Refund & Collections Specialist

2 Months ago

New Gloucester, Maine, United States

Subscribe to job alerts

Get a weekly digest of the latest climate jobs from thousands of companies in your inbox.

Job Description

Unity Environmental University is seeking a Refund & Collections Specialist to manage student refunds and outstanding debts. The role involves processing refunds, verifying eligibility, coordinating with various units, and maintaining accurate records. The ideal candidate should have strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to excellent customer service. This position is based in New Gloucester, ME, indicating it is not a remote job.
About Unity:

At Unity Environmental University we are on a mission to make
environmental education accessible and affordable to all. Our
unique model combines a functional hierarchy and project-based
structure through our four Sustainable Education Business Units
(SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation (Distance
Education, Sustainable Ventures, and In-Person Education). We
prioritize our students' needs above all else, offering a variety
of modalities, including in-person, hyflex, and online. Our
innovative and inclusive culture prepares students to tackle
real-world challenges and cultivate the next generation of
environmental professionals and leaders who can make a positive
impact on our world.

Our Mission:

We are dedicated to delivering quality education and experiences
that produce outstanding environmentally competent professionals
and inspire individuals from all walks of life to steward
sustainable ecosystems.

About The Enterprise Model:

In 2017, Unity Environmental University pioneered a shift in
organizational structure by embracing the Enterprise Model. This
innovative model strategically segments the university into several
Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs), each functioning with
a high degree of autonomy. Designed akin to a matrix organization,
the Enterprise Model combines the benefits of both centralized and
decentralized management, enhancing the university's agility and
responsiveness to the dynamic needs of its students and broader
societal challenges.

This entrepreneurial framework fosters an environment where each
SEBU operates as an independent entity, yet is interconnected with
the university's core mission. The SEBUs are empowered to develop
specialized programs, services, and products that directly meet the
unique demands of their specific audiences.

Leadership within the Enterprise Model is both collaborative and
authoritative; decisions are made efficiently at various levels,
from the President to the Heads of SEBUs and Chief Officers, all
incorporating feedback from relevant stakeholders. This model
abolishes traditional silos and eschews the need for consensus,
ensuring that no single entity can veto the decisions of another,
thereby maintaining a streamlined and effective decision-making
process. In this model, every faculty member reports to a Dean who
oversees their daily work and performance evaluations.

The Opportunity:

The Bursar is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Refund
& Collections Specialist to join Unity Environmental University
administrative team. The Refund & Collections Specialist is
focused on refunds and will play a vital role in processing and
managing student refunds and ensuring accurate and timely
disbursements. The primary responsibility will be handling all
aspects of the refund process, from verifying eligibility to
coordinating with various units and maintaining accurate records.
The Refund & Collections Specialist manages and collects
outstanding debts owed to Unity Environmental University. The ideal
candidate will possess exceptional attention to detail, strong
problem-solving skills, and a commitment to delivering excellent
customer service to the student population.

Day to day responsibilities:
• Process and manage student refunds efficiently and accurately,
ensuring compliance with Unity Environmental University policies,
state regulations, and financial aid requirements.
• Review student accounts to determine refund eligibility based
on enrollment status, financial aid awards, and other relevant
factors.
• Collaborate with the financial aid office and other units to
gather necessary information and resolve any discrepancies related
to refunds.
• Assist with research on returned refund checks, e-refunds and
uncashed checks.
• Coordinate with the Bursar team to ensure accurate and
up-to-date records of refund disbursements.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and
institutional refund policies and guidelines.
• Provide guidance and support to students regarding refund
processes, policies, and timelines.
• Stay up-to-date with industry best practices and changes in
refund guidelines to ensure compliance and process
improvements.
• Collaborate with the Bursar team to enhance overall efficiency
and effectiveness of services.
• Assist with collections on late and delinquent student accounts
by contacting students via phone calls, emails, or letters to
remind them about their outstanding payments and negotiate
repayment plans.
• Review and reconcile student accounts daily to identify
discrepancies and ensure accurate records of transaction.
• Investigate and address student complaints, billing errors or
disputes related to invoices or payment terms, ensuring prompt
resolution, and maintaining positive customer relations.
• Maintain detailed records of communication with students,
payment agreements, and any other relevant information. Generate
reports and provide regular updates on collection activities and
account statuses.
• Interact with others professionally and tactfully, provide
assistance and guidance regarding payments options, due dates, and
potential consequences of non-payment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Do you have the skills?
• Associate degree and a minimum of 1-3 years job related
experience or in lieu of Associate degree equivalent combination of
education and experience.
• Basic knowledge of accounting and collections processes.
• Must be capable of independent judgement, highly motivated with
strong organizational skills.
• Must be flexible with good interpersonal skills.
• Able to read, analyze and interpret general business
periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or
governmental regulations.
• Able to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and
statistical inference. Able to apply concepts such as fractions,
percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Extensive knowledge of computerized database systems, word
processing and spreadsheets.
• Able to define problems, collect data establish facts, and draw
valid conclusions. Able to interpret an extensive variety of
technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal
with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational
structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being
discreet, courteous, and well poised.

Preferred:
• Experience in a higher education environment or financial
services department

Are you thinking about applying but unsure if it's the right
fit? We encourage you to reach out anyway. We recognize that
everyone brings different experiences and skills to the table. Take
a chance and submit your application; you might be exactly who
we're looking for.

Location: Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine

Just a half hour from Portland, Unity Environmental University
Headquarters, Unity Environmental University Distance Education,
Unity @ Pineland & Sustainable Ventures are based at the
Pineland Farms campus. The facilities are within easy access to one
of the fastest-growing cities for startups in the country.

Work Schedule:

Work hours are specific to the requirements of this position and
can include days, evenings, and weekends. Working extended hours
required as needed. Must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling
responsibilities and meeting the Institution’s needs. Although
Unity Environmental University employees are generally scheduled to
work at their specifically assigned locations, there are times when
travel is necessary and employees are required from time to time to
attend events, meetings or work temporary assignment at any Unity
Environmental University location.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, it is regularly required
to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to
stand or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up
to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include
close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception,
and the ability to adjust focus. The use of either hand for
repetitive movements such as grasping, grasping and turning, and
fine manipulation is required as is the ability to use the
telephone for internal and external communications.

Company Perks:

Unity Environmental University offers a comprehensive and
competitive compensation and benefits package for its faculty and
staff. Benefits for eligible employees include:
• Paid holidays off
• 4 weeks of PTO
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan with up to 8% match
• Relocation Assistance

Unity Environmental University


Report inaccurate data

|

Leave feedback about this job

More Data analysis / Data science jobs in climate

Principal Ecologist

1 Day ago

England, United Kingdom

APPLY

Other jobs at Unity Environmental University