Director of Student Accounts

Director of Student Accounts

Arkansas State University‑Newport

The Director of Student Accounts is responsible for supporting the success of Arkansas State University - Newport, as well as the college’s short and long-term financial well‑being, through the effective management of student accounts and college accounts receivable, as well as through payment collection, administration, and reconciliations. The Director fosters a highly collaborative, enthusiastic, innovative, accessible, engaged, and service‑oriented culture for internal and external stakeholders.

As a custodian of college funds, the Director of Student Accounts provides leadership and direction for tuition and fee structures, refund processing, billing, receivables, and payments. The Director of Student Accounts is also responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to student finances and other areas of responsibility. Finally, the Director is responsible for implementing and maintaining a dynamic and responsive advising and analysis program for students and stakeholders, ensuring compliance, working collaboratively with various college departments, and developing solutions to elevated requests and concerns.

• Direct, supervise, and mentor employees to develop and maintain a high-performance culture that values accountability, leadership, sound planning, service, and excellent execution. Set and evaluate goals for team member performance and actively develop team members.
• Lead and participate in strategic planning, departmental goal setting and evaluation, and continuous process and service improvement.
• Present a consistent voice for the department and foster mutual respect and understanding among internal and external stakeholders in a manner that improves support services.
• Oversee the student accounts receivable program, including, but not limited to, billing, payment plans, account receivable reconciliations, payment administration, collection procedures, write‑offs, bad debt, resolving discrepancies, and communication.
• Coordinate the accurate preparation and completion of state and federal tax forms and reports including, but not limited to, form 1098‑T. Ensure timely submittal of payments and reports to the IRS and other government entities.
• Oversee the preparation, evaluation, and processing of student account refunds in accordance with Title IV regulations, federal and state law, and college policy.
• Oversee third‑party billings for payment by government entities, employers, and other outside organizations.
• Maintain and update billing tables in the college’s financial system to assure all revenue and expenses are reflected appropriately in the general ledger.
• Utilize discretion in the enforcement and application of college policies, including, but not limited to, holds, collections placements, late fees, and policy exceptions.
• Analyze student accounts for accuracy, resolve discrepancies in a timely manner and ensure the proper posting of all charges and payments.
• Oversee and maintain merchant and payment services, including, but not limited to, online and credit card payment systems. Ensure our processing methods are modern and meet the changing needs of those we serve.
• Serve as the principal liaison to partners and vendors associated with student accounts and merchant services, including, but not limited to, payment processing companies and collections agencies. In addition, this position is the principal audit liaison for student financial services and ensures the timely and accurate completion of audit requests.
• Collaborate with enrollment management, financial aid, registrar’s office, housing, student affairs, academic affairs, finance, and other internal departments to ensure student account accuracy and the proper flow of information.
• Using excellent judgment, create systems, structures, and processes to prioritize requests, activities, and workflows in a customer‑friendly manner.
• Facilitate the use of data to inform decision‑making and planning.
• Perform special studies, research, and analysis of financial, student account, AR & budget matters and provide…