What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Accounts Representative/Accounts Receivable Specialist position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job ID: 299084
Location: Columbus State University
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
About Us
Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.
Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.
Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!
Department Information
Bursar's Office/Business and Finance
Job Summary
The Student Accounts Representative/Accounts Receivable Specialist supports the daily operations of the Office of Student Accounts by providing high-quality customer service and administering student and institutional accounts receivable processes. This position is responsible for assisting with cashiering operations, payment processing, student billing, collections, installment payment plans, third-party sponsorship billing, and departmental receivables while ensuring compliance with institutional policies, University System of Georgia (USG) regulations, and established accounting standards. service.
Responsibilities
Significant Duties & Responsibilities include: Customer Service & Student Support - Provide professional, student-centered customer service through in-person assistance, phone, email, and other communication methods regarding student account inquiries, payments, billing, refunds, payment plans, and institutional policies. Assist students, parents, faculty, staff, sponsors, and external partners with questions related to tuition and fees, account balances, payment deadlines, installment plans, and account resolution. Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with FERPA and institutional data security standards.; Cashiering & Payment Processing - Receive, verify, post, and reconcile student payments, departmental deposits, and other university receivables. Prepare and balance daily cash drawers, departmental deposits, and bank deposits in accordance with university cash handling procedures and internal controls. Assist with monitoring electronic payment activity and payment gateway transactions as needed.; Student Accounts & Billing Operations - Assist with ensuring tuition, fees, and related charges are accurately assessed and reflected on student accounts within Banner and associated systems. Support the timely and accurate billing of student accounts, third-party sponsors, departmental receivables, and institutional invoices. Review accounts for discrepancies and assist with account research, corrections, adjustments, and reconciliations. Maintain accurate documentation and records related to student account activity and receivables processing.; Accounts Receivable & Collections Support - Assist with institutional accounts receivable functions, including monitoring outstanding balances, preparing billing communications, and supporting collections efforts in accordance with university and USG guidelines. Support the management and processing of third-party contracts, sponsorships, and external billing arrangements. Assist with maintaining accurate receivable records and ensuring timely follow-up on outstanding balances.; Financial Aid, Payment Plans & Refund Processing - Enter and maintain approved installment payment plans and assist with payment plan administration. Work collaboratively with the Office of Financial Aid to ensure scholarships, financial aid awards, waivers, and other funding sources are accurately applied to student accounts in a timely manner. Report scholarship checks and other funding documents received for processing and awarding. Assist with the coordination and processing of student credit balance refunds resulting from financial aid disbursements and overpayments.; Compliance & Operational Support - Maintain organized records and documentation in accordance with university retention and audit standards. Assist with departmental reporting, reconciliations, and operational reviews as assigned. Support compliance with University System of Georgia policies, institutional procedures, PCI-DSS requirements, and applicable accounting standards. Participate in process improvement initiatives designed to strengthen operational efficiency and the student experience. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Accounts.
Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications include: High school diploma or equivalent required.; Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, cashiering, accounts receivable,
financial operations, customer service, or a related field.; Experience handling financial transactions, reconciliations, deposits, or account maintenance.; Strong customer service, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.; Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications include: Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance, higher education administration, or a related field.; Two (2) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in student accounts, bursar operations, accounts receivable, cashiering, higher education finance, or related financial operations.; Experience working in a higher education environment.; Knowledge of Ellucian Banner, PeopleSoft, or other enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Proposed Salary
The proposed annualized salary range for this position is $40,253 - $43,784 and includes full benefits.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities include: Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.; Ability to work independently and make decisions based upon University and USG policies and
procedures.; Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.; Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.; Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.; Ability to maintain confidentiality of customer information.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Crystal Harris, Hiring Manager, via email at harris_crystal4@columbusstate.edu
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Institutional Values
Requirements
All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:
For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.
All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.
Other Information
This is not a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel
Background Check
Visit Columbus State University's online Careers portal to drive your career with us! The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. Each job posting has a summary description of the position and required qualifications. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.
To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=30000&JobOpeningId=299084&PostingSeq=1
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Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency
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Location: Columbus State University
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
About Us
Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.
Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.
Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!
