Student Accounts Specialist at Whitworth University – Spokane, Washington

The Student Accounts Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting Whitworth University’s mission by providing accurate, timely, and compassionate financial services to students and their families. Reporting to the Associate Director of Billing & Accounts, this position is responsible for managing student billing, account reconciliation, collections, and general cashiering services. The Specialist ensures that student accounts are maintained with integrity, provides personalized customer service with empathy and professionalism, and supports financial transparency and equity across campus operations.

Application review will begin the week of July 21, 2025. For full consideration, please submit your application by July 25, 2025. Position will remain open until filled.
Student Account Services | 60%

• Manage an assigned portfolio of student accounts, including auditing and posting approved changes, adjustments, and corrections.
• Deliver excellent front-line service via phone, email, and in person to students, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Initiate and manage payment plans; perform outreach and collection activities, including skip tracing, calls, and letters.
• Research delinquent accounts for potential write-off and coordinate placements with third-party collection agencies.
• Prepare and process payments from external agencies and assist with electronic billing statement processing.
• Monitor, audit, and reconcile disbursements, refunds, and outside scholarships in coordination with Financial Aid and internal partners.

Institutional Loan Services | 20%

• Assist with preparation, disbursement, and tracking of institutional loan documents.
• Perform payment processing and ensure timely and accurate loan status updates.
• Facilitate required loan entrance and exit interviews.
• Support billing and due diligence tasks related to institutional loans.

Cashiering Support | 10%

• Serve as back-up to the university cashier and support daily operations including deposits, reconciliations, and compliance with cash management policy.
• Assist with on-campus training or guidance related to cash handling procedures.

Other Responsibilities | 10%

• Support the Student Financial Services team during registration, move-in, and other key campus events.
• Stay current on institutional policies, federal regulations, and best practices related to student accounts and billing.
• Attend departmental meetings and contribute to team planning and goal-setting efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of Whitworth University.

• Whitworth considers candidates with a wide range of educational backgrounds. We value the skills and knowledge candidates bring to Whitworth, regardless of the paths they have taken to acquire them.

• 1–3 years of relevant experience in accounting, billing, or collections. Transferable experience related to the position will be considered.
• Familiarity with financial systems, data reconciliation, and basic accounting principles.
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and learning.
• A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to provide empathetic, solutions-oriented service in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong accuracy in financial data entry, account audits, and document processing.
• Proactive approach to identifying issues and finding clear, appropriate resolutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex financial info clearly.
• Effective contributor to a team-oriented environment, committed to cross-functional cooperation.
• High standards for ethical handling of sensitive financial and student information.
• Competence in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), student information systems, billing software, and electronic payment processing.

Additional

• Ability to sit for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Frequent use of computer and keyboarding tasks

Schedule
Full-time (1.0 FTE) | 12 months | 40 hours per week
Whitworth office hours are 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday–Friday
Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak academic periods.

Whitworth University is a Christian liberal arts university. Our shared mission is to provide our diverse students with an education of mind and heart, equipping them to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity. We seek candidates who are willing to engage with the university’s mission and integrate their Christian faith into their work.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, faith statement, and contact information for at least three professional references. A background check and sexual misconduct check will be required of the successful candidate.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of employment, including those on OPT. Whitworth University does not offer visa sponsorship for this position.