"Accountant I - School Certifying Official, Veterans Affairs Billing Specialist"

Accountant I - School Certifying Official, Veterans Affairs Billing Specialist

Grade 15, AFSCME Unit position, 37.5 hours/week

Campus Location: Lynn Campus

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

SALARY: $2,110.33 biweekly, ($54,868.58 per year) with fringe benefits. An appointment made from outside the bargaining unit (AFSCME) must start at this salary, step #1 of the range or as adjusted in accordance with the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement. Full time benefited employees at North Shore Community College are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package offered through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Click HERE for a highlight of these benefits.

At this time, the College is not providing sponsorships for Visas.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Responsible for submitting billing for federal and state education benefits for veteran and military-affiliated students. This role focuses on accurate billing, compliance with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations, Department of Higher Education regulations, and coordination across institutional departments. This position supports the initial certification process in the absence of the primary SCO. Maintain files, prepare correspondence, answer inquiries, answer phones, prepare reports, data entry and reconcile data, communicating with students, parents and third party vendors about the College's tuition payment policies and practices, assisting them with their financial aid/student accounts inquiries. This position splits their time equally between Student Financial Services office and Veterans Services. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Student Accounts, with a matrix reporting relationship* to the Sr Special Programs Coordinator of Veterans Services.

* A matrix reporting relationship is a structure where employees have dual reporting lines, meaning they report to both a functional manager and a project or product manager. This structure is common in organizations using cross-functional teams and aims to improve communication and resource allocation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Accountant I Duties/Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Student Financial Services (SFS) primary contact for VA billing and payment issues, reconciling any discrepancies.
• Responsible for making sure the payment posting procedure is done with accuracy and consistency from posting to the end of the day closing.
• Provide students with accurate and appropriate information about the College's billing.
• Update Student Accounts related informational sheets and forms.
• Process third-party payments (such as tuition waivers, remissions, and agency vouchers)

SCO Billing Specialist Duties/Responsibilities:

• Serve as primary contact for military-connected students for VA billing questions and concerns.
• Educate students, staff, & faculty on VA billing procedures and VA and state compliance responsibilities.
• Maintain accurate student records, communication logs, and required documentation for VA audits.
• Submit, monitor and update VA billing (second VA certification) for Chapter 31, 33, including amendments, adjustments or termination.
• Complete initial and annual VA School Certifying Official training
• Receive & process VA Form 28-1905 purchase orders, including coordination with VR&E counselors, students, and Campus bookstore to ensure timely billing for tuition, fees, books and supplies.
• Process state and federal tuition assistance (FTA) benefits in coordination with National Guard Education Service inclusive of submitting required reports, billing documentation and certifications to appropriate state or federal agencies.
• Resolve discrepancies, overpayments, or VA debt notifications in partnership with students and Veterans Affairs.
• Reconcile VA and National Guard education payments with institutional student accounts, and financial aid offices to ensure proper posting and accurate billing.

Shared responsibilities:

• Representing office at Open Houses, FAFSA events, and other Admissions/Onboarding events
• Creates a student-centered and customer-oriented atmosphere when communicating with students, faculty, staff, and external constituents.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

The Human Resource Division Classification Specification for this position is available at http://www.mass.edu/forfacstaff/classificationspecs/classspecs-pers.asp or in the Human Resources Department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Matrix Reporting Relationship: Assistant Director of Student Accounts -functional manager; Sr Special Coordinator - project/product manager*

Job Requirements:

• One year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in accounting or auditing, or two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in accounting or auditing
• Demonstrated experience with data entry, the Internet, Microsoft Products, SIS (Banner), Google suite
• Experience working with veteran populations
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential and professional manner.
• Excellent customer services skills and ability to prioritize multiple projects and work independently.
• Successful experience interacting with culturally diverse populations.
• Candidates will be required to pass a CORI/SORI check and/or National background check as a condition of employment.
• Ability to occasionally travel between campuses as necessary.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with regulatory reporting and audits.
• Familiarity with FERPA and VA compliance regulations
• Prior experience as a School Certifying Official (SCO)
• Knowledge of VA Education Programs (Chapters 31, 33, 35, 30, 1606)
• Knowledge of National Guard Education Benefits