Customer Account Specialist

Howard Community College (HCC) is an exciting place to work, learn, and grow! HCC has been awarded the distinction as a "Great College to Work for" since 2009 from The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Howard Community College values diversity among its faculty, staff and student population. We are an innovative institution that is committed to responding to the ever-changing needs and interests of a diverse and dynamic community. No matter where you want to go in your career, you can get there from here!

HCC is recruiting for a Customer Account Specialist to support the finance team in Columbia, MD.

Employee performs full cycle accounting work in the area of accounts receivable and cashiering by processing all incoming accounting data such as cash, checks and credit card payments, wire transactions, financial aid and purchase order payments and performs sponsor account reconciliation. Employee produces outgoing material such as receipts, invoices and statements. Work is performed in an accurate and timely manner under supervision and in compliance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) guidelines.

WORK PERFORMED

• Employee must comply with PCI DSS standards and complete annual training. Employee must be well-informed about changes to student finance views to understand and educate student body and have knowledge of all policies and procedures that impact the student account from a college wide prospective.
• Receives, verifies, logs, and processes all incoming data in batch processing. Prepares all necessary documents for each transaction and reconciles all transactions at the end of the day.
• Assists and helps students over the telephone, by email, and in person, with issues related to registration charges, financial aid, Nelnet payment plan, and Higher One inquiries.
• Provides full service to patrons during window hours by taking payments, processing refunds, and answering inquiries. Requires extensive knowledge of Financial Aid & Registration policies and procedures as well as an understanding of the transactions from those offices on the student account.
• Verifies, computes, and processes student and vendor refunds in compliance with Title IV regulations, including card activation and identification verification with the Higher One refund vendor.
• Prepares outgoing materials such as vendor billing, student invoices, and transcript evaluation fees and updates A/R files for further action.
• Ensures security and confidentiality of all accounting documents and assets in regards to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) compliance..
• Investigates, researches and resolves discrepancies in student & vendor accounts. This requires
• good accounting skills and the ability to analyze a very complex accounting system.
• Files and maintains all cashiering and A/R documents in compliance with PCI regulations. Responsible for securing and locking up the office area at the end of the shift.
• Maintains work area in order and performs other duties as assigned.
• Trains temporary part-time and work study help.

Requirements:

• AA degree in accounting or related field or equivalent experience required.
• A minimum of one year of account analysis required.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and considerable cash handling experience.
• Ability to follow directions and perform complex mathematical transactions.
• Ability to take initiative to locate and resolve problems.
• Ability to interact tactfully and deal courteously and effectively with others. Strong customer service skills and experience.
• Ability to use computerized cashiering system as well as familiarity with windows environment.
• Ability to operate routine accounting machines such as calculator, cash register, credit card terminal and printer.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Regular attendance is a requirement of this job.
• Performs all duties while considering the impact of any actions on the college's sustainability initiatives in the areas of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic prosperity.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Highly stressful position due to high volume of work, cash handling, accuracy, good work habits and dealing with college community and outside agencies. Compliance with federal and financial aid guidelines required.

Requires constant attention to the service at the cashiers' windows, not allowing much time away from the service window, especially at busy times. Breaks can often be limited.

Overtime required during busy periods. Flexibility in scheduling required including daytime and evening hours.

Additional Information:

Hours Per Week: 37.5
Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday 10am to 6:30pm, Friday 8:30am to 5pm *Hours Subject to Change
Compensation: $19.04/hr
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Grade: 8
Open Until Filled
Best Consideration: August 30, 2021

*Pre-employment criminal background investigation is a condition of employment.

As a participating member of the Maryland Retirement and Pension System, HCC offers two retirement options: The Pension, which requires a 7% employee contribution and The ORP, a 403(b) with a 7.25% employer contribution only. Employees in positions that do not require a bachelor's degree must participate in The Pension. Employees that possess a bachelor's degree and hold professional positions that require a bachelor's degree may choose to participate in either The Pension or The ORP.

Howard Community College (HCC) is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action employer & values diversity within its faculty, staff & student population. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

HCC understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance with the job application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 443-518-1100.

Application Instructions:

HCC is interested in all qualified applicants who are eligible to work in the United States. However, HCC will generally not sponsor applicants for work visas. Due to our telework policy, only employees living in states contiguous to Maryland are eligible for telework and include Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania. Candidates must live in the commutable area or willing to relocate at their own expense if offered the position because HCC does not offer relocation benefits.

Application Instructions:

Please submit the following:

1. Completed Application (Candidates will be evaluated on completing the college's application in full)
2. Resume
3. Cover Letter

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