📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Student Account Associate Supervisor
🔹 Company: Penn State University
🔹 Location: Penn State University Park, Pennsylvania
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Education, Student Services
🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with flexible remote work (up to 3 days per week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Providing exceptional customer service to students, families, and staff regarding student accounts
- Performing in-depth analysis of student accounts and resolving issues
- Training and coaching staff, handling escalated student resolutions, and making recommendations for improvement
- Working closely with Bursar management and collaborating with other departments
- May have direct supervisor responsibility depending on business needs
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently under limited supervision.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Provide counseling and guidance to students, families, staff, and campuses on University and Bursar policies and procedures related to all aspects of the student account throughout the student life cycle
✅ Perform in-depth analysis of student accounts and resolve issues
✅ Guide students and families through the billing and financial aid disbursement and refunding processes
✅ Accept and post payments, and issue receipts
✅ Provide information on University Policies and processes and serve as a resource for the Student Account Specialists team
✅ Work closely with Bursar management to make recommendations for improvement
✅ May have direct supervisor responsibility depending on business needs
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of customer interaction and requires strong problem-solving skills to resolve complex account issues.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Minimally requires an Associate’s degree
Experience: Four years of related experience
Required Skills:
- High level of attention to detail and critical thinking skills
- Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and grammatical skills
- Customer service skills
- Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Experience with PeopleSoft Campus Solutions is highly desirable
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in a higher education setting
- Bilingual or multilingual skills
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant experience in student accounts, customer service, or a related field may be considered even if they do not meet the exact education requirements.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $46,400.00 - $67,300.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plans
- Tuition assistance
- Generous vacation and sick leave
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible remote work options
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on Penn State's job and salary structure. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and internal equity.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education, specifically focused on student services and finance
Company Size: Penn State University has over 1,000 employees at the University Park campus alone, providing a large and diverse work environment
Founded: 1855, with the University Park campus established in 1998
Company Description:
- Penn State University is a multi-campus public research university that offers a wide range of academic programs
- The Office of the Bursar is responsible for managing student billing, payment processing, and financial aid disbursement
- The Office Budget and Finance supports the university's teaching, research, and public service missions by providing exceptional service to faculty, staff, students, and the broader community
Company Specialties:
- Student account management
- Financial aid processing
- Billing and payment processing
- Customer service and support
Company Website: Penn State University
ASSUMPTION: Penn State University is a large and complex organization with many departments and offices, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for advancement to management or senior roles
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Bursar management, with potential direct supervisor responsibility depending on business needs
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with up to 3 days per week on-site at the University Park campus
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to management or senior roles within the Office of the Bursar or other departments
- Cross-functional collaboration and project involvement
- Professional development and training opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the University's finance and business division.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site at the University Park campus, with flexible remote work options
Office Location(s): 123 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802
Geographic Context:
- The University Park campus is located in the central Pennsylvania region, offering a mix of urban and rural living options
- The campus is surrounded by natural beauty, with easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions
- The region has a moderate cost of living and a diverse community
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexible hours and remote work options
ASSUMPTION: The University Park campus offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with a strong focus on customer service and support.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with hiring manager
- Final interview with Bursar management
Key Assessment Areas:
- Customer service skills and experience
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office and PeopleSoft Campus Solutions
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Demonstrate your customer service experience and problem-solving abilities in your application materials
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your customer service and problem-solving skills
ATS Keywords: Student account management, customer service, problem-solving, attention to detail, Microsoft Office, PeopleSoft Campus Solutions
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may vary depending on the candidate's employment status with Penn State University.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
- PeopleSoft Campus Solutions
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with PeopleSoft Campus Solutions is highly desirable.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Discovery
- Excellence
- Community
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Customer-focused
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Attentive to detail and committed to accuracy
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have strong customer service skills and experience?
- Are you able to work independently and manage your time effectively?
- Do you have a high level of attention to detail and accuracy?
- Are you comfortable using Microsoft Office and PeopleSoft Campus Solutions?
ASSUMPTION: Penn State University values candidates who demonstrate strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Handling high volumes of customer inquiries and resolving complex account issues
- Working with a diverse and sometimes demanding customer base
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines
- Adapting to changes in university policies and procedures
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other student account associate positions, but with additional supervisory responsibilities
- Compared to other higher education institutions, Penn State University offers a large and diverse student population, requiring a higher level of customer service and support
- Career progression may involve moving into management or senior roles within the Office of the Bursar or other departments
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for career growth and development within the University's finance and business division.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a new process for handling escalated student resolutions
- Training and coaching staff on updated billing and financial aid procedures
- Analyzing student account data to identify trends and make data-driven recommendations for improvement
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that the Student Account Associate Supervisor may be involved in.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
- How does this role fit into the overall structure of the Office of the Bursar and the University's finance and business division?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and career growth within the University?
- How does the University support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what opportunities are there for advancement?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions help candidates better understand the role, the work environment, and the opportunities for career growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- If you are a current Penn State employee or student, login to Workday to complete the internal application process. If you are not a current employee or student, click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on customer service, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your customer service and problem-solving skills, as well as your ability to work independently and manage your time effectively.
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your relevant experience and how you can contribute to the success of the Office of the Bursar and the University's finance and business division.
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your interest in the position and reiterate your qualifications.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
