APU is seeking employees who desire to engage in our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is pleasing to God and edifying to one another.

The Senior Student Account Specialist assists students in understanding financial aid, loan options, and payment plans to make their education more affordable. They oversee student accounts, providing guidance and support to students and parents in managing payment plans. In addition to assisting with daily interactions, this position supports the Associate Director in training new hires and mentoring the Student Account Specialist team. The position works closely with enrollment colleagues to ensure excellent customer service and meaningful engagements with students and parents.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Required Experience

• Four to five years of related general office, student account, or banking experience.
• Financial aid and student account experience preferred.

Primary Duties/Essential Functions

Core Responsibilities

• * Provide financial counseling to students and parents, delivering exceptional customer service to explain university affordability options.
  

  • Maintain accurate communication records with students and parents in the ticketing system.
  • Assist students with financial questions related to registration, withdrawals, financial aid applications, and consequences of non-payment.
  • Manage, correct, and collect student account balances as assigned.
  • Serve as a liaison between students and financial aid/loan officers to ensure positive, solution-oriented outcomes.
  • Evaluate and approve or deny financial policy exceptions
  • Oversee problem account resolution, guiding staff on troubleshooting billing and payment system issues.
  • Represent the department at orientations and meetings on campus, via Zoom, and at regional campuses for new and returning students.
  • Stay current with federal financial aid regulations and programs through training workshops and meetings.
  • Ensure compliance with FERPA regulations and all federal, state, and institutional financial aid guidelines.

Strategic Responsibilities

• * Set the standard for excellence in customer service within the student accounts team.
  

  • Assist in onboarding and training new staff in partnership with leadership.
  • Train and/or supervise departmental student employees as needed.
  • Act as the primary contact counselor for special enrollment groups.
  • Lead and participate in special projects for the Student Financial Services (SFS) team.

Technical Responsibilities

• * Contribute to Student Financials module management, testing, and planning.
  

  • Collaborate with Data Analysts on financial and account-related projects.

General Responsibilities

• * Maintain accurate timekeeping and adhere to attendance requirements as determined by department needs.
  

  • Serve on university committees, task forces, and working groups as assigned.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor and/or Director.

APU Specific Responsibilities

• * Participate in two commencement ceremonies per calendar year.
  

  • Commit to fostering a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values diversity and upholds the university’s mission.

Skills

• Knowledge of general office operations and equipment.
• Computer literate.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in written form and verbally.
• Good command of the English language and good organizational skills.
• Logical problem-solving skills with the ability to make decisions within the broad limitations of University policy.
• Understanding of the PeopleSoft environment and interface.

Mental Demands

• Ability to work under general guidance with little supervision.
• Ability to plan the details of procedures and methods to obtain definite objectives.
• Ability to understand written and verbal instructions and to understand document procedure.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Ability to maintain accuracy in high-stress periods
• In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.

Physical Demands

• Intermittent sitting and standing; intermittent computer keyboard work.

• Repetitive wrist and finger motions with computer keyboard work.

• Talking and hearing on the telephone.

• Ability to conduct business at other offices on campus.

• Ability to lift, pull, grasp, bend to lower file drawers, and reach to the top of a 5-drawer file cabinet.

• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally.

Visual Demands

• Computer monitor and reading.

Environment

• Pleasant office, comfortable temperatures.
• Multiple conversations and transactions occurring simultaneously.

Technologies

• Proficient in Google Apps., Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel.

Compensation

• Grade 9: $23.58 to $27.12 is the hourly compensation for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package.

Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation. Please click the links to learn more about 'what we believe', our 'mission statement', and our 'statement of faith'.

You can learn more about APU by watching the stories of faculty, staff, and alumni as they carry out our mission here: http://www.apu.edu/stories/.

Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Required Skills

Required Experience