Student Account Specialist

About MassArt:

Founded in 1873, having celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), is the nation's first and only independent, free-standing public college of art and design in the country. MassArt is an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, makers, educators, innovators and leaders striving to shape the future through art and design. We've spent 150 years demonstrating the truly amazing things that happen when a world-class art and design education is an option for every deserving student. Located in Boston's hub of arts and culture along the Avenue of the Arts, MassArt enrolls 2,000 students and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in 18 disciplines, as well as continuing education and youth programs.

MassArt strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion; the campus community reflects the layers of cultural and self-identity that proudly make up our region, nation, and world. We build effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the College by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance to all and maintain an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.

Job Description:

Salary and Bargaining Unit Information:

The annual salary range for this position is $65,000- $80,000 , commensurate with relevant professional experience and education. This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, APA position.

Working Hours: 37.5

The Student Account Specialist is a vital member of the Business Office/Student Accounts Department, reporting to the Bursar within the Administration & Finance (AF) Division. This role serves as the primary point of contact for all student financial accounts, taking responsibility for the accurate billing and collection of tuition, residence charges, and related fees across Undergraduate, Graduate, and Continuing Education Programs. The ideal candidate possesses a passion for helping people while performing an essential customer service function by counseling a diverse population of students and parents. The Specialist is expected to educate students/families on MassArt policies and procedures, including enrollment and payment options, while exercising sound judgment and sensitivity in these interactions.

Key Responsibilities

• This position is centered on the operational management and customer support of student financial activities:

Operational Management:

• Manages the day-to-day activity related to student accounts, including billing, refunding, and collection. This involves cashier functions such as posting payments, verifying batches and deposits, and generating cash balance reports. The Specialist oversees the timely posting of Title IV and other financial aid, records all disbursements and refunds in adherence to state/federal regulations and MassArt policies, and coordinates/resolves refund batch issues with accounting. Additional duties include making adjustments, waivers, and exemptions to accounts with proper approval, and assisting students with third-party vendor invoices for items like health insurance and meal plans. This work requires performing weekly and monthly reconciliations of ledger and sub ledgers, and providing weekly summary reports of all student accounts. This position is also responsible for the oversight of our credit card payment processing systems, including scheduling their use by student groups, training users on its use, reconciling payments, and working with the Bursar to ensure payments are properly routed.

Student Worker Supervision and Support:

• Assists in the hiring, training, and development of student workers. The Specialist also supports the Bursar's Office staff by triaging questions from students and families, making necessary referrals to departments like Financial Aid, the Registrar's Office and Residence Life, and escalating complex customer service issues.

Policy and Program Assistance:

Assists the Bursar in developing and implementing policies, programs, and initiatives. This includes planning and executing interdepartmental activities with groups such as the Business Office, Admissions, Financial Aid and the Registrar to ensure smooth transactional integration. The Specialist is also involved in the semester billing set up, including creating rate tables and fees, posting tuition in Colleague, and issuing student bills, while coordinating with Continuing Education on deadlines and procedures.

Financial Reconciliation and Administration:

• Performs essential weekly and monthly reconciliation with the general ledger concerning Financial Aid, cash receipts, and student account invoicing. The Specialist also performs other related duties as assigned, which can include participation in Search Committees and Governance Committee projects.

Representation:

• Represents the office on college wide committees.

Flexibility:

• The role requires the ability to perform other duties as assigned, as well as availability to work extended and/or flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed. The work is complex, operating with structured deadlines and requiring strict confidentiality. The Specialist must exercise independent judgment, particularly when interacting with students in situations that may require conflict resolution skills.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Success in this role requires a comprehensive skill set that includes:

• Financial Expertise: An understanding of accounting concepts, comprehensive knowledge of accounts receivable processes and procedures, and expertise in credit and collection principles, regulations, and standards. This includes knowledge of federal and state financial aid policies.
• Higher Education Systems: Demonstrated knowledge of higher education principles, practices, and procedures related to student account operations. Experience is required with personal computer and database computer systems, including experience with the Colleague ERP by Ellucian.
• Technical and Administrative Skills: Advanced technical skills in Microsoft applications, particularly Word and Excel. The Specialist must have strong analytical, organizational, and quantitative skills, and be able to work in detail while addressing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills:

• Demonstrated superior customer service experience, strong problem-solving and negotiation skills, and excellent communication (oral and written) and group presentation skills. The ability to work effectively with diverse groups and demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in meeting customer needs is critical. Maintaining confidential records and information in a secure manner is essential.

Requirements:

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of two years of experience working in a student accounts environment. Additionally, one year of experience with database computer systems is required.

Additional Information:

 Please note MassArt:

• Does not support employment-based visa sponsorship or non-student exchange visitor visa sponsorship.
• Is not an E-Verify institution.

Selected candidates must be eligible to work in the US at the time of employment, complete all onboarding tasks including a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) background review and provide proof of eligibility to work in the US by completing the Form 19, Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

You are required to show proof of your identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of the start of your employment. You will not be authorized to work in any capacity until all paperwork has been completed. For a list of all acceptable documents please click here.

Comprehensive Benefits (does not apply to contractor/student positions):
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Please click here to view MassArt Benefits.

MassArt provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, or membership in any other legally protected class.

MassArt complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the college operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

PLEASE APPLY FOR THIS POSITION ON THE MASSART CAREERS PAGE TO BE CONSIDERED AS AN APPLICANT. SEE HERE FOR THE JOB POSTING APPLICATION LINK.

Application Instructions:

Please provide a cover letter and resume.

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