Department Information
Bursar's Office/Business and Finance
Job Summary
The Student Accounts Representative/Accounts Receivable Specialist supports the daily operations of the Office of Student Accounts by providing high-quality customer service and administering student and institutional accounts receivable processes. This position is responsible for assisting with cashiering operations, payment processing, student billing, collections, installment payment plans, third-party sponsorship billing, and departmental receivables while ensuring compliance with institutional policies, University System of Georgia (USG) regulations, and established accounting standards. service.
Responsibilities
Significant Duties & Responsibilities include: Customer Service & Student Support - Provide professional, student-centered customer service through in-person assistance, phone, email, and other communication methods regarding student account inquiries, payments, billing, refunds, payment plans, and institutional policies. Assist students, parents, faculty, staff, sponsors, and external partners with questions related to tuition and fees, account balances, payment deadlines, installment plans, and account resolution. Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with FERPA and institutional data security standards.; Cashiering & Payment Processing - Receive, verify, post, and reconcile student payments, departmental deposits, and other university receivables. Prepare and balance daily cash drawers, departmental deposits, and bank deposits in accordance with university cash handling procedures and internal controls. Assist with monitoring electronic payment activity and payment gateway transactions as needed.; Student Accounts & Billing Operations - Assist with ensuring tuition, fees, and related charges are accurately assessed and reflected on student accounts within Banner and associated systems. Support the timely and accurate billing of student accounts, third-party sponsors, departmental receivables, and institutional invoices. Review accounts for discrepancies and assist with account research, corrections, adjustments, and reconciliations. Maintain accurate documentation and records related to student account activity and receivables processing.; Accounts Receivable & Collections Support - Assist with institutional accounts receivable functions, including monitoring outstanding balances, preparing billing communications, and supporting collections efforts in accordance with university and USG guidelines. Support the management and processing of third-party contracts, sponsorships, and external billing arrangements. Assist with maintaining accurate receivable records and ensuring timely follow-up on outstanding balances.; Financial Aid, Payment Plans & Refund Processing - Enter and maintain approved installment payment plans and assist with payment plan administration. Work collaboratively with the Office of Financial Aid to ensure scholarships, financial aid awards, waivers, and other funding sources are accurately applied to student accounts in a timely manner. Report scholarship checks and other funding documents received for processing and awarding. Assist with the coordination and processing of student credit balance refunds resulting from financial aid disbursements and overpayments.; Compliance & Operational Support - Maintain organized records and documentation in accordance with university retention and audit standards. Assist with departmental reporting, reconciliations, and operational reviews as assigned. Support compliance with University System of Georgia policies, institutional procedures, PCI-DSS requirements, and applicable accounting standards. Participate in process improvement initiatives designed to strengthen operational efficiency and the student experience. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Accounts.
Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications include: High school diploma or equivalent required.; Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, cashiering, accounts receivable,
financial operations, customer service, or a related field.; Experience handling financial transactions, reconciliations, deposits, or account maintenance.; Strong customer service, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.; Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications include: Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance, higher education administration, or a related field.; Two (2) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in student accounts, bursar operations, accounts receivable, cashiering, higher education finance, or related financial operations.; Experience working in a higher education environment.; Knowledge of Ellucian Banner, PeopleSoft, or other enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Proposed Salary
The proposed annualized salary range for this position is $40,253 - $43,784 and includes full benefits.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities include: Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.; Ability to work independently and make decisions based upon University and USG policies and
procedures.; Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.; Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.; Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.; Ability to maintain confidentiality of customer information.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Crystal Harris, Hiring Manager, via email at harris_crystal4@columbusstate.edu
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Institutional Values
- Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment and the overall campus community.
- Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
- Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
- Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well-being, innovation, lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.
- Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
- Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.
Requirements
All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:
- A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;
- Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities.
- Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment a randomly thereafter.
For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.
All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.
Other Information
This is not a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel
Background Check
- Position of Trust Credit
Visit Columbus State University's online Careers portal to drive your career with us! The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. Each job posting has a summary description of the position and required qualifications. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.
To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=30000&JobOpeningId=299084&PostingSeq=1
Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency
jeid-3d4cc50b1c26404f9a9ddfc625cc4191