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Student Accounts Analyst

The Student Accounts Analyst supports the financial operations of the Student Accounts Office by performing financial reporting, account analysis, internal auditing, and accounts receivable monitoring. This position reviews student account activity to ensure the accuracy of charges, payments, refunds, and general ledger postings while identifying discrepancies and opportunities for process improvement. The Analyst also oversees third-party and sponsor billing processes, including contact invoicing, payment tracking, and correspondence with external sponsors. In addition, the role supports compliance monitoring, data integrity, and financial trend analysis to help ensure accurate financial operations and effective internal controls. This position works collaboratively with Financial Aid, Finance, Information Technology, and other campus departments to support compliance, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Develop, maintain, and analyze reports related to student billing, payments, refunds, receivables, and account activity.
• Provide reporting and analysis on accounts receivable aging, billing activity, and financial discrepancies.
• Analyze financial data and trends to support operational decision-making and departmental planning.

Account Auditing and Reconciliation

• Conduct regular internal audits of student accounts to ensure accuracy of charges, payments, adjustments, and refunds.
• Review and reconcile student account activity with general ledger postings.
• Identify discrepancies and coordinate resolution with appropriate departments.

Third-Party and Sponsor Billing

• Manage invoicing and billing processes for third-party sponsors including government agencies, employers, and external organizations.
• Monitor sponsor contracts and ensure billing aligns with contract terms and institutional policies.
• Track sponsor payments, reconcile accounts, and maintain correspondence regarding billing and payment status.

Loan Servicing and Collections

• Assist in coordinating institutional loan collection efforts, including monitoring delinquent accounts, preparing accounts for collection placement, and maintaining collection documentation.
• Work with third-party collection agencies and internal departments to track loan repayment activity, reconcile balances, and support reporting related to outstanding institutional loans.

Accounts Receivable Management

• Monitor accounts receivable balances and aging reports to support timely collection of outstanding balances.
• Assist with collection and payment tracking processes in accordance with institutional policies.
• Communicate with students, sponsors, and departments regarding outstanding balances and account resolution.

Compliance Monitoring and Regulatory Support

• Monitor student account transactions to support compliance with institutional policies and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Assist in reviewing processes related to student financial activity to ensure regulatory compliance and proper internal controls.
• Support internal and external audits by compiling documentation, validating data, and responding to audit requests.
• Identify potential compliance risks and recommend corrective actions.

Process Improvement and Financial Trend Analysis

• Evaluate Student Accounts processes and recommend improvements to strengthen internal controls and operational efficiency.
• Analyze trends related to student billing, receivables, refunds, and sponsor payments to identify operational impacts.
• Provide recommendations to leadership regarding process improvements and risk mitigation strategies.

Collaboration and Customer Support

• Serve as a liaison between Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Accounting, and other campus departments.
• Provide guidance and support related to student account processes and financial transactions.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Respond to inquiries with patience and empathy, resolve concerns efficiently, and maintain a positive, solution-oriented attitude while ensuring a high level of client satisfaction.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in financial analysis, accounting, accounts receivable, or related financial operations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong customer service skills including the ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience working with financial or enterprise systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to analyze complex financial data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education student accounts, bursar operations, or financial aid environments.
• Familiarity with student information systems (e.g., Workday, PowerCampus, PowerFaids, or similar).
• Knowledge of general ledger reconciliation and financial auditing practices.

Employee Status: Regular

Exemption Status: United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Time Type: Full time

Pay Range: $29.01 to $39.00/hourly (non exempt) based on experience Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.