Student Account Specialist

Job Details: Job Location: Community Care College - Tulsa, OK, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: 2 Year Degree, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Job Category: Education, Position SummaryThe Student Accounts Specialist independently manages current and former student accounts receivable from identification of outstanding balances through payment, resolution, referral, or other appropriate disposition. The position proactively pursues collections, establishes and monitors payment arrangements, maintains accurate records, and works across departments to resolve discrepancies and minimize aged receivables.Success requires professional persistence, sound judgment, financial accuracy, and a student-focused approach that balances empathy with clear expectations and accountability. The Specialist prioritizes work, follows through without repeated direction, and escalates matters outside established authority while complying with institutional policies and applicable requirements.Essential Responsibilities — Student Accounts & Collections Manage the assigned portfolio; identify delinquent or at-risk balances, prioritize outreach, and follow accounts through resolution or appropriate escalation. Contact current and former students through approved channels; explain balances, obligations, deadlines, payment options, consequences, and next steps. Negotiate reasonable payment arrangements within institutional authority; monitor commitments and promptly address missed payments or other barriers. Conduct approved account research and skip-tracing; prepare referrals to external collection agencies when warranted and monitor placements and recoveries. Maintain persistent, respectful, and solution-oriented collection practices while recognizing matters that require leadership approval.Student Service & Communication Respond accurately and promptly to student account questions; listen to individual circumstances and communicate with empathy, confidence, and appropriate firmness. Maintain composure during difficult conversations, encourage proactive communication, and avoid promises or exceptions beyond authorized limits. Protect confidential student and financial information in all interactions.Financial Accuracy & Reconciliation Verify account balances and transactions before collection or referral; coordinate with Financial Aid on adjustments, withdrawals, returns, cancellations, and eligibility changes. Work with Accounting and other departments to resolve discrepancies; receive, process, record, and reconcile payments and assigned accounts under established controls. Maintain complete transaction histories and audit trails; identify recurring errors and recommend corrective process improvements.Portfolio Performance & Reporting Independently plan daily activity based on account aging, value, payment status, and risk; maintain timely, documented outreach and follow-up. Meet established collection and receivables goals; monitor results, adjust strategies, and complete account reviews and reconciliations on schedule. Prepare accurate weekly, monthly, and requested reports; explain trends, variances, risks, and recommended actions to the President.Compliance & Cross-Functional Collaboration Follow applicable federal and state requirements, contractual obligations, institutional procedures, privacy rules, debt collection practices, and payment-processing controls. Document account activity and communications objectively and promptly for audits, disputes, regulatory reviews, and third-party collections; promptly report compliance or internal-control concerns. Partner with Financial Aid, Accounting, Registrar, Campus Leadership, and other departments to resolve student account issues and reduce preventable debt.Key Performance Expectations Collections and recovery results; reduction in aged receivables; active payment-plan performance and missed-payment follow-up. Timeliness and effectiveness of outreach, account resolution, and escalation; accuracy of balances, posting, reconciliation, reporting, and documentation. Compliance, professional student communication, independent workload management, initiative, and process improvement.Qualifications: Education & Experience High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of relevant experience in collections, accounts receivable, student accounts, financial services, or a related function required. Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field preferred. Independent delinquent-account portfolio management strongly preferred; higher education, financial aid, payment plans, collection agencies, reconciliation, and financial reporting experience preferred.Institutional Expectations Support CHEI’s mission, “Transforming Lives and Empowering Futures,” and demonstrate accountability, initiative, collaboration, responsible stewardship, and a nonprofit mindset. Participate in required training, at least two professional development activities annually, graduation ceremonies, and appropriate institution-sponsored events. Perform other related duties as assigned.Physical Requirements Prolonged desk/computer work; regular telephone, video, email, and in-person communication; ability to move throughout facilities and occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.