Bursar / Director of Student Accounts
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Bursar is responsible for the administration and oversight of student accounts operations, including billing, payment processing, account reconciliation, fee assessment administration, reporting, policy development, customer service, and supervision of Student Accounts staff. The position works closely with Financial Aid, Registrar, Residence Life, and Business Office personnel to ensure accurate and efficient management of student financial records and transactions..
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Review and reconcile the Cashier's daily balancing sheet to verify all transactions match bank deposit records.
- Investigate and resolve payment discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Ensure accurate posting and reconciliation of all student account payments.
- Release tuition, housing, meal plan, and other student account charges according to established billing timelines.
- Release scholarships, grants, loans, and other financial aid awards in accordance with approved schedules.
- Monitor student account balances and address billing issues as needed.
- Assist students and families with questions regarding account charges and payments.
- Coordinate with the Registrar's Office, Financial Aid Office, and Business Office before processing fee assessments for fall, spring, and summer terms.
- Follow documented fee assessment procedures and ensure compliance with established processes.
- Run all fee assessments in the test environment prior to processing in the live production environment to verify accuracy.
- Review assessment results and resolve discrepancies before final processing.
- Generate reports reflecting tuition payment activity, receivables, and revenue collection.
- Compare current-year tuition payment trends to prior-year data and identify significant changes or areas of concern.
- Prepare reports, analyses, and supporting documentation for senior leadership, auditors, and external agencies as requested.
- Monitor student account metrics and recommend process improvements.
- Maintain and update the Student Accounts webpage to ensure information is accurate, current, and accessible.
- Prepare and distribute billing communications, payment reminders, and account notifications.
- Order billing materials, brochures, and informational resources as needed.
- Develop communication strategies to improve student and family understanding of account policies and procedures.
- Develop, maintain, and update Student Accounts policies and procedures.
- Ensure operational processes remain compliant with institutional policies, federal regulations, and industry best practices.
- Maintain departmental training manuals and procedural documentation.
- Recommend enhancements to improve efficiency, accuracy, and customer service.
- Provide ongoing training and support to the Cashier regarding student account procedures, customer service standards, and cash-handling practices.
- Monitor performance and provide coaching, guidance, and corrective feedback as necessary.
- Conduct a formal performance review after the employee's first 90 days of employment and participate in annual performance evaluations thereafter.
- Foster a collaborative and service-oriented office environment.
- Monitor daily Student Accounts operations to ensure the efficient and accurate processing of student financial transactions.
- Collaborate with Financial Aid, Registrar, Residence Life, Athletics, and Business Office staff to resolve account-related issues.
- Ensure compliance with cash-handling procedures and internal controls.
- Support institutional initiatives related to student retention and financial success.
- Participate in College committees and special projects as assigned.
- Assist with audits, year-end processes, and compliance reporting.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the operations of the Student Accounts Office and the College's financial objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Higher Education Administration, or a related field. Experience in student accounts, bursar operations, accounting, banking, or related financial services preferred. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Proficiency with Banner and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply, send a letter of interest, a resume and names and phone numbers of three references using the link below or email to HR@hiram.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Hiram College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to Excellence through Diversity!
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