Associate Bursar

The Associate Bursar provides direct supervision to cashiering and student accounts personnel, maintains effective internal controls, and resolves complex student financial matters. This position also assumes responsibility for Bursar's Office operations in the Bursar's absence and collaborates with the Comptroller's Office, Financial Aid, Registrar, Admissions, Housing, Auxiliary Services, Information Technology, Accounting, and other University departments to ensure effective financial operations and the delivery of professional, student-centered services.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Accounts Receivable, Billing & Collections

• Oversee the daily management of student accounts receivable, ensuring accurate posting of tuition, fees, housing, meal plans, fines, and other charges and credits.
• Coordinate student billing cycles, account notifications, and review billing statements for accuracy before distribution.
• Monitor accounts receivable aging reports, outstanding balances, and collection activities to ensure timely resolution of past-due accounts.
• Implement collection strategies approved by the Bursar and coordinate account referrals to external collection agencies or other authorized entities.
• Review and approve student account adjustments, waivers, and corrections within established authority and recommend account write-offs to the Bursar.
• Monitor the placement and release of financial holds in accordance with University policies and procedures.

Cashiering Operations, Deposits & Reconciliation

• Supervise daily cashiering operations to ensure accurate receipt, processing, and posting of all University payments.
• Review and approve daily cashier balancing reports, financial closing documentation, and bank deposits.
• Investigate and resolve cash overages, shortages, returned payments, and other financial discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Coordinate with the Comptroller's Office and Accounting to reconcile Bursar receipts and student accounts receivable activity with the University's general ledger.
• Oversee the issuance, security, accountability, and periodic verification of cash drawers and change funds.

Third-Party Billing & Student Refunds

• Supervise third-party billing operations, including invoicing, payment processing, and collections involving governmental agencies, employers, sponsors, school districts, military programs, and scholarship organizations.
• Provide oversight and direction to the Third-Party Billing Accountant to ensure accurate billing, timely follow-up, and proper payment posting.
• Monitor student refund transactions, rejected payments, returned funds, and processing exceptions to ensure timely resolution.
• Coordinate with third-party refund service providers, including BankMobile or comparable systems, to resolve refund discrepancies.
• Address complex billing, payment, and refund issues escalated by staff, students, or external organizations.

Form 1098-T Tax Reporting

• Oversee the annual review and verification of Form 1098-T tuition statement data to ensure accurate reporting of qualified tuition expenses, scholarships, grants, prior-year adjustments, and enrollment information.
• Identify and resolve student account discrepancies, detail code mapping errors, and demographic information issues affecting tax reporting.
• Collaborate with Financial Aid, the Registrar, and Information Technology to ensure the accuracy and completeness of Form 1098-T information.
• Coordinate with the University's tax reporting service provider to review data submissions, verify reporting files, and ensure compliance with IRS deadlines.
• Respond to student inquiries regarding Form 1098-T reporting and maintain accurate documentation in accordance with University and IRS requirements.

Financial Systems & Reporting

• Serve as a functional resource for Ellucian Banner and other financial systems supporting Bursar operations.
• Maintain, review, and test student account detail codes, billing rules, and system configurations under the direction of the Bursar.
• Participate in financial system upgrades, testing, and implementation projects in collaboration with Information Technology.
• Identify and report system-related issues and assist with implementing improvements to financial processes.
• Prepare and review financial reports related to student receivables, collections, cashiering receipts, and refunds to support operational decision-making.

Compliance, Internal Controls & Audit Support

• Monitor compliance with University and Southern University System policies, applicable state and federal regulations, and established financial procedures.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls, segregation of duties, and cash-handling procedures are consistently followed across Bursar operations.
• Safeguard confidential student and financial information in accordance with University data security standards and applicable regulations.
• Coordinate the preparation of financial records, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for internal and external audits.
• Assist with developing and implementing corrective action plans to address audit findings and strengthen financial accountability.
• Develop, review, and update departmental standard operating procedures and desk manuals for approval by the Bursar.

Staff Supervision, Training & Development

• Supervise, schedule, and provide daily guidance to cashiering and student accounts personnel to ensure efficient departmental operations.
• Assign responsibilities, monitor employee workloads, and ensure appropriate staffing and cross-training for essential functions.
• Train employees on University financial policies, cash-handling procedures, customer service expectations, and financial systems.
• Provide input on employee performance evaluations and identify opportunities for professional development and process improvement.
• Communicate departmental policies, procedural updates, and system changes to staff while promoting accountability, accuracy, and professionalism.

Operational Leadership & Customer Service

• Assume responsibility for the daily operations of the Bursar's Office in the Bursar's absence.
• Coordinate staffing, workflow, and operational priorities during peak periods, including registration, tuition payment deadlines, semester openings and closings, and graduation clearance.
• Resolve escalated student account inquiries involving balances, billing, payments, refunds, and financial holds.
• Collaborate with the Comptroller's Office, Financial Aid, Registrar, Admissions, Housing, Auxiliary Services, Information Technology, Accounting, and other University departments to address financial concerns and improve service delivery.
• Represent the Bursar's Office on University committees, departmental meetings, and special projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Bursar.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in accounting, financial operations, student accounts management, or a related financial services role.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants must complete a Southern University employment Application.

• External applicants can apply here.
• Current Southern University employees should apply here.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD INCLUDE:

• A cover letter detailing experience and alignment with the role.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume highlighting expertise and accomplishments.
• Three (3) professional references.

Point of Contact:

Alicia Jeanpierre | Comptroller's Office
Interim Bursar
Alicia.Jeanpierre@sus.edu

A criminal background check and reference verification are required.