Technical Specialist – EPP Finance & Certification

Classification: Administrative/Professional

Exemption Status/Test: Exempt

Job Grade:  1  

Department: Educator Development             

Reports To: Assistant Director

Job Goal:

To provide accurate program-specific financial and database services to Region 4 Inspire Texas educator preparation program participants in alignment with Region 4’s mission and strategies

Qualifications:

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Experience

1. One year of experience operating databases and financial software
2. One year of experience processing financial transactions and/or records creating reports
3. One year of experience responding to client inquiries

Preferred Qualifications

1. Degree in management, business administration, or financial accounting
2. Advance knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations concerning financial record keeping for student financial aid in the areas of Veterans Affairs, Federal Pell Grants and related federal assistance, subsidized and unsubsidized student loans, as well as Texas Workforce Commission tuition assistance
3. Three years of experience processing electronic program registration
4. Three years of experience working with federal agencies and/or Veterans Affairs regulations for financial aid

Special Knowledge and Skills

1. Advance knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting or finance and the ability to apply this knowledge to program-specific transactions and budgeting.
2. Advanced proficiency in the use of software packages related to office operations
3. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
4. Excellent attention to detail
5. Proficiency in preparing reports
6. Expertise in maintaining complex records electronically and organizing data
7. Capacity to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule forms
8. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers and or employees
9. Capacity to prioritize, handle multiple tasks, take initiative, make decisions and maintain confidentiality

Major Responsibilities:

1. Administer processing, collection, reconciliation, and maintenance of program participant receivables in a timely and accurate manner.
2. Manage refunds, billing, and adjustments to all customer accounts for services rendered by Region 4 Inspire Texas.
3. Process reimbursement of external consultants for program related expenses and travel.
4. Process the payments for mentors (stipends).
5. Advise program participants on the tuition payment process, both individually and in group settings.
6. Resolve difficult or unusual problems with program participant accounts in a timely and accurate manner.
7. Prepare reconciliations and analytical reports as requested by the Department Director.
8. Assist Department Director with preparation of budget and amendments, and review budget audit reports.
9. Maintain program compliance with federal and state financial aid requirements to ensure the program meets both federal and state regulations.
10. Serve as the main contact for support and maintenance of the department database system.
11. Verify data entry for department database to ensure records are accurate and up-to-date.
12. Provide technical support to staff using the department database system.
13. Assist IT staff in maintenance and updates of the department database system.
14. Manage and coordinate EPS candidate support admissions processes and advise the candidates in compliance with Texas Education Agency (TEA) and U.S. Department of Education (USDE) regulations for educator preparation programs.
15. Assist in providing program information services to customers via email and phone.
16. Ensure timely, consistent, and relevant communication with all candidates throughout their pre-service enrollment.
17. Create and maintain calendars for all pre-service training course schedules for all certification areas.
18. Manage cohort cycle registration and candidate close-out in the program database.
19. Support efforts and determine strategies for converting information session participants to applicants, incomplete applications to complete applications, and eligible applicants to enrollees.
20. Enroll new and existing candidates in certification pathway Canvas courses.
21. Enter and verify data to ensure accurate and up-to-date records.
22. Provide data related to admissions upon request.
23. Assist the Department Director with Human Resources Services Association (HRSA) documentation that includes, but not limited to dues collection, meeting attendance, minutes, and other compliance documents.
24. Provide technical assistance and services as specified by any applicable federal grant that may fund this position.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/ Mental Demands:

Frequent use of standard office equipment; prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting; repetitive hand motions (keyboarding and use of mouse); occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 20 pounds); may work prolonged and irregular hours; occasional statewide travel; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.           

Salary : $60,245 - $72,151