Director of Student Accounts

Director Of Student Accounts

Make an Impact Where Finance Meets Student Success

Batten University is seeking a student-focused financial professional to serve as our Director of Student Accounts. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and solutions-oriented leader to play a critical role in the student experience while providing leadership over one of the University's most important financial operations.

Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, the Director of Student Accounts provides overall leadership, vision, and direction for Student Accounts, including student and third-party billing, accounts receivable, collections, student refunds, student health insurance, cashiering, payment plans, and related financial services.

The ideal candidate is someone who combines strong technical and financial expertise with exceptional customer service skills and a genuine commitment to helping students navigate the financial aspects of their college experience.

As Director of Student Accounts, you will:

• Lead the daily operations of the Student Accounts Receivable Office and ensure accurate and timely collection of student accounts and receivables.
• Oversee accurate and timely billing for students and third-party accounts.
• Lead the cashiering function, including the security of funds, recording, depositing, and reconciliation of cash receipts.
• Manage student refunds and ensure compliance with applicable federal Title IV requirements.
• Coordinate billing schedules and processes with offices across the University.
• Serve as the functional expert for the Ellucian Colleague Student Accounts Receivable module.
• Oversee eBill, ePay, and eRefund services through TouchNet and promote convenient payment options to students.
• Monitor accounts receivable and collections activities and develop effective strategies for addressing outstanding balances.
• Manage relationships with third-party collection agencies and monitor agency performance.
• Oversee accurate and timely 1098-T reporting to students and the IRS.
• Supervise, train, and support Student Accounts staff while fostering a high standard of service.
• Work closely with the Chief Finance Officer to analyze outstanding receivables and recommend strategies for resolving uncollectible accounts.
• Evaluate and improve business practices, processes, procedures, and internal controls.
• Maintain accurate documentation of policies and procedures and support the continued development of a paperless office.
• Produce reports and analyses for internal and external reporting requirements.
• Monitor student payment plans and related activities.
• Maintain compliance with University policies and applicable federal and state regulations, including FERPA, Title IV, and IRS requirements.
• Collaborate with campus departments and Information Technology to resolve technical issues and improve financial processes.
• Respond to audit requests and provide quantitative and qualitative analysis as needed.
• The position also maintains the Student Accounts website and performs other related duties as assigned.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a financial professional who wants to make a visible difference in a university community. You will have the opportunity to:

• Lead. Supervise and develop Student Accounts staff while establishing a culture of accountability, service, and continuous improvement.
• Serve. Help students and families better understand their financial responsibilities while promoting financial literacy and exceptional customer service.
• Collaborate. Partner with Finance, Financial Aid, Information Technology, and other University offices to create a seamless student financial experience.
• Shape. Help strengthen internal controls, reporting, technology utilization, and operational practices within Student Accounts.

What We're Looking For

Candidates should possess: A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in finance, accounting, or a related field. 57 years of successful and progressively responsible experience in Student Accounts Receivable. 35 years of experience managing staff and operations related to student accounts. Experience providing excellent customer service in a complex environment.

Demonstrated understanding of federal, state, and local laws and regulatory processes related to federal aid programs. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ERP systems, and function-specific databases. Strong oral and written communication skills. A high level of comfort using technology to improve workflow and business processes. A demonstrated commitment to the mission of Batten University.

Technology & Systems

The successful candidate will bring strong technology skills and the ability to use systems to improve the student financial experience. Experience with Ellucian Colleague, TouchNet, ERP systems, Microsoft Office, and related financial databases is particularly relevant to this role.

Salary: Mid-$50,000s, commensurate with qualifications and experience

About Us

About Batten University

Batten University (batten.edu) is Coastal Virginia's premier university of the liberal arts and sciences. Situated on a 300-acre park-like campus in Virginia Beach, Batten University annually enrolls more than 5,000 learners in all programs in all locations, including nearly 1,700 students in undergraduate, graduate and online programs. Students thrive in average class sizes of 12, and nearly 90 percent of new graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduation. Through its Environmental Guiding Principles, the University incorporates a commitment to sustainability in every aspect of campus life. Batten University is an inclusive community dedicated to scholarship and service grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, inspiring students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia's dynamic metropolitan region, the nation and the world.

Location

Batten University has often been defined by its desirable and unique location in Coastal Virginia. Located in Virginia Beach, the University is just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay on a beautiful 300-acre park-like campus. The area is home to a host of business, governmental, and cultural institutions, as well as rich historical and natural resources. Nestled in the heart of one of Virginia's largest metropolitan areas, Batten University is physically insulated from the bustle of the city traffic, and yet the vast resources of its surrounding urban area are easily accessible. Our region is proud of its vibrant city life, sandy beaches, and rich history. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com/explore.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Batten University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered on the basis of skills, experience, and qualifications without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, national and ethnic origin, age, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, the presence of non-job-related medical disability, or any other legally protected status.