Assistant Vice President, Student Accounts

Mercer University; Macon (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercer University in Macon, GA seeks an Assistant Vice President, Student Accounts to provide executive leadership for all student financial services. You will guide strategies for revenue collection, financial aid integration, cash flow optimization, and student retention across campuses.

The role includes overseeing financial systems modernization, internal controls, and compliance with Title IV regulations, while collaborating with auditors, legal counsel, and enterprise partners to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, or related field from an accredited college/university; 5+ years of related experience including accounting, accounts receivable, and business management; 2+ years in supervisory role.
• Master's degree in Business Management or Accounting and/or prior Higher Education Bursar/Student Loans experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license and be insurable by the university's carrier.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for all student financial services.
• Oversee development, testing, and integration of financial systems and technology platforms.
• Lead efforts to modernize student financial services and improve user experiences through technology.
• Serve on committees and provide financial insights for policy and program decisions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Vice President, Student Accounts Department: Bursar's Office College/Division: General University Primary Job Posting Location: Macon, GA 31207 Additional Job Posting Locations: (Other locations that this position could be based)

Job Details:

Mercer University is searching for an Assistant Vice President for Student Accounts. Responsibilities: The Assistant Vice President, Student Accounts provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for all student financial services within the university. This role is pivotal in aligning operational initiatives with broader institutional goals, focusing on the development and implementation of long-term strategies for revenue collection, financial aid integration, cash flow optimization, and student retention. This position oversees the development, testing, and integration of financial systems and technology platforms, leading efforts to modernize student financial services and improve user experiences through technological advancements. The Assistant Vice President serves on multiple committees, including the Strategic Planning and Policy Review Team (SPPRT), Undergraduate and Graduate Councils, and the Associate Deans Council, where they provide critical financial insights and recommendations for new academic programs, resource allocation, and tuition pricing. As Chair of the Retroactive Enrollment and Refund Appeals Committee, this role ensures that student appeals are evaluated in compliance with Title IV regulations while balancing fiscal responsibility and student success. Additionally, the Chair of the Student Services Advisory Committee facilitates collaboration among student service offices to assess the impact of policy changes on the university, ensuring financial implications are effectively communicated and addressed. The Assistant Vice President, Student Accounts leads initiatives to enhance student financial accessibility, retention, and satisfaction, including managing the university's Cohort Default Rate. This includes collaboration with external auditors, legal counsel, and regulatory entities to ensure compliance and audit readiness, as well as negotiating contracts for student financial services and managing vendor partnerships. Key responsibilities also encompass the oversight of internal controls, conducting risk assessments, and implementing effective policies for student financial services. This includes ensuring the accurate preparation and compliance of the 1098-T forms, as well as providing training and educational opportunities for staff on compliance issues and best practices in student account management. With executive oversight of Assistant Bursars and senior staff across multiple campuses, the Assistant Vice President leads strategic workforce planning and staff development initiatives that align with the university's mission and goals. This role possesses decision-making authority on policies that affect student accounts and financial aid disbursement, ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited college/university and a minimum of five years of related experience, which must include accounting, accounts receivable, and business management, with two years of which must be in a supervisory role, are required. Candidates with a master's degree in Business Management or Accounting and/or prior Higher Education Bursar/Student Loans experience are highly desired. Candidates must have a valid driver's license and be insurable by the university's carrier.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Strong analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving abilities. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a senior management team.

Background Check Contingencies:

• Criminal History
• Credit Check
• Approved Driver's Check

Required Document Attachments:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• List of three professional references with contact information

About Mercer University Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a distinguished private institution recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement. With campuses across Georgia, Mercer's twelve schools and colleges offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The university cultivates a close-knit, student-centered environment where innovation, service, and personal growth are deeply valued. Mercer's employees are at the heart of its mission, dedicated to advancing innovation, supporting student success, and strengthening both our local and global communities through service. At Mercer, we believe in the power of relationships and the importance of in-person collaboration. Accordingly, our employees are expected to serve in-person as it fosters real-time problem solving, mentoring, and the meaningful connections that strengthen both our work and service to our students and the broader university community.

Why Work at Mercer University Mercer University offers a variety of benefits for eligible employees including comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents), generous retirement contributions, tuition waivers, paid vacation and sick leave, technology discounts, schedules that allow for work-life balance, and so much more! At Mercer University, a Bear is more than a mascot: it's a frame of mind that begins with a strong desire to make the most out of your career. Mercer Bears do not settle for mediocrity or the status quo. If you're seeking an environment where your passion and determination are embraced, then you want to work at Mercer University. For more information, please visit: https://hr.mercer.edu/prospective-employees/

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Job Family: Staff Student Operations Exempt EEO Statement: EEO/Veteran/Disability

Why Work at Mercer Mercer University offers a variety of benefits for eligible employees including comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents), generous retirement contributions, tuition waivers, paid time off, technology discounts and so much more! At Mercer University, a Bear is more than a mascot: it's a frame of mind that begins with a strong desire to make the most out of your career. Mercer Bears do not settle for mediocrity or the status quo. If you're seeking an environment where your passion and determination are embraced, then you want to work at Mercer University. For more information, please visit: https://hr.mercer.edu/prospective/

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The University will ensure equal opportunity for applicants and employees in all of its policies and practices, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, compensation, benefits, layoff and recall policies, University-sponsored training programs, education, tuition assistance, and social and recreational programs. Persons needing reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the application process or for other questions regarding employment at Mercer University, please contact Human Resources.