Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities - from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Position:

The Student Accounts Advisor (SAA) develops a thorough knowledge of institutional account topics to counsel students and parents regarding their financial accounts at SMU. The SAA provides professional advising service for undergraduate and/or graduate students. When requested, the SAA evaluates an assesses accounts and payment options using a skilled analysis and research of the account. In addition, the SAA is responsible for the daily processing and posting of payments and collection of outstanding balances in the current academic year. Collection of this money supports the operation of the University. The SAA is instrumental in the development of student account strategies including collaboration/cross-training with Financial Aid, public speaking, and contributes to office policy and procedures associated with tasks in which they are involved. Contributes to enrollment goals, access and inclusion with a student-centered approach.

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

Essential Functions:

• The SAA works with prospective and continuing students, and members of the SMU community in a personalized way for issues related to payments and student account charges. Daily work on assigned caseload of past due accounts
  through in depth research and communication with students to resolve past due balances. High collaboration with campus partners to resolve account issues.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for Student Account topics including: cost of attendance, financial aid general topics, CSI, payment options, collection strategies, financing options, billing, disbursement dates, withdrawal, re-admit,
  deadlines, Student Financial Services policy and procedures, and the responsibilities of student account balances.
• Routinely deals with problems and issues of a highly sensitive financial and personal nature, and therefore must exhibit independent judgment, tact and diplomacy, maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to FERPA and HEA data sharing regulations.
• Process incoming documents, and post payments daily by cash or check to process transactions and prepare deposits. Open and close cashiering each day according to policies and procedures. Prepare documents to be scanned to maintain confidential records of payments through imaging.
• Assesses a family's ability to pay for education expenses by evaluating historical student account information. Work closely with Financial Aid Advisors and colleges to help students pay their bills. The main goal of this role is to facilitate achieving zero balances for student accounts.
• Serve and contribute as a member of departmental committees and taskforces including the Communications Committee, Forms Committee, and etc. Participate in strategically managing workload volume. Assist with other
  Enrollment Services areas as needed.
• The SAA works as a team member with the other SFS Advisors to deliver high quality service to students and their families. Actively participate in staff development, divisional meetings, and support new student orientation. Represent Student Financial Services to other departments and schools. Some weeknight/weekend and holiday work is required. The Advisor will travel to present and/or attend workshops and conferences. Other duties may be assigned.

Education and Experience:

A bachelor's degree is required; preferably degree in Accounting or Business Administration.

A minimum of one year of experience is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must have the ability to demonstrate professionalism in an office environment and be able to provide upscale customer service. General knowledge of student accounts and the collections processes, guidelines and procedures is required.

Candidate with PeopleSoft, or other Student Financial software, knowledge is preferred. Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must also have the ability to provide fun and energetic presentations.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Stand
• Exposure to excessive noise
• Exposure to marked changes in temperatire/humidity

Deadline to Apply:

June 21, 2024

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 14, 2024.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu .

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities , including tuition benefits .