’s office, student services, bookstore, and finance division.
- Works cooperatively with staff and faculty college-wide.
- Works cooperatively with outside collection agencies.
- Works cooperatively with student and the general public.