Accounting assistant jobs in Chicopee, MA

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director of Student Accounts, the Student Accounts Receivable Coordinator is responsible for the accurate processing, reporting and reconciliation of College payments. Responsibilities also include but are not limited to managing Third Party Billing accounts. This position is responsible for upholding exceptional customer service standards while adhering and complying to federal, state regulations and College policies. Actual salaries will vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to degrees attained, experience, and other considerations permitted by law. Comprehensive compensation details, including any additional benefits, will be communicated upon finalization of the employment offer. Responsibilities Student Account Customer Service * Provide prompt, accurate and exceptional customer service via, phone, email and in-person interactions for both students and families. * Demonstrate working knowledge of Financial Aid and Registration processes to further assist students and families. Departmental Coverage and Cross Training * Serve as backup for an array of duties pertaining to the Billing Coordinator, Billing and Collections Coordinator and Veteran and Military Services Coordinator. * Conduct cross-training sessions to enhance customer service practices and improve departmental processes. Payment Receipt and Processing * Receive and process payments via mail and the Student Accounts Office window. * Process all College payments, including but not limited to: Enrollment deposits Application deposits, Student Account Payments (out-of-pocket, outside scholarship, employer), International and ACH payments, Collection payments, Veteran payments, Departmental GL payments, Other Receivables payments, Cash Advances, and Reimbursements. * Research student accounts to ensure payments are accurately applied. * Serve as the primary contact for the Accounts Receivable Representative to coordinate proper internal and external payment controls. * Reconcile online processor payments against College systems to confirm accurate posting to student accounts. * Investigate and resolve discrepancies caused by missing revenue postings. Banking and Cash Security * Prepare and submit bank deposits, including scanning checks for electronic deposit. * Organize and prepare cash deposits for secure delivery to the bank. * Coordinate cash deposits with appropriate security and armored transport services. * Maintain and organize all documentation related to cash handling to support annual fiscal year audit. Manage Third Party Billing * Accurately assess and code Third Party Billing accounts. * Communicate with college community as well as various entities, countries, and organizations to facilitate direct billing for student accounts. * Evaluate third party paperwork to identify various terms of student payment eligibility. * Utilize Banner Contracts process for third party billing. * Update student accounts to ensure contract compliance. * Provide precise billing to all third-party entities for corresponding tuition and fees as agreed upon. * Properly code incoming third-party checks for processing. * Conduct cross-training sessions to enhance customer service practices and improve departmental processes. Support * Serve as the immediate backup for obtaining and renewing VA certification for all College campuses. * Serve as the primary backup for handling student collections communications. Assist in managing outreach related to past-due accounts, ensuring timely follow-up, accurate documentation, and adherence to institutional policies regarding collections procedures. Liaison * Serve as Student Accounts Liaison for Admissions Deposits, Act as the primary point of contact between the Admissions and Student Accounts offices, ensuring accurate processing and reconciliation of admissions deposits. Perform regular reconciliation of admissions deposits between Slate and TouchNet to ensure data accuracy and financial integrity. Identify and resolve discrepancies, verify payment records, and collaborate with Admissions to maintain accurate student financial data. * Serve as Student Accounts Liaison for the Athletics Department. Coordinate with the Athletics Department for the ordering of funds and distribution and return of funds and receipts. * Serve as Student Accounts Liaison for the MSW/JD Program with Western New England University. Act as the primary Student Accounts contact for the joint MSW/JD program collaboration with Western New England University. Coordinate billing, payment processing, and account reconciliation for participating students, ensuring clear communication and accurate financial management between institutions. Update task specific Campus Groups pages as new information becomes available. Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field required. Minimum of 1-3 years experience. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities * Must be a well-organized, high energy individual with excellent customer service skills * Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate verbally and through written word to students and families while upholding exceptional customer service values * A demonstrated understanding of federal and state regulations and industry best practices as pertains to the Student Accounts area; understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) * An intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience with other Microsoft Office applications * Must be able to set priorities and work both independently and as part of a team * Ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism under all circumstances * Demonstrable good judgment, ability to work under pressure, and maintain a high level of confidentiality * Excellent attention to detail in order to maintain the highest quality standards * Willingness to learn and incorporate skills from other student service centric areas such as Financial Aid and Registrars