What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Student Accounts position at Wartburg College?
WARTBURG COLLEGE
Title of Position – Director of Student Accounts
Function of Position:
This is a full-time administrative position reporting to the Controller, responsible for leadership, supervision, and oversight of all student account operations, including billing, accounts receivable, student loans, collections, and refunds.
Title of Position – Director of Student Accounts
Function of Position:
This is a full-time administrative position reporting to the Controller, responsible for leadership, supervision, and oversight of all student account operations, including billing, accounts receivable, student loans, collections, and refunds.
The Director coordinates, directs, and reviews the work of the student account staff in support of daily, monthly, and year-end billing and accounting processes. The position is responsible for developing, implementing, and revising policies and procedures that ensure strong internal controls while promoting efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and high-quality customer service.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Direct and manage all billing, accounts receivable, student loan, and collection operations of the college. Establish and maintain accurate charge structures, including the setup and ongoing management of tuition, fees, housing, food, and other charge tables within institutional systems. Partner with departments across campus to ensure charges are complete, accurate, and aligned with institutional practices. Ensure timely and accurate assessment of all student charges and oversee processes that support consistency, compliance, and strong internal controls. (30%)
- Lead and administer the student billing and payment lifecycle for current and former students. Oversee all communications and interactions related to billing, payment plans, financial obligations, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and a high level of service. Provide direction for student and parent consultations, proactively address complex account issues, and ensure effective presentation of billing and payment information at orientations and other institutional programs. (15%)
- Review, approve, and post journal entries related to charges, accounts receivable, and cash activity; review and approve student refund requests; and reconcile related general ledger accounts. (15%)
- Lead process improvement initiatives across student accounts operations, with a focus on enhancing the overall “business of being a student.” Collaborate with campus partners to streamline billing, payment, and account management processes, improving the student and family experience while increasing operational efficiency and effectiveness. (10%)
- Supervise student accounts staff and foster a collaborative team dedicated to providing excellent customer service in an efficient, effective, and financially responsible manner. Responsibilities include hiring, training, coaching, motivating staff, managing workloads, and conducting performance appraisals. (10%)
- Manage in‑house student loan programs and collection agency relationships; ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations; provide functional leadership for Jenzabar and related student accounts, billing, and financial systems; oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of associated processes and procedures; and develop, analyze, and maintain reports to support management oversight, audits, regulatory requirements, and data‑informed decision‑making. (10%)
- Evaluate and strengthen internal controls for billing, receivables, collections, refunds, and student accounts operations; oversee and perform audit workpapers; ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulations, and institutional requirements; maintain clear, up‑to‑date student documentation; develop and implement policies and procedural improvements; and perform related duties as assigned. (10%)
Supervision:
The Director of Student Accounts manages the workflow and operations of the student accounts function within the scope of the college’s policies and procedures. The position develops new methods and processes to address operational needs and consults with the Controller on complex, unusual, or high-impact matters.
Minimum Qualifications:
The Director of Student Accounts manages the workflow and operations of the student accounts function within the scope of the college’s policies and procedures. The position develops new methods and processes to address operational needs and consults with the Controller on complex, unusual, or high-impact matters.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field required
- Minimum of five (5) years of accounting experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience
- Significant experience with computerized financial systems, including extensive knowledge of Excel and the ability to leverage data for decision-making
- Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners
- Strong commitment to customer service and support of student success
Application Procedure:
Please upload the following by selecting the “Apply for this Position” below:
1) resume
2) a letter of interest including a statement regarding qualities within the context of the Wartburg College mission
3) contact information for three references
See www.wartburg.edu for further information about the college and the city of Waverly. Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled.
Wartburg College
Founded in 1852, Wartburg College is a selective four-year liberal arts college of the Lutheran Church (ELCA), nationally recognized for community engagement. The college offers more than 50 academic majors and pre-professional and certificate programs leading to the bachelor’s degree. The college is located in Waverly, Iowa, a growing community of more than 10,000 residents. As part of the Cedar Valley metro area (near Waterloo and Cedar Falls), Waverly has an abundance of cultural, musical, and recreational opportunities. Major Midwest metropolitan areas within driving distance include Des Moines, Iowa (2.5 hours); Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. (3 hours); Madison, Wis. (3.5 hours); Rochester, Minn. (2 hours); Chicago (5 hours); and Omaha, Neb. (4 hours).