Student Accounts Advisor - Cashier

Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice.

Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern’s core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.

Position Description

The Student Accounts Advisor/Cashier is responsible for providing customer service and administrative support related to student accounts, cashiering operations, and payment processing. This role serves as a primary point of contact for students, families, faculty, and staff regarding billing inquiries, account balances, payment options, refunds, and general account concerns. Responsibilities include accurately processing and reconciling payments, preparing deposits, supporting daily cashiering functions, and ensuring timely and accurate financial transactions.

Position Responsibilities

Cashiering & Payment Processing

• Collect, process, and accurately post student payments received through various payment methods.
• Prepare and reconcile daily bank deposits in accordance with University policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate balancing and reconciliation of cashiering transactions and payment activity.
• Ensure proper handling, safeguarding, and documentation of funds and sensitive financial information.
• Process returned checks, payment reversals, adjustments, and assist with student refund inquiries.

Student Account Advising & Customer Service

• Advise students and families regarding account balances, billing activity, payment deadlines, payment plans, refunds, and registration holds.
• Respond to student inquiries through phone, email, text messaging, written correspondence, and in-person interactions.
• Provide accurate information regarding University billing policies, procedures, and payment options.
• Assist students with navigating online payment portals and self-service systems.
• Maintain professionalism, discretion, empathy, and excellent customer service in all interactions.

Reconciliation & Administrative Support

• Collaborate with the Accounting Office to reconcile daily transactions and general ledger activity.
• Assist with account audits, balancing procedures, discrepancy resolution, and departmental reporting.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in compliance with institutional policies and audit standards.
• Support compliance with University policies, federal regulations, and internal controls related to student financial transactions.
• Participate in testing and troubleshooting of student account and payment processing systems as needed.

Student Engagement & Departmental Support

• Attend and assist with University open houses, orientations, registration events, and other campus activities as requested.
• Collaborate with Financial Aid, Admissions, Registrar, and other departments to support student success and retention.
• Assist with communications related to billing reminders, payment deadlines, registration readiness, and account resolution.
• Promote a welcoming, professional, and service-oriented environment that supports the mission and values of the University.

Professional Expectations

Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, fairness, respect, and accountability in all interactions. Maintain confidentiality of student and financial information in compliance with FERPA and University policies. Exercise strong attention to detail and sound judgment in handling financial transactions. Perform additional duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional operations.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate must possess a high school diploma or equivalent; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree is preferred. Candidates should have 1–3 years of experience in customer service, cashiering, accounting support, higher education, or a related field. Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn institutional systems and processes.

Preferred qualifications include experience in higher education, student accounts, bursar operations, banking, or financial services, as well as familiarity with ERP systems such as Ellucian Colleague or similar student information systems. Experience with payment processing systems, reconciliation procedures, and financial transaction management.

Supplemental Information

This position operates primarily in an office environment and requires extended periods of sitting, computer use, and frequent interaction with students, families, faculty, and staff. The role may require occasional lifting of deposit bags, files, or office materials up to 15–20 pounds. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required during peak registration periods, special events, or other departmental needs.