Chayada Higgins
Director of Student Accounts & Financial Services
Professional Overview
Chayada Higgins is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with over a decade of experience in higher education, non-profit, and corporate settings. As the Director of Student Accounts & Financial Services at The University of Findlay, she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of student financial operations, including billing, payment processing, and financial aid administration. With a strong background in budgeting, financial analysis, and process optimization, Chayada is adept at driving operational efficiency and enhancing the overall student experience.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Director of Student Accounts & Financial Services at The University of Findlay, Chayada is responsible for managing a team of financial professionals and overseeing all student-related financial transactions. She has implemented streamlined processes and technologies to improve the accuracy and timeliness of student billing, payment collection, and financial aid disbursement. Under her leadership, the department has achieved a significant reduction in outstanding student balances and increased the overall satisfaction of students and their families with the university's financial services.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Chayada served as an Accounting and Financial Analyst at The University of Toledo Foundation, where she played a crucial role in managing the organization's investment portfolio and supporting fundraising initiatives. Before that, she held the position of Budget Coordinator at Muskegon Community College, where she was instrumental in developing and monitoring the institution's annual budget. Her earlier experience includes roles as an Accountant at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and a Financial Analyst II - Corporate FP&A at Seagate Technology, where she honed her skills in financial reporting, budgeting, and process improvement.
Academic Background
Chayada holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Chulalongkorn University, one of Thailand's most prestigious institutions. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from The University of Findlay, further enhancing her expertise in strategic financial management and leadership.
Areas of Expertise
- Student accounts and financial services management
- Financial reporting and analysis
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Process optimization and automation
- Team leadership and collaboration
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Chayada has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving financial processes and enhancing the student experience. At The University of Findlay, she has spearheaded the implementation of a new student information system, leading to a 20% reduction in student payment processing time. Additionally, she has actively participated in various industry associations, sharing her expertise and contributing to best practices in higher education finance.
Conclusion
Chayada Higgins is a highly accomplished finance and accounting professional with a proven track record of success in the higher education sector. As the Director of Student Accounts & Financial Services at The University of Findlay, she continues to drive operational excellence, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and deliver exceptional service to students and their families.
