Specialist I, Business Office

American Public Education, Inc.

The Specialist I, Business Office is responsible for handling accounts receivable-related transactions on customer accounts, leveraging systems for multiple education units. Account maintenance includes cash processing and application, refund processing, account maintenance and reporting, accounts receivable reconciliation and posting, and research inquiries. This position requires excellent customer service and problem-solving skills. The Specialist I, Business Office is responsible for operating effectively and managing volume of work in a timely manner. Strong organizational and time management skills are required as the position often balances multiple priorities and switches between them in quick succession.

Reports to Manager, Business Office.

Responsibilities:

• Exercise judgement to accurately prepare, process, and apply payments for various pay types including financial aid, credit card, automated clearing house (ACH), check, scholarships, and electronic funds transfer (EFT) paid by third parties and students for multiple education units.
• Prepares and processes daily refunds to third party vendors, students, and the Department of Education via check, credit card, and ACH within regulatory guidelines and processing rules.
• Using various systems, methods, and data, reconcile and post various receivable transactions (tuition, fees, etc.)
• Create reconciliations for payments and refunds of varying amounts/transaction counts to ensure amounts being transacted are accurate and agree to third party remittance data.
• Understand the routine general ledger accounts transacted within the Business Office and how transactions need to be accurately hitting those accounts.
• Performs account maintenance to include correct application and general ledger coding of transactions.
• Individually review accounts and batches for accuracy and communicates discrepancies and proposed solutions to the appropriate individual to ensure accuracy.
• Assists with research and clean up to include past due invoices, payment issues, credit balances, and refunds.
• Independently manage time to ensure all assigned workflow items within service level agreements and internal/external requirements.
• Assist a variety of constituents on the telephone and via e-mail regarding related account questions.
• Interacts with other departments and third parties to achieve daily goals.
• Ensures compliance with the Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX) and Department of Education guidelines in daily processing.Assist in increasing operational efficiency by identifying areas for performance improvement.
• Participate in user acceptance testing of system enhancements and projects.
• Assist with process documentation as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to a diverse population.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to solve problems while handling sensitive, confidential information.
• Experience with Windows-based applications (specifically Excel)
• Demonstrate positive attitude and work ethic.
• Two years of related experience preferred.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.

About Us:

Online, on campus and in the workplace, we provide higher education and training to our country's heroes - military service members, veterans, nurses, government employees, and motivated professionals that want to make a difference. American Public Education, Inc. educates service-minded students, ranging from the military, public service, federal agencies, and nursing communities, through American Public University System (APUS), Hondros College of Nursing (HCON), Rasmussen University and Graduate School USA (GSUSA).

It is the policy of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) to afford equal opportunity to all qualified persons. We treat all qualified individuals equally as to their recruitment, hiring, assignments, advancements, compensation, and all other terms and conditions of employment. American Public Education, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, or sensory disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Colorado, California, Washington and NYC Pay Transparency Statement

If you are a resident of Colorado, California, Washington or New York City and this role is available remotely, you may be eligible to receive additional information about the compensation and benefits for this role, which we will provide upon request. Please send an email to recruiting@apei.com