Student Financial Services Assistant, Maryville

Student Financial Services Assistant
Maryville College - Maryville, TN *****
Position Purpose
The Student Financial Services Assistant ensures smooth, accurate, and supportive financial interactions for students, families, and campus departments.
This position maintains student accounts, processes payments, supports registration periods, and upholds strong financial controls.
By providing reliable customer service and precise daily cash handling, the role directly contributes to student success and the institution's financial integrity.
Summary
The Student Financial Services Assistant manages student billing and accounts receivable, maintains cash drawers, prepares daily deposits, and assists with registration and collections.
As the primary front-office representative for the Business Office, this position interacts regularly with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
Success in this role requires accuracy, confidentiality, professionalism, and consistent on-campus attendance.
Regular attendance and punctuality are essential.
Education and Experience Required to Ensure Success in This Position
Education required to ensure success in this position:
High school diploma or equivalent required
Associate degree in business, accounting, or related field preferred
Experience required to ensure success in this position:
13 years of customer service, cashiering, billing, or financial office experience preferred
Experience in higher education or student accounts is beneficial
Experience handling cash or payment processing preferred
Essential Functions
Leadership and Collaboration:
Oversee daily activity and maintain a welcoming presence in the main Business Office area.
Serve as the primary point of contact for walk-in visitors, phone calls, and online inquiries.
Support Fall and Spring registration periods; occasional weekend hours may be required.
Provide coverage for Bursar responsibilities in their absence
Provide accurate information and assistance regarding student billing, payment options, and account status.
Maintain a professional, service-oriented environment for students, parents, faculty, and staff
Data, Technology, and Compliance:
Maintain main cash and petty cash funds in accordance with internal control procedures.
Prepare and reconcile daily bank deposits with complete documentation and audit trails
Organize and maintain business records for current and former students in accordance with retention policies.
Ensure timely and accurate posting of financial transactions to student accounts
Perform accurate data entry, billing updates, and account adjustments
Uphold FERPA-mandated privacy compliance
Stakeholder and Institutional Support:
Assist with student billing questions, payment processing, and account navigation
Collaborate with campus offices to ensure accurate billing and coordinated student support.
Respond to inquiries from students, parents, faculty, and staff with professionalism and confidentiality of student financial information.
Maintain student payment plans and coordinate payment arrangements.
Operations and Technical Oversight:
Perform accounts receivable transactions, including credit card and monetary transactions.
Assist with managing former student account collections.
Maintain and manage current student balances and deferrals, ensuring timely payments.
Maintain account balance holds for both former and current students
Serve as backup for mail operations, including sorting incoming/outgoing mail and delivering important items to the post office.
Fiscal Oversight:
Ensure timely and accurate posting of payments, deposits, and cash-handling activities
Maintain strong internal controls through reconciliations and proper documentation.
Notify relevant offices when checks or payments are received.
Strategic Planning and Sustainability:
Maintain internal controls through reconciliations, documentation, and adherence to financial policies.
Identify opportunities to improve workflow efficiency, customer service, and documentation practices.
Recommend and support implementation of system or process enhancements when required
Other:
NOTE: Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist the College in the attainment of the goals set forth and the enhancement of a positive, respectful learning environment for all staff, faculty, and students.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in financial transactions
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
Proficient with Microsoft Office tools, office software; ability to learn new technologies
Ability to work independently, prioritize and manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines
Commitment to providing high-quality customer service
Dependability and regular attendance required
Ability to work well with others in a collaborative environment
Strong customer service and communication skills
License, Certification, or Registration Necessary:
Valid driver's license (for bank deposits if applicable)
Certification in financial software or systems is helpful but not required
Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods working at a computer
Ability to lift/move up to 20 pounds
Regular on-campus attendance required; may work outside regular hours during peak periods
Frequent interaction with students, families, staff, and faculty
Some interruptions due to walk-in questions at the front desk
May travel between campus buildings and/or bank as needed
Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment:
Standard office equipment (computer, printer, phone)
College vehicle or personal vehicle for bank deposits
"The College may, at its discretion, sponsor employment-based immigration petitions (such as H-1B or permanent residency) on behalf of employees when permitted by law and aligned with institutional priorities and budget.
Sponsorship is contingent on satisfactory continued employment, compliance with applicable federal regulations, availability of institutional resources, and the College's sole determination of fiscal feasibility.
The College cannot guarantee sponsorship in any case, particularly where newly introduced federal filing fees or wage obligations create financial burdens inconsistent with institutional budget stewardship.
The College always reserves the right to defer or decline sponsorship.
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