Director of Student Accounts

Lake Forest College seeks applications for the position of Director of Student Accounts. The Director of Student Accounts plans, directs, and supervises all student accounts (SA) receivables and collections activities at Lake Forest College. Also manages and oversees student billing, cashier functions and third-party vendor activity. The director works with the College’s Accounting Office to ensure that policies and procedures are consistent and compliant. The director is responsible for ensuring that the SA area smoothly interacts with other student-related College offices. The director provides leadership and oversight to its staff, and is responsible for ensuring high quality customer service, developing and implementing policies and procedures, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include:

Create accurate student charges for tuition, room and board, fees and fines using the administrative software (Jenzabar). Reconcile charges to Registrar, housing and board vendor’s records.

Effectively communicate billing account information to students and parents, as allowed by FERPA, in a timely and customer centric manner that represents the College well. Adhere to College policy for setting and communicating financial rules for registration, transcripts and diplomas. Manage overall receivable levels, and create payment arrangements or placing accounts in collection when necessary. Maintain accurate subsidiary accounts balances, such as matriculation deposits and off-campus study deposits.

Manage the College’s loan programs, and adhere to Title IV regulations. Serve as the College’s liaison for borrowers. Manage the Perkins cohort default rate and pursue collections on past due accounts. Manage institutional loans and place in collections as needed. Manage veterans’ benefits. Coordinate the monthly payment plan activity, working with the Controller and other College faculty and staff to insure the most accurate and timely information.

Oversee tax processes, like 1098T and forms W-9s, and making sure the data is accurate and timely remitted to students and the reporting parties.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field required; at least 5 years of full-time professional experience in student billing and/or an accounting related area, of which at least the last 3 years have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity. The candidate must demonstrate success with and commitment to diversity, excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail. Familiarity with federal rules regarding Title IV funds is required. Technical skills required include the ability to understand query language, and the ability to trouble shoot software issues as needed. Query writing a strong plus; knowledge of veteran benefits, higher education and Title IV experience are required. Experience with Jenzabar and TMS is desired.  It is essential that candidates for this position have the ability to interact effectively within our culturally diverse environment and perform their duties with tact and fairness.

Relationships:

The Director of Accounts Receivable reports to the Controller.  The director interacts with students, parents, faculty and staff.  He/she will directly manage the Student Accounts Representative. Other direct reports are possible.  

Application Process:

To apply please submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references via e-mail to Jessica West at west@lakeforest.edu.

Lake Forest College embraces diversity and encourages applications from women, members of historically underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.