Assistant Director, Student Accounts

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.
William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes’ Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award.
Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond.
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Director of Student Accounts, the Assistant Director assists in the management and administration of assigned Student Accounts operations, including tuition and fee assessment, billing, accounts receivable, collections, payment processing, refunds, financial reconciliations, and reporting.
The Assistant Director directly supervises four assigned employees and is responsible for coordinating daily work activities, monitoring performance, providing training, maintaining operational procedures, and ensuring the timely and accurate completion of assigned responsibilities.
The position utilizes Banner, TouchNet, Microsoft Excel, and other institutional systems to support accurate financial processing, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. The Assistant Director collaborates with Financial Aid, Registrar, Information Technology, Finance, and other University departments to resolve student account issues and support institutional objectives.
General Job Duties
Manages assigned Student Accounts operations, including tuition billing, accounts receivable, payment processing, refunds, collections, financial reconciliations, and related customer service activities.
Supervises four assigned employees, including establishing work assignments, coordinating schedules and office coverage, monitoring attendance and performance, providing training and cross-training, and ensuring accountability for assigned responsibilities.
Oversees Banner tuition and fee assessment activities, including reviewing, testing, and maintaining billing rules, tuition structures, detail codes, and related system configurations to ensure accurate assessment of student charges.
Coordinates student billing processes, including electronic billing statements, payment deadlines, outstanding balance reviews, financial holds, and registration cancellation activities.
Oversees assigned student refund processing activities, including refund file generation, review, reconciliation, and coordination with Financial Aid and other departments to ensure compliance with applicable federal and institutional requirements.
Supports the administration and maintenance of TouchNet and related payment processing systems, including payment plans, electronic payments, Marketplace, student deposits, and payment reconciliations.
Prepares, reviews, and analyzes financial reports, accounts receivable aging, outstanding balances, billing activity, refunds, and other financial information using Banner, Microsoft Excel, and institutional reporting tools. Investigates discrepancies and recommends corrective actions.
Coordinates assigned third-party billing, payment processing, and reconciliation activities to ensure accurate recording of financial transactions and timely resolution of outstanding balances.
Reviews financial transactions, reconciliations, and operational procedures within assigned areas to support accurate financial reporting, appropriate internal controls, and compliance with University policies and applicable regulations.
Implements and maintains departmental procedures within assigned areas, identifies opportunities for operational improvements, and recommends enhancements to the Director of Student Accounts.
Collaborates with Financial Aid, Registrar, Information Technology, Finance, Enrollment Management, and other University departments to resolve complex student account issues and support departmental initiatives.
Assists the Director of Student Accounts with operational planning, problem resolution, staff development, financial analysis, and departmental projects.
Represents the Office of Student Accounts on University committees, meetings, and special projects as assigned.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in Student Accounts, Bursar operations, accounts receivable, higher education finance, or a closely related field.
Minimum of two years of supervisory or management experience.
Demonstrated experience with financial reconciliations, accounts receivable management, billing, financial reporting, and internal controls.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookup functions, financial analysis, and reconciliation.
Experience using enterprise financial systems, student information systems, or other comparable ERP applications.
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
Experience using Ellucian Banner Student Accounts and TouchNet payment processing systems.
Experience with SQL, SAS, or other financial reporting and data analysis tools.
Knowledge of Title IV cash management, FERPA, and other higher education financial regulations.
Experience with tuition and fee assessment, billing rule configuration, refund processing, and student financial reporting.
Core Competencies and Skills:
Financial Management
Accounts receivable management, billing, collections, cash management, reconciliations, financial reporting, and internal controls.
Systems and Technology
ERP and student information systems, advanced Microsoft Excel, payment processing technologies, reporting applications, and financial data analysis.
Leadership and Supervision
Staff supervision, performance management, training and cross-training, workload coordination, conflict resolution, and employee development.
Analytical and Operational Skills
Financial analysis, data interpretation, problem solving, process improvement, trend analysis, and operational risk assessment.
Regulatory Knowledge
FERPA, Title IV requirements, financial aid-related transactions, applicable University policies, and audit standards.
Communication and Collaboration
Written and verbal communication, customer service, relationship management, cross-departmental coordination, and resolution of complex financial matters.
Other Information:
The position may require occasional evening and weekend hours based on departmental needs, University events, and operational requirements.
This description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.
Salary - NAL - $74,251.80 - 96,511.00
This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans. To learn more, please visit: Benefits Package Pamphlet (NAL)
Invitation to apply
Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume/CV.
Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and all documents should be uploaded where prompted to upload your resume/cv.
General questions related to this application process, please contact:
humanresources@wpunj.edu .
Please include with your inquiry the Job Requisition number beginning with R as well as the job title and department.
Salary Range:
Please see posting.
Total Rewards and Benefits:
Click here to view the total rewards of working at WP
William Paterson University is committed to protecting your privacy and will not sell yo