Bursar

SUNY Clinton - Clinton Community College; City of Plattsburgh (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Clinton Community College seeks a Bursar to lead the office overseeing student tuition and fee accounts and to supervise the billing and receipt processes. The role requires strong accounting knowledge, leadership experience, and familiarity with state and federal student account rules.

Responsibilities include managing all student accounts, deposits, GL reconciliations, and providing guidance on payment options.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; bachelor’s preferred.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and fund accounting terms.
• Familiarity with Federal and State student account regulations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accuracy of student tuition/fee accounts and oversee billing/receipts.
• Manage all student accounts and residency affirmations.
• Ensure proper deposit of funds into College accounts and reconcile General Ledger.
• Lead Bursar’s Office staff and ensure excellent customer service.
• Counsel students on payment options and dispute resolution.
• Chairs the tuition appeals committee and oversees the student information system.

Skills

Accounting principles

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Customer service

Confidentiality

Notary license NYS

Education

Associate degree in business, accounting, or finance

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

SUMