Director of Student Accounts

The Director of Student Accounts reports to the University Controller. The Controller's team is a member of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance team, and member of the Division of Finance and Administration, which provides Operational Excellence and supports the University's mission, " UNCSA Forward" strategic plan, goals, and objectives. The Finance team seeks to be an innovative unit that delivers operational excellence by connecting and engaging with our UNCSA community and external stakeholders to provide strategic financial solutions, exceptional customer service, and accurate financial information.

The Director of Student Accounts will be responsible for overseeing the cashiering, accounts receivable, and student accounts functions of the University as well as assisting with year end financial processes.

8:00 am - 5:00 pm, subject to change

The Director of Student Accounts is responsible for establishing a tone of customer service that balances the University's desire to make a university education available to those who seek it with its responsibility to maintain adequate systems for billing and collecting institutional charges. This position is responsible for monitoring the customer service skills of their direct reports and for providing constructive feedback and training when appropriate. The Director of Student Accounts is expected to work independently with students and parents to develop an acceptable plan for meeting financial obligations and with the staff to perform complex and intricate tasks that are technical as well as managerial in nature. This office is the collection arm of the University. All of the auxiliary departments on campus are financially dependent on this office's ability to bill students accurately while maintaining efficiency in collections. The Director of Student Accounts works closely with other managers outside of the Controller's Office to ensure student charges are applied fairly, accurately, and timely. The Director of Student Accounts must communicate directly with administration, faculty, and staff regarding student financial issues. The Director of Student Accounts reviews and responds to a student's complaint related to his or her account and will resolve the matter in accordance with institutional procedure.

The Director of Student Accounts manages and directs the Student Accounts Office ( SAO) which consists of four full-time permanent employees. The Director of Student Accounts provides supervision to three staff members. The Director of Student Accounts plans, develops, modifies, implements, and manages office operational policies and procedures including those for the development of Banner Student and Finance A/R systems. The Director of Student Accounts must maintain the integrity of the cost of attendance (institutional and other charges) and all financial data on each student account at UNCSA. The office is divided into four primary functional units: Student Accounts, E-Commerce, Cashiering, and Non-student Accounts Receivables in which all departmental functions are performed. SAO manages billing and collections of student charges and associated accounting, reporting, and analysis. E-commerce manages all electronic processes such as student production cards, credit cards, and petty cash.

Oversee the A/R functions, the installment payment plan, Institutional Short Term Loan programs, the disbursement of Financial Aid refunds, e-commerce transactions, etc. in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and university regulations by closely monitoring these processes and implementing changes needed to increase efficiency and cost reduction within the unit on a daily basis.

This position is responsible for ensuring accurate rates are established, maintained, and updated within the administrative system. The Director of Student Accounts must have an understanding of the data structure, detail codes, and functionality within the student accounts module of Banner and be cognizant of the official, approved tuition and fees rates mandated by the North Carolina State Legislature and approved by the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors. Any errors in the process would result in the incorrect billing of our student customers which would require re-billing or adjustments. In addition, incorrect application of rates within the system could lead to inaccurate financial reporting of student revenue. System changes and updates are frequent and the Director of Student Accounts is responsible for facilitating system changes and participating in testing of system upgrades and any enhancements made to Banner. The Director of Student Accounts is responsible for maintaining appropriate business processes for refunding tuition and fees when students withdraw in accordance with federal regulations and University policy.

Maintain BANNER student detail codes by accurately monitoring daily STUDENT data feeds to FINANCE including balancing the two systems and subsystems to accurately maintain System data integrity between STUDENT and FINANCE systems and subsystems and answering University-wide related questions on a daily basis.

Assist with annual financial reports including the ACFR (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report).

Other duties as assigned by the University Controller.

The Director of Student Accounts position reports to the University Controller.

Mid-career with Masters and 1-2 yrs experience; or Bachelors and 2-4 yrs experience

Two years of supervisory experience
Two years of higher education student accounts experience.

This position requires a thorough knowledge of accounts receivable processes, a basic knowledge of financial aid processes, and general accounting theory and practice. This position must have the ability to assist in interpreting and analyzing accounting data and applying that analysis to the office or university needs and determine compliance with federal, state, and university guidelines, rules, regulations, and laws. A high level of verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills are essential. The ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and good organizational skills are essential. Supervisory skills, ability to use personal computers and proficient skills in the use of software packages such as Microsoft Office are required. Training in the area of management systems, customer service, fund accounting, personal computer software, and ad-hoc report writers is critical.

This is an Exempt Professional Staff ( EPS) position. PLEASE NOTE: A criminal background check will be conducted on candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment. Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application process as required by state regulations WILL result in your application being rejected for the vacancy and you will not be considered for the position. Other materials may be requested at a later time. Applications will be treated confidentially until the final stages of the search process. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants are welcome to apply without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, National Guard, or veteran status.

EEO Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: suttonar@uncsa.edu