Operations & Collections Specialist

Location:

California
- Redlands, University of Redlands, 1200 E Colton Ave, Redlands, CA 92374, USA

DEPARTMENT: Office of Student Financial Services

POSITION: Staff, Non‑exempt (12 months), Full‑time (40 Hours)

SALARY RANGE: $25.00 - $30.00

HIRING RANGE: Near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with education, experience, skills, and training.

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD: Twelve (12) Months

AVAILABLE: Immediately

Final date to receive applications: Open Until Filled

The Operations & Collections Specialist provides technical, operational, and collection support for Student Financial Services. The position is responsible for system maintenance and troubleshooting, data reporting and reconciliation, electronic data exchanges with external partners, student account collections, and operational support of billing, payment, and financial aid systems. The position serves as a technical resource for Student Financial Services staff and collaborates with campus departments to support student financial operations, regulatory compliance, and institutional objectives.

This position reports to the Associate Director of Operations in SFS and works primarily at the Los Angeles location.

• Processes, maintains, monitors, and reconciles electronic transmission of data between Ellucian Colleague and external partners such as Unisa, ELM, Nelnet, Dept of Ed, CSAC, COD, NSLDS, and collection agencies.
• Assists with analysis and preparation of data for internal and external reporting using current ERP system, Business Objects Web Intelligence, Informer, Microsoft Excel, and other reporting and analytic software.
• Supports system configuration, testing, implementation, training, troubleshooting, maintenance, and continuous improvement of billing, payment, and financial aid systems.
• Coordinates with other departments on campus to support financial operations and federal and state compliance requirements, university policies, and procedures.
• Ensures quality and distribution of daily, weekly, and monthly reports using systems such as Colleague, Business Objects, Informer, Excel, and Slate.
• Coordinates edits and prepares data reports, presentations, forms, and other documents to support the SFS and Enrollment teams.
• Composes and sends electronic notifications, including electronic Title IV disbursement notifications to students and parents, FAFSA reminders, past‑due notices, and outstanding requirement communications to all students.
• Creates and reviews active and inactive aging reports, monthly collection reports, and maintains aggregate collections and past‑due data for reporting.
• Reviews delinquent student accounts, assigns accounts to collection agencies when appropriate, sends past‑due notices, and determines collection actions in accordance with institutional policies.
• Places and removes holds on student accounts for non‑payment.
• Takes in‑person check payments, disburses financial aid and payments to accounts, reconciles and facilitates payment plans, and contacts the payment processor to maintain accurate records.
• Makes outgoing calls as needed for past‑due accounts.
• Maintains department confidence and safeguards operations by keeping information confidential.
• Adheres to all safety and housekeeping policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned or directed.

• Experience/Training/Education
  - Required
• High school diploma or equivalent supplemented with two years of additional college‑level coursework or specialized training in a related field.
• Three years of related experience in a similar position.
• Preferred
• Strong technical ability to understand many different types of software and proficiency using databases.

• Knowledge and understanding of current principles, practices, and trends in higher education.
• Extensive understanding of higher education policies relating to student receivables, refunds, tuition liability, and financial aid process.
• Knowledge of applicable, federal, and state laws and regulations.
• Ability to apply legal and policy standards.
• High level of independent thinking and judgment.
• Proficiency using databases and…