Director of Student Accounts

Primary Purpose

The Director of Student Accounts oversees all aspects of student billing, collections, and customer service related to student financial accounts. This role ensures accurate and timely processing of tuition, fees, payments, and 1098-T tax forms while maintaining compliance with institutional policies, federal regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Director leads the Student Accounts team and collaborates across departments to support institutional goals for student success, financial stewardship, and retention.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Student Billing & Account Management:

• Oversee the creation and distribution of tuition and fee bills.
• Ensure accurate posting of charges, payments, refunds, and financial aid.
• Manage third-party billing, payment plans, and sponsored accounts.
• Coordinate student account holds and clearances with the Registrar and Financial Aid offices.
• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of IRS Form 1098-T for all eligible students.

Collections & Compliance:

• Lead efforts on accounts receivable and collections, including internal follow-up and coordination with external agencies.
• Ensure compliance with FERPA, PCI, Title IV regulations, and institutional policies.
• Monitor and manage delinquent accounts and recommend write-offs in accordance with policy.

Customer Service:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated student and parent inquiries.
• Promote a student-centered approach to resolving account issues.
• Maintain clear communication regarding billing schedules, payment deadlines, refund policies, and tax documentation.

Leadership & Operations:

• Supervise and train Student Accounts staff.
• Develop and improve policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
• Maintain and enhance system capabilities (e.g., Banner, Colleague, Workday, or other SIS).

Reporting & Reconciliation:

• Reconcile student account balances and coordinate closely with Finance for month-end and year-end processes.
• Prepare reports on accounts receivable aging, student balances, and collection performance.
• Ensure accurate year-end reporting of tuition and fee data required for IRS Form 1098-T.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with Financial Aid, Registrar, Admissions, Housing, and IT departments to ensure integrated student service delivery.
• Participate in campus-wide initiatives related to student retention, affordability, and success.

  Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Three or more years of progressive experience in student accounts, bursar, or similar role, preferably in higher education.
• Experience with student information systems (e.g., Ellucian Colleague, Banner, Workday, or similar).
• Demonstrated leadership, staff supervision, and project management experience.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and customer service skills.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of payment gateways, online billing portals, and third-party collection processes.
• Strong knowledge of federal regulations related to student accounts (e.g., Title IV, FERPA).
• Ability to interpret and apply complex policies and regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.