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Specialist II, Student Accounts & Payments (TEMP)

Joliet Junior College · Joliet, IL · Part time

Posted Jul 20, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 4, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you handled cash, checks or card payments and had to make sure your drawer balanced at the end of the day.

What they are checking: Whether they have real habits for accuracy with money, since a bursar's office is audited and errors are traced to a person.

Tell me about a time you found a mistake in a record or payment that someone else had entered. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they correct errors through the proper channel and tell their lead, instead of quietly fixing it or ignoring it.

This is a temporary, part-time role during busy periods. How do you get up to speed quickly in an office with its own systems and procedures?

What they are checking: Whether they can learn a new system fast and ask good questions without needing weeks of hand-holding.

Tell me about a time you had to follow a strict procedure even though it slowed you down. Why did you stick to it?

What they are checking: Whether they respect controls around money and records, which matter more here than speed.

How do you keep your focus when you're doing repetitive data entry for hours at a time?

What they are checking: Whether they have practical ways to stay accurate during long stretches of routine posting work.

What would you do

A student comes to the counter upset because a hold on their account is keeping them from registering for next semester. Walk me through how you'd handle that conversation.

What they are checking: Whether they can stay calm and clear with a stressed student while still following the bursar's rules on holds.

A parent calls and asks what their adult son owes and whether his financial aid has posted. What do you tell them?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that student records are protected under FERPA and know to check for a release before sharing anything.

The line is out the door the week before classes start and the phones keep ringing. How do you decide what to do first?

What they are checking: Whether they can keep service steady and accurate during peak rush without cutting corners on payment handling.

A student asks you to waive a late fee because they say they never got the bill. You don't have authority to waive it. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they can say no kindly, explain the next step, and route the request to the person who can decide.

About the work

How would you explain to a student, in plain words, why their bill went up after their financial aid was adjusted?

What they are checking: Whether they can translate account charges, credits and aid changes into language a first-year student can actually follow.

What experience do you have with spreadsheets, student information systems or any accounting software?

What they are checking: How much training they will need on the tools used to post payments, look up balances and run reports.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Joliet Junior College.

Position Title: Specialist II, Student Accounts & Payments (TEMP) Job Description: POSITION TITLE: Specialist II, Student Accounts & Payments (TEMP) STATUS: Part Time DEPARTMENT: Student Accounts & Payments DIVISION: Administrative Services CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt UNION: TOSSC-AFT Local 604 REPORTS TO: Bursar, Student Accounts PLACEMENT: Grade 107 HIRING RANGE: $22.82 $24.19 Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The student population at the college is diverse in ethnicity, gender, language, age and background. Joliet Junior College is an AA/EO employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of its staff. POSITION SUMMARY Under the direction of the Student Accounts & Payments manager, the specialist provides quality customer service in a team-focused, fast-paced, demanding and continuously evolving environment. Position is responsible for billing and collections, payment plans, receipt of tuition and other miscellaneous payments, processing refunds, monitoring and managing delinquent accounts and coordinating with other student service departments. Position requires maintaining a high level of confidentiality of college and student accounts while complying with the Federal Right to Privacy Act (FERPA), college, state and federal regulations. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Receive, research and review, process, record and deposit all monies for the institution in accordance with established departmental procedures in an accurate, professional and timely manner. Open/close office and ensuring security and safety at all times. 2. Effectively and professionally communicate with customers. 3. Provide cash management support to departments within the college for various campus services. 4. Maintain software and outsourced vendor service relationships as related to student accounts. 5. Perform all accounting, invoicing and refunding related to student accounts receivables and payables in accordance with established guidelines, college policies and federal laws and regulations. Provide information regarding 1098T student tax forms. 6. Train and provide support to employees on and off campus in relation to accounts receivable processes. 7. Coordinate, maintain and assist with collection efforts of delinquent accounts collaborating with collection and legal agencies. 8. Prepare data and trend analyses related to student/employee data as needed for executive management and provide assistance during college’s annual audits. 9. Participate in the goals and objectives of the department and college. 10. Participate in professional and personal development as needed. Serve on college committees/teams. 11. Perform related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. High school or equivalent. 2. Three (3) years of student accounts receivable or similar accounting experience. 3. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Internet. 4. Ability to effectively and efficiently function in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with frequent interruptions. 5. Ability and willingness to work cooperatively with a diverse population, courteous, dependable and personable with strong organizational and communication skills. 6. Flexibility to adjust scheduled hours as needed. 7. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community, displaying cultural competence as well as emotional intelligence. 8. Demonstrated commitment to the college’s core values of respect and inclusion, sustainability, integrity, collaboration, humor and well-being, innovation and quality. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 1. Associate’s degree. 2. Experience with Ellucian software. 3. English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency. 4. Demonstrated multicultural competence WORK SCHEDULE • 28 hours maximum • Primary work hours between 11:00pm – 6:00pm M-Th 12:30pm – 4:30pm F • Hours subject to change during summer, spring break, peak periods and as needed for office coverage. PHYSICAL DEMANDS 1. Normal office physical demands. WORKING CONDITIONS 1. Duties are performed indoors in the usual office environment. BENEFITS No Benefits Full Time/Part Time: Part time Union (If Applicable): TOSSC Scheduled Hours: 20

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