Southern California HERC

Soka University of America (SUA) seeks a detail-oriented and student-focused Student Accounts Counselor/University Cashier to support the daily operations of the Student Accounts Office. This position is responsible for cashiering functions, payment processing, account inquiries, administrative support for billing, and assisting with student loan collection activities in coordination with a third-party vendor. The focused Student Accounts Counselor/University Cashier helps ensure accuracy, compliance, and exceptional service in all student financial interactions. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong attention to detail and professionalism.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds and experiences. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission to develop global citizens. Having the ability and willingness to work collegially is essential, as is an understanding of an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum.

Essential duties include but are not limited to:

Student Account Support (35%)

• Serve as a front-line resource for students and families regarding billing statements, payment options, holds, and account balances.
• Provide support with processing payment plans, third-party payments, and sponsored billing.
• Assist with the distribution and tracking of billing notifications and reminders.
• Help review student account data for accuracy and flag inconsistencies or errors for follow-up.

Student Loan Collections (35%)

• Assist with the collection of student loans, delinquent accounts, and past-due balances.
• Coordinate with the university’s third-party collections vendor to place accounts, track progress, and support required documentation.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with students regarding delinquent balances, repayment options, and deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records of collection efforts and ensure adherence to institutional, state, and federal regulations.
• Support default prevention efforts in collaboration with the Manager of Student Accounts.

Cashiering & Payment Processing (10%)

• Process student payments, departmental deposits, and other receipts in accordance with university cash-handling policies.
• Balance and reconcile the weekly cash drawer; prepare bank deposits, reports and related documentation.
• Maintain accurate transaction records within the university’s ERP and cashiering systems.
• Assist with issuing student refunds and coordinating disbursements with the Manager of Student Accounts.

Administrative & Office Support (10%)

• Assist with routine billing cycles, data entry, document preparation, and filing.
• Provide general administrative support to the Student Accounts Office and collaborate with Financial Aid, Registrar, Residential Life, and other departments.

Compliance & Data Integrity (5%)

• Follow PCI, FERPA, and internal control standards for all payment and student information activities.
• Ensure receipt processing, recordkeeping, and cash handling comply with institutional and audit requirements.
• Maintain accurate data in the ERP system through timely entry, verification, and error correction.

Customer Service (5%)

• Deliver friendly, compassionate, and knowledgeable service to students, families, faculty, and staff.
• Respond promptly to inquiries via phone, email, and in person.
• Communicate policies, deadlines, and billing instructions clearly and professionally.
• Assist in improving student financial processes and supporting a positive service environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum 2–4 years of experience in cashiering, accounts receivable, collections support, accounting, or customer service, with demonstrated responsibility in financial transaction handling and student account management.
• Preferred:
• Experience in university student accounts, bursar, financial aid, or finance office.
• Experience with collections or working with third-party collection agencies.
• Experience working in a student-facing or multicultural environment.

Competencies/Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle financial transactions with accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow regulatory standards (FERPA, PCI, internal controls).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Familiarity with ERP systems (PeopleSoft or similar), cashiering systems, or payment platforms.

Environment:

In-person, front-facing role with regular interaction with students and campus partners. Work takes place inside and outside an office environment. Occasional exposure to unpleasant elements such as noise, heat, cold and/or dust.

Soka University of America offers a competitive salary, benefits and an excellent working environment. Anticipated salary range for this position is $50,000 to $55,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a successful background check.

Application review will begin immediately. The position will remain open, and applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

New employees must provide documents, on their first day, verifying identity and legal authorization to work in the United States. The list of acceptable documents can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents.

Application Requirements

Must submit the following to be considered:

• letter of interest for this position
• resume
• three professional references 

Apply for the Student Accounts Counselor/University Cashier position

For inquiries, e-mail: jobs@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

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About Soka University of America

Founded on the Buddhist principles of peace, human rights, and the sanctity of life, Soka University of America is a secular, four-year liberal arts college and graduate school with a unique mission: to educate global citizens to contribute to a better world. Situated atop a ridge overlooking a 4,000-acre wilderness park, Soka is three miles from the Pacific Ocean, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. The university's commitment to fostering global citizenship is reflected in its diverse student body, with 50% of students hailing from international backgrounds. This is further supported by mandatory second language and study abroad programs, and an interdisciplinary core curriculum. The curriculum is delivered in small, dynamic classes, maintaining a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 12.

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