Director of Student Financial Services
Financial Aid
Description
JOB SUMMARY: The Director of Student Financial Services leads the Student Accounts function within the Financial Aid and Student Accounts office at Gustavus Adolphus College. The office operates as an integrated unit under the Dean of Financial Aid, with clear functional ownership: the Dean and two Associate Deans of Financial Aid manage all student-facing financial aid advising, program compliance, and award administration; the Director owns Student Accounts operations, billing compliance, and the accurate, timely processing of charges and disbursements.
The Director manages a two-person Student Accounts team alongside an Associate or Assistant Director of Student Accounts, maintains close operational partnership with the Dean's office, and develops sufficient working knowledge of financial aid processes to coordinate disbursements, reconcile aid against billing, and support smooth office operations-without advising students on aid eligibility, awards, or financial aid compliance matters.
Employment Type: Full-Time (1.0 FTE), Exempt (Salaried), Benefits-Eligible
Salary Range: $65,000-80,000 annually
How to apply: Continue here or visit https://gustavus.edu/jobs/ to complete the online application and submit a resume and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
Student Accounts Leadership & Operations
- Provide strategic direction and hands-on operational management of all Student Accounts functions, including billing, payment processing, account resolution, collections, and disbursement.
- Hold final accountability for the integrity of the accounts receivable system and all associated data.
- Oversee timely and accurate generation of tuition, room, meal plan, and other charges in coordination with the Registrar's Office, Residential Life, and Finance.
- Administer payment plans and maintain vendor relationships for payment plan services, alternative loans, and student health insurance.
- Oversee the online payment gateway and ensure monthly reconciliation of all affected general ledger accounts.
- Review delinquent accounts and make recommendations to the Controller regarding write-offs and collection procedures.
- Ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations affecting student billing, disbursement, and account disclosures.
- Prepare all Student Accounts work papers for the annual institutional audit.
- Ensure timely preparation and submission of all 1098-T forms in compliance with federal tax regulations.
- Provide budget projections, account analyses, and reports as requested by the Controller and/or the Dean.
Student Accounts Service
- Serve as the senior service contact for students and families with questions about their bill, account balance, payment options, payment plans, and financial holds.
- Resolve complex or escalated Student Accounts issues that cannot be addressed by the Associate/Assistant Director.
- Ensure students with financial aid questions are directed promptly and courteously to the appropriate Associate Dean of Financial Aid.
- Ensure consistent, professional service standards across the Student Accounts team.
Financial Aid Coordination
- Serve as the operational partner to the Dean's office for financial aid disbursement: coordinate timing, posting, and reconciliation of federal, state, and institutional aid to student accounts.
- Maintain working knowledge of financial aid award types, disbursement timelines, and how aid applies to student account balances-sufficient to ensure accurate billing and to identify and resolve discrepancies in coordination with the Dean's office.
- Collaborate with the Dean's office on communication to students about billing deadlines, payment requirements, and the impact of aid changes on account balances.
- Participate in joint planning with the Dean's office on enrollment-related financial processes, system integrations, and policy changes that affect both Financial Aid and Student Accounts.
- Escalate financial aid eligibility questions, compliance matters, and award-level decisions to the Dean; do not advise students independently on financial aid matters.
Technology & Systems
- Lead selection, implementation, and operational direction of Student Accounts technology, including Ellucian Colleague, Perceptive Content, and the online payment gateway.
- Partner with the AIS team and the Dean's office on system upgrades and integrations that affect both Financial Aid and Student Accounts.
- Identify and implement technology and process improvements that enhance billing accuracy and the student accounts experience.
Staff Partnership & Cross-Training
- Directly supervise the Associate/Assistant Director of Student Accounts, including hiring, onboarding, coaching, and annual performance reviews.
- Establish and maintain a cross-training program so that both Student Accounts staff members can independently manage all critical office functions during the other's absence.
- Maintain personal working proficiency in all Student Accounts functions to provide full operational coverage when the other staff member is unavailable.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and student-centered team culture within the Student Accounts office.
Institutional Collaboration
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with the Registrar, Residential Life, Finance, Admissions, Retention, Graduate Studies, and Advancement offices.
- Serve as the Student Accounts representative on institutional committees and in Enrollment Management initiatives as relevant.
- Represent Gustavus at relevant professional development events and regulatory training.
Prerequisites
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in finance, business, accounting, higher education administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of three years of managerial experience in a higher education student accounts office, OR five or more years of progressively responsible student accounts experience in higher education.
- Demonstrated knowledge of student billing practices, accounts receivable management, and applicable federal and state billing regulations.
- Working familiarity with financial aid disbursement processes and how aid interacts with student account balances.
- Experience with university ERP systems and related technology platforms.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain billing and account information clearly to students and families.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a small, collaborative office environment.
- Ability to handle sensitive financial and personal situations with discretion and professionalism.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree in a relevant field.
- Five or more years of supervisory experience in higher education student accounts or financial services.
- Experience with Ellucian Colleague, Perceptive Content, Slate, or similar enterprise platforms.
- Experience working in an integrated Financial Aid and Student Accounts office structure.
- Active participation in NACUBO, MASFAA, or related professional associations.
Work Environment
This is a full-time, exempt, primarily office-based position. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required during peak periods, including the start of term, billing cycles, and registration deadlines.
Gustavus offers competitive and comprehensive benefits which include:
- Medical insurance (which includes access to Nice Healthcare) as well as dental, vision, and life insurance
- Workplace accommodations for physical or mental health concerns
- Onsite health services
- Free parking, exercise classes, and use of library and athletic facilities
- Paid parental leave
- Employer contribution to retirement savings plan (after one year of employment)
- Tuition scholarships for dependents
- Tuition benefit plan for employees and spouse
- 13 paid Holidays + generous PTO plan
Gustavus Adolphus College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.
Gustavus Adolphus College is one of the nation's leading private liberal arts colleges serving approximately 1,800 students. The College aspires to be a community of persons from diverse backgrounds who respect and affirm the dignity of all people. Known for its strong science, writing, music, athletics, study-away, and service-learning programs, Gustavus is located on a scenic 340-acre hill in St. Peter, Minnesota only one hour southwest of the Twin Cities.
Contact
Mark Bauer |
[email protected] | 507-933-7687
Posted: Tue Aug 4, 2026
To apply, visit https://gustavus.edu/employment/job/2430
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