Business Office Administrative & Customer Service Specialist

Cornell College seeks a Customer Service Specialist to serve as a welcoming, knowledgeable first point of contact within the Business Office. This position plays a critical role in supporting students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners by providing high-quality customer service across Student Accounts, Accounts Payable, and other Business Office operations.

The Customer Service Specialist balances front-line service with administrative and transactional support, ensuring accurate processing, confidentiality, and a positive experience for all constituents. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who enjoys variety, problem-solving, and working collaboratively across departments.

Primary Responsibilities
Customer Service & Front Desk Support

• Staff the Business Office/Information Desk and respond to inquiries in person, by phone, and via email.


• Serve as an initial point of contact for questions related to Student Accounts and Accounts Payable.


• Explain processes, policies, and timelines clearly and professionally, referring complex matters to appropriate staff when needed.


• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student and financial information with care and discretion.

Student Accounts & Accounts Receivable Support

• Receipt and process student payments; record and balance daily cash deposits.


• Assist with accounts receivable processing and monthly reconciliations.


• Support billing and collections activities, including working with ECSI on institutional loan processes.


• Assist with phone payments and respond to student and parent account questions.

Business Office Operations

• Provide cross-trained support for frequently asked Business Office and Old Sem information desk questions.


• Assist with special projects and peak-cycle work (e.g., billing periods, enrollment cycles, audits).


• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall Business Office operations.

Reporting & Collaboration

• Works under the direction of the Student Accounts Manager and Co-Controller.


• Reports to the Controller.


• Works closely with Business Office staff, Financial Aid, Payroll, Registrar, faculty, students, parents, and external vendors.

About Cornell College

Cornell College is a selective liberal arts college distinguished by our Ingenuity curriculum that builds on the strengths of our One Course At A Time schedule. This combination encourages the qualities of being thoughtful, original, and inventive, using the strengths of a liberal arts education to apply ideas to solve problems and meet challenges through hands-on experience in learning. Academic immersion, Division III NCAA athletic teams, and unparalleled flexibility attract an ambitious student body from across the U.S. and worldwide. We are located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, an urban fringe community located in the heart of the ICR Iowa region.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.


• Minimum of three years of customer service or administrative experience, preferably in an office or financial setting, preferred but not required.


• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and resolve concerns effectively.


• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities with accuracy and professionalism.

Preferred Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to work as a positive, supportive, and collaborative team player in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.


• Knowledge of general accounting principles and office procedures.


• Strong organizational and data-entry skills with high attention to detail.


• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.


• Proficiency with standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, databases).


• Analytical skills related to receivables, reconciliation, and recordkeeping.


• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.


• Commitment to ethical behavior, confidentiality, and customer-focused service.


• Comfort working with diverse populations in a higher-education environment.

Work Location & Conditions

This position works in-person on campus. Cornell College complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and/or receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected]. 

The hiring pay range for this position is $18 - $20 per hour. Cornell College offers a fantastic benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, HSA & FSA accounts, a TIAA 403(b) retirement account, and tuition remission and exchange for employees and dependents. We also offer life insurance, disability insurance, travel insurance, and accident insurance.  And, all full-time staff begin with a 4-week vacation accrual along with 14.5 paid holidays per year. 

Application Process

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of at least three professional references. 

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Cornell complies with Iowa's Smoke-free Air Act. Cornell utilizes E-Verify and requires the satisfactory completion of a background check.