Student Financials Coordinator

Student Financials Coordinator

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Student Financials Coordinator.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406\-0001

United States

Division Business Services

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 15\.82 \- 16\.34

Pay Grade

N06

Posting Close Date Five Days After Posted

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a resume and cover letter with application.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full\-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H\-1B).

Job Summary

The Student Financials Coordinator supports the administration of student accounts receivable functions by ensuring the accurate and timely processing of invoicing, deposits, reconciliations, refunds, third\-party billing, and past\-due account management. This position serves as a front\-line resource for students and parents, providing clear guidance regarding account balances, billing activity, and financial obligations to the University. The Coordinator performs detailed account research, maintains compliance with institutional policies and applicable federal regulations, and supports the integrity of student financial records within the University’s financial systems.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains front\-line operations for student financial transactions and provides high\-quality customer service to students and families. Demonstrates a strong working knowledge of office policies and procedures to independently research accounts, resolve discrepancies, answer inquiries, and address routine account concerns.
• Administers billing and collection processes for designated third\-party sponsors and prepaid tuition programs (e.g., MPACT). Verifies student eligibility, completes required documentation, prepares and submits invoices, and communicates with students and sponsoring agencies. Receives scholarship authorizations and accurately enters awards in PeopleSoft.
• Assists in preparing delinquent student accounts for referral to external collection agencies. Conducts collection outreach on designated accounts prior to agency placement. Processes and verifies collection payment activity reports, updates accounts in PeopleSoft, and maintains required documentation and tracking checklists.
• Maintains written\-off accounts and bad debt records; posts charge and credit files; processes refunds; and generates student account statements as needed. Administers the online payment portal for former students and ensures timely posting of payments and removal of applicable holds. Reviews pre\-PeopleSoft accounts to determine transcript release eligibility in compliance with Title IV regulations and institutional policies.
• Processes student, Parent PLUS, and credit card refunds in accordance with established procedures. Reviews refund batches for accuracy and securely transmits required demographic and refund files to third\-party processors. Generates the NRA Tax Report and posts applicable tax liabilities related to scholarships for international students.
• Assists with the distribution and explanation of student account statements and IRS Form 1098\-T. Responds to Business Services listserv inquiries on a rotational basis. Provides backup support for posting student account payments and performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree in business, accounting, or a related field and three (3\) years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills \& Abilities

• Knowledge of student accounts receivable processes, including billing, collections, refunds, reconciliation, and third\-party sponsorship administration within a higher education or similar financial environment.
• Working knowledge of federal financial aid and tax reporting regulations (e.g., Title IV, IRS Form 1098\-T) and the ability to apply institutional policies and governmental guidelines accurately.
• Proficiency in enterprise financial systems (e.g., PeopleSoft) and online payment platforms, with the ability to accurately enter, maintain, and reconcile financial data.
• Strong analytical and problem\-solving skills with the ability to independently research account discrepancies and resolve issues within established procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive financial and student information in accordance with FERPA and institutional standards.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately account for monies received and processed while adhering to internal controls.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong communication, customer service, time management, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast\-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, accounting, finance, or a related field. Experience in student financial services within a higher education environment. Working knowledge of PeopleSoft or comparable enterprise financial systems.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community\-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student\-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.