Student Accounts Specialist

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. 

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Bursar’s Office serves as Rice University’s central office for providing cashiering, student financial services, billing administration, and centralized accounts receivable systems. The Student Accounts Specialist works with student accounts, 529 plan payments, refunds, third-party sponsor billing/payments, and VA (Veteran Affairs) / NROTC (Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps) programs. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Student Accounts Management:
  • Monitor and track financial charges and credits on student accounts.
  • Ensure accuracy and compliance with institutional policies and regulations.
  • Provide customer service support to students regarding their accounts.
• Refund Administration:
  • Process and track student refunds.
  • Assess individual accounts for appropriateness and make necessary adjustments.
  • Ensure adherence to institutional, state, and federal regulations.
• Third-Party Billing:
  • Handle billing for third-party payers, including employers, scholarship providers, prepaid tuition plans, and other organizations.
  • Ensure timely and accurate invoicing and payment collection.
  • Reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• VA/NROTC Payments:
  • Manage payments for VA (Veterans Affairs) and NROTC (Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps) programs.
  • Ensure compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies.
  • Coordinate with relevant departments to ensure accurate and timely processing of payments and refunds.

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented, and dedicated individual with a strong background in managing student accounts and handling various types of payments, including 529 plans, refunds, third-party sponsor billing, and VA/NROTC payments. The candidate is committed to providing exceptional customer service and complying with university and regulatory requirements.

On campus position: This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at the Bursar’s Office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: 

$48,700 - $60,800 annually. This is a full-time, exempt position. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree 
  • In lieu of the educational requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
• 1+ year experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted

Skills: 

• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software
• Basic knowledge of accounting and accounting principles
• Working knowledge of accounting systems

Preferences:

• Excellent analytical skills to accurately process and reconcile payments, identify discrepancies, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for interacting with students, parents, and third-party sponsors, as well as collaborating with other departments
• Proactive approach to problem-solving, with the a