Asst. Director St. Accts.

The Student Accounts office reports to the University Controller. The Controller's team is a member of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance team, and member of the Division of Finance and Administration, which provides Operational Excellence and supports the University's mission, "UNCSA Forward" strategic plan, goals, and objectives. The Finance team seeks to be an innovative unit that delivers operational excellence by connecting and engaging with our UNCSA community and external stakeholders to provide strategic financial solutions, exceptional customer service, and accurate financial information.

The Assistant Director of Student Accounts serves as deputy to the Director of Student Accounts, with primary oversight of Student Accounts receivable, student billing, refunds, third-party billing and payments, and collections.

Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Assistant Director of Student Accounts is responsible for establishing a tone of customer service that balances the University's desire to make a university education available to those who seek it with its responsibility to maintain adequate systems for billing and collecting institutional charges. Under the supervision of the Director of Student Accounts, the Assistant Director of Student Accounts is expected to work independently with students and parents to develop an acceptable plan for meeting financial obligations. This office is the collection arm of the University. All of the auxiliary departments on campus are financially dependent on this office's ability to bill students accurately while maintaining efficiency in collections. The Assistant Director of Student Accounts works closely with other managers outside of the Controller's Office to ensure student charges are applied fairly, accurately, and timely. The Assistant Director of Student Accounts must communicate directly with administration, faculty, and staff regarding student financial issues. The Assistant Director of Student Accounts reviews and responds to student complaints related to his or her account and will resolve the matter in accordance with institutional procedure.

The Assistant Director of Student Accounts assists with managing and directing the Student Accounts Office ( SAO) which consists of four full-time permanent employees. The Assistant Director of Student Accounts helps maintain the integrity of the cost of attendance (institutional and other charges) and all financial data on each student account at UNCSA. The office is divided into four primary functional units: Student Accounts, E-Commerce, Cashiering, and Non-student Accounts Receivables, in which all departmental functions are performed. SAO manages billing and collections of student charges and associated accounting, reporting, and analysis. E-Commerce manages all electronic processes such as prepaid cards, credit cards, and petty cash.

Helps to oversee the A/R functions, the installment payment plan, Institutional Short Term Loan programs, the disbursement of Financial Aid refunds, E-Commerce transactions, etc. in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and university regulations by closely monitoring these processes and implementing changes needed to increase efficiency and cost reduction within the unit on a daily basis.

This position is responsible for ensuring accurate rates are established, maintained, and updated within the administrative system. The Assistant Director of Student Accounts must have an understanding of the data structure, detail codes, and functionality within the student accounts module of Banner and be cognizant of the official, approved tuition and fees rates mandated by the North Carolina State Legislature and approved by the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors. Any errors in the process would result in the incorrect billing of our student customers which would require re-billing or adjustments. In addition, incorrect application of rates within the system could lead to inaccurate financial reporting of student revenue. System changes and updates are frequent, and the Assistant Director of Student Accounts assists with facilitating system changes and participating in testing of system upgrades and any enhancements made to Banner. The Assistant Director of Student Accounts is responsible for executing appropriate business processes for refunding tuition and fees when students withdraw in accordance with federal regulations and University policy.

Working with the Office of the State Attorney General, the Assistant Director of Student Accounts is responsible for following all collections procedures set forth by the State of North Carolina. Works closely with third-party billing, including but not limited to the Department of Veteran Affairs, Florida Prepaid, Nevada Prepaid, and Ed Assist.

Maintain BANNER student detail codes by accurately monitoring daily STUDENT data feeds to FINANCE including balancing the two systems and subsystems to accurately maintain System data integrity between STUDENT and FINANCE systems and subsystems and answering University-wide related questions on a daily basis.

Assist with annual financial reports including the ACFR (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report).

This position is cross-trained with Student Accounts Accountant and Cashiering to ensure business continuity.

Other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Accounts.

Entry-level with Masters; Bachelors and 0-2 yrs experience

Higher Education Experience
Accounting Background
Customer Service Experience

Performs professional operating and cost accounting work requiring knowledge of the theory and practice of recording, classifying, examining, and analyzing financial records and transactions. Requires considerable knowledge of accounting methods, procedures, and financial practices; interprets and applies complex state and federal fiscal regulations; uses judgment and theory to a wide variety of situations that are not covered by regulations or precedent; develops complex accounting worksheets and financial reports.

Knowledge - Professional

General knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, practices and reporting guidelines. May apply knowledge of program specifics. General knowledge of applicable information technology to meet work needs.

Financial Monitoring & Analysis

Ability to compile, monitor, examine, and audit various financial statements/reports for accuracy, integrity, and conformance to accepted accounting and program guidelines. Ability to draw conclusions and prepare written findings following Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ( GAAP) and/or other applicable accounting guidelines. Ability to present recommendations supported by facts. Ability to prepare financial reports. Ability to recognize and research unusual activity for further investigation. Ability to understand and adhere to systems of internal control.

Decision Making and Problem Solving

Ability to assess and resolve unprecedented problems that require research and review of policy, procedures, and regulations. Ability to apply judgment for problem resolutions or program requirements based on delegated authority.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Ability to prepare written and/or technical products which convey concise, comprehensive, and accurate findings and conform to guidelines. Ability to provide appropriate documentation to support conclusions. Ability to review and edit the work of others. Ability to convey and/or consult on issues of a moderately complex nature in a clear, concise, and organized manner. Ability to establish effective working relationships that foster organizational success. Ability to modify delivery, language, or content to suit the characteristics and needs of the audience.

This is an EHRA non-faculty position. PLEASE NOTE: A criminal background check will be conducted on candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment. Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application process as required by state regulations WILL result in your application being rejected for the vacancy and you will not be considered for the position. Other materials may be requested at a later time. Applications will be treated confidentially until the final stages of the search process. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants are welcome to apply without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, National Guard, or veteran status.

EEO Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: suttonar@uncsa.edu