University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Description Summary

This leadership role manages and controls the monthly student billing process (250K bills and $1.5B annually) supporting Penn and various stakeholders across the organization. The role is responsible for controlling cash and other payments ($750M annually) received for University charges and directly supervising/managing staff and operational workflows within the department, accounting, reporting and data requirements.  

The role will develop and provide reports to management and the Penn community to identify financially at-risk students.  Monitors IT productions schedule and schedule Banner AR jobs as required.  Identify Banner AR technical problems and coordinate with Finance IT and Penn ISC for resolution. Manages multiple ‘hold’ processes, coordinating system processes and communication to students and Penn community. Manages 1098T and 1042S tax processes. Develops communication plan for student account payment options including international wires, monthly payment plan and refund production.  Vendor liaison with TouchNet, Heartland/ECSI, PayMyTuition, Flywire.  Maintain personal proficiency and provide training to staff and Penn community on SRFS and university AR policies and procedures, operating software and job tasks.

Provide ongoing feedback, coaching and direction to staff in the department and consistently reflect the leadership behaviors and competencies of the University.

Job Description

• Assists in the management of Student Account functions including student billing / tuition and fee assessment, issuing student Ebills using Penn.Pay;  coordinates outreach to students with outstanding balances; reviews tuition liability cases and adjust accounts as appropriate; scrutinizing disbursements of all financial aid and scholarship programs; assists with the timely request of student refunds; assist with Federal forms such as 1098T, producing, disseminating and responding to student inquiries; works closely with the staff to maximize revenue for the University.
• Triages questions for Financial Aid, Registrar, etc. delivering direct support to students and parents regarding financial planning, aid eligibility, educating students about their financial obligations to the University as well as the appropriate financial resources available to them; exercises sound judgment and sensitivity when interacting with students, parents, faculty, staff and other internal and external stakeholders; understands policies and procedures particularly ensuring satisfactory resolution of problems escalated to the administrative level.
• Supervises four (4) Student Accounts Representatives, assists in the hiring and evaluation of staff and aligning leadership approach and supervision with Penn's policies and values; oversees the continued training of current staff members as well as the training and onboarding of any new employees to the Student Account team; has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees in accordance with Penn's policies.
• Coordinates with the Director of Student Accounts to ensure consistent transfer of knowledge when resolving operational issues as they arise, quality control and auditing mechanisms are in place to investigate accordingly; recommends improvements to better utilize staff, processes and publications to guarantee consistency with department objectives and activities; analyzing business procedures, identifying and implementing changes to enhance customer service, efficiency and effectiveness for a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, outside agencies, and serving as our liaison to internal departments.
• In coordination with the Director participates in the planning, development and implementation of intra/interdepartmental initiatives, maintains liaison activities and directs the coordination with other divisions, departments, or agencies to advance cooperative projects and/or programs designed to contribute to division goals and objectives, ensuring that procedural activities are smoothly integrated and designed to improve or expand educational programs and activities.
• Evaluates, and updates all information communicated on our Student Registration and Financial Services web page for accuracy, ease of search topics, user friendly reading and understanding; ensuring compliance and consistency with all Federal, State, and University regulations related to student account issues; consults with department staff to provide procedural and interpretation support.
• Serves on various standing committees as needed and acts in the Director's position as needed; supports the Director of Student Accounts in handling all administrative and accounting duties within the Office of Student Accounts; monitors monthly reporting and compliance with Federal, State and University regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or related business discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years' experience in the Office of Bursar, Student Accounts division.
• Established experience in Banner, or a similar system, student accounts receivable as it relates to assessment/billing, application of payment, on-line gateways, 1098-T, 1042S, collections, data entry
• Ability to manage a high-volume workload within a deadline driven environment.
• Strong organizational skills, the ability to creatively problem solve, the ability to multi-task and manage deadlines.   
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills in order to effectively interact with staff, students, parents, and other related parties.
• Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented and accurate. Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Demonstrated organizational and prioritization skills, along with the ability to work within tight and often conflicting deadlines. Must be flexible, show effective judgement, discretion and have the ability to handle confidential financial matters.
• Work effectively in a highly matrixed and decentralized environment with the ability to navigate through ambiguity and demonstrate appreciation and support for diversity, inclusion and belonging in a constantly evolving academic/higher education environment.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Division of Finance

Pay Range
$59,703.00 - $113,435.00

Affirmative Action Statement

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.