Position Type: Full-Time Unclassified | Salary: $50,000 - $55,000
Application Deadline: October 30, 2026
Job Description
The Bursar Operations Accountant is responsible for supporting the University’s financial operations through the accurate and timely reconciliation of student accounts receivable, cashiering receipts, payment transactions, and student refunds with the University’s general ledger and bank records. This position investigates and resolves financial discrepancies, prepares journal entries and account adjustments, and develops financial reports and analyses to support informed decision-making and…
ensure compliance with University and Southern University System policies, as well as applicable state and federal regulations. The Bursar Operations Accountant collaborates with the Bursar, Assistant Bursar, Comptroller’s Office, Accounting, Financial Aid, Information Technology, and other University departments to maintain financial accuracy, strengthen internal controls, and support efficient, student-centered financial services.
Job Responsibilities
Account Reconciliations
- Perform daily, monthly, and semester-based reconciliations of student accounts receivable activity to the University's general ledger.
- Reconcile cashiering receipts, deposits, credit and debit card settlements, and online payment transactions against bank statements and Ellucian Banner records.
- Reconcile student refund transactions, including payments issued through third-party refund service providers, returned payments, and outstanding refund checks.
- Reconcile financial aid disbursements posted to student accounts with Financial Aid and Accounting records.
- Investigate, document, and resolve financial discrepancies and reconciliation issues in a timely manner, escalating unresolved matters to the Bursar.
- Maintain accurate reconciliation records and supporting documentation in accordance with University policies and audit requirements.
Journal Entries, Adjustments & Financial Close
- Prepare journal entries, correcting entries, and account adjustments for review and approval.
- Assist with month-end, semester-end, and fiscal year-end closing activities related to Bursar accounts.
- Review and verify financial adjustments, waivers, and write-offs to ensure proper documentation and authorization before posting.
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare and assist with accounts receivable aging reports, collection reports, receipt summaries, and other financial reports as requested.
- Analyze student account balances, receivable trends, and collection activities to identify discrepancies and provide findings to the Bursar.
- Utilize Ellucian Banner, Argos or comparable reporting systems, and Microsoft Excel to extract, analyze, and present financial data.
Tax Reporting & Year-End Support
- Assist the Assistant Bursar with reviewing and reconciling annual Form 1098-T tuition statement data.
- Identify, investigate, and correct student account discrepancies affecting Form 1098-T reporting and other year-end financial records.
- Prepare supporting schedules, reconciliations, and documentation required for annual tax and financial reporting.
Internal Controls, Compliance & Audit Support
- Ensure compliance with established accounting procedures, internal controls, and segregation of duties to safeguard University financial assets.
- Identify recurring accounting discrepancies, internal control weaknesses, and opportunities for process improvements.
- Prepare financial reconciliations, supporting schedules, and documentation for internal and external audits and assist with implementing corrective actions.
- Maintain the confidentiality and security of student and financial information in accordance with University policies and applicable state and federal regulations.
Bursar Operations & Administrative Support
- Assist with student account inquiries, payment posting, and refund processing to support efficient financial operations.
- Provide backup support for cashiering and student accounts functions during registration, tuition payment deadlines, and semester openings and closings.
- Assist with testing Ellucian Banner system updates, detail codes, and other system changes affecting Bursar accounting operations.
- Develop, review, and update departmental procedures related to financial reconciliation, accounting, and student account management.
- Collaborate with the Bursar, Assistant Bursar, Comptroller's Office, Financial Aid, Information Technology, and other University departments to ensure accurate financial reporting and efficient operations.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support the operational needs of the Comptroller's Office.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field with at least 24 semester credit hours of accounting coursework.
- Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in accounting, financial reconciliation, or a related financial role.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must complete a Southern University employment Application.
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.