Senior Student Financial Services Counselor

SENIOR STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES COUNSELOR (4141)

FMU - Miami Gardens, FL 33054

Description

• The Sr. Student Financial Services Counselor is responsible for providing exceptional front-facing customer service while performing student account processing, cashiering, billing, bookkeeping, and account reconciliation functions. This position supports the daily operations of the Student Financial Services Office by processing student payments, administering payment plans, reconciling accounts, issuing refunds, maintaining financial records, and assisting students with account-related inquiries.

• The Sr. Student Financial Services Counselor serves as a primary point of contact for students, parents, faculty, staff, and visitors regarding student account matters and ensures compliance with institutional policies and applicable federal and state regulations. This position works collaboratively with Financial Aid, the Registrar, Admissions, Student Affairs, and other campus departments to provide outstanding customer service and support student success.

Essential Functions:

• Provide professional, front-facing customer service to students, parents, faculty, staff, and visitors regarding student accounts, billing, payments, refunds, financial obligations, and account balances.
• Counsel students and families regarding tuition and fee charges, payment options, payment plans, billing statements, deadlines, and account responsibilities. Receive, process, and record payments including cash, checks, money orders, credit/debit cards, electronic payments, and wire transfers.
• Assist students with making payments through the student portal and explain available payment methods.
• Administer and maintain semester-based student payment plans.
• Process student refund checks and ensure timely distribution in accordance with institutional policies.
• Issue receipts and maintain accurate financial and student account records.
• Balance cash drawers and reconcile daily cashiering transactions.
• Prepare bank deposits and ensure proper handling and safeguarding of funds.
• Process pay-by-phone transactions and other approved payment methods.
• Run posting reports to the General Ledger and assist with account reconciliation activities.
• Run credit term reports and reconcile student accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Review, analyze, and explain student account statements, charges, credits, payments, and account activity.
• Resolve student account discrepancies, billing concerns, and payment-related issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain accurate billing records and assist with student billing processes.
• Perform bookkeeping duties related to student accounts, payment processing, and account reconciliation.
• Collaborating with Financial Aid, Student Services, Admissions, the Registrar, Student Affairs, and other departments to facilitate timely resolution of student account issues.
• Serve as liaison to the Registrar's Office regarding Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefit accounts and certifications.
• Review and process enrollment certifications for Veterans Affairs educational benefits and determine eligibility for applicable benefits.
• Interpret and apply Veterans Affairs regulations and university policies related to student account processing and certifications.
• Review student records for completeness and accuracy in accordance with internal audit procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and financial information in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation, reports, and transaction records.
• Conduct end-of-semester account reconciliations and assist with year-end closing processes.
• Review and recommend updates to policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Create and maintain effective communication with students and university departments regarding account status, billing, payment deadlines, and account resolutions.
• Maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that logically relate to the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong front-facing customer service skills with the ability to professionally assist diverse populations.
• Knowledge of student account processing, cashiering, billing, bookkeeping, collections, and account reconciliation practices.
• Experience handling cash and financial transactions with a high degree of accuracy. Ability to explain account balances, billing statements, payment plans, and financial information to students and families.
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and financial recordkeeping.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships with students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of student information systems and financial management systems.
• Preferred experience with PowerFAlDS, PowerCampus, and Jenzabar.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling objects of average weight up to fifty (50) pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required and at least two (2) years of related experience.
• Minimum of sixty (60) college credit hours from an accredited institution required.
• One (1) to two (2) years of front-facing customer service experience required. One (1) year of experience in cashiering, billing, bookkeeping, accounts receivable, student accounts, banking, accounting support, or related financial operations preferred.
• Experience handling cash, processing payments, reconciling accounts, and maintaining financial records preferred.
• Experience working in a higher education, banking, financial services, or customer service environment preferred.
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours.

Preferred Requirements:

• Associate's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience with student accounts, financial aid, veterans' benefits processing, or higher education administration.
• Experience with Florida grants and OSFA reporting systems.
• Experience using PowerFAlDS, PowerCampus, Jenzabar, or similar student information systems.
• Bilingual communication skills are a plus.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Criminal background check

• Florida Memorial University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), those functions of the job that are identified essential are required to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Requests to facilitate the performance of essential functions will be given careful consideration