Student Collections Coordinator

General Information & Responsibilities

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Collections Coordinator is responsible for enforcing and maintaining the College’s collection policies and procedures; creating and maintaining state billings; performing reconciliations; performing accounts receivable duties within the department and the division.

Description of Duties

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  1. Develops, executes, and maintains all aspects of the student account receivable collection process.
  2. Maintains knowledge and complies with applicable laws and regulations including the Fair Debt Credit Protection Act and bankruptcy laws.
  3. Meets, transacts with, and maintains continuous contact with outside collection agency representatives.
  4. Authorizes legal and/or bankruptcy actions related to past due accounts.
  5. Primary contact for authorizing and creating individual payment arrangements on accounts.
  6. Serves as a liaison for the College with students/families in handling difficult financial situations ensuring College policies and procedures are enforced.
  7. Serves as primary team member to lead the student refund process.
  8. Investigates and resolves student account complaints.
  9. Analyzes student accounts and authorizes late fees and holds.
  10. Creates and maintains the Returned Check list; prepares related monthly reports, and contacts students to collect outstanding debt.
  11. Prepares fiscal year audit reports for student account write-offs.
  12. Reconciles quarterly collection general ledger accounts.
  13. Maintains confidentiality of student records and information at all times.
  14. Performs cashier supervisor duties as needed which include analyzing, correcting, closing, and finalizing cashier sessions.
  15. Provides front-line customer service; serves students in person and via phone; receives and posts payments appropriately; sets up deferred payment plans; issues credit/debit card refunds.
  16. Collaborates with Financial Aid department on disbursement of financial aid discrepancy resolutions when needed.
  17. Collaborates with team on online payment collection processes such as application fees, tuition and fees and payment plan fees.
  18. Assesses and reviews internal accounts receivable processes and procedures on an ongoing basis.
  19. Work with third party vendors and internal team to create and maintain accurate reporting of student data, when requested.
  20. Manages the student refund appeals process through initial screening of applications and final processing of committee decisions.
  21. Serves as back-up person for analyzing and processing enrollment cancellations (drops) due to non-payment.
  22. Assists with future creation, implementation, and maintenance of electronic recordkeeping for the Bursar’s Office.
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER DUTIES:
  1. Serves as back-up to Bursar Office front counter.
  2. Processes direct cash receipting.
  3. Prepares daily bank deposits.
  4. Serves as a back-up to Enrollment Services staff.
  5. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.)

  1. Associate’s Degree, minimum of 60 college credit hours, or relevant Collections work experience required.
  2. Minimum of three years’ work experience in accounting preferred.
  3. Higher education accounting experience preferred.
  4. Experience working for or with a collection agency preferred.
  5. Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
  6. Excellent customer service skills required.
  7. Computer experience required including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
  8. Previous experience with a computerized accounting system preferred.
The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the described job; it is not an all-encompassing statement of all the work requirements that may be necessary to perform the job.

Supplemental Information

TYPE OF SUPERVISION GIVEN TO OTHERS:
Indirect supervision given to student workers/work study students, and/or interns.
OVERALL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  1. Demonstrates Black Hawk College core values.
  2. Maintains confidentiality of records and information.
  3. Maintains up-to-date job knowledge.
  4. Provides quality customer service.
  5. Accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of work.
PRINCIPAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
  1. Works directly with the Director of Accounting.
  2. Works directly with staff in the Bursar’s office, student services, bookstore, and finance division.
  3. Works cooperatively with staff and faculty college-wide.
  4. Works cooperatively with outside collection agencies.
  5. Works cooperatively with student and the general public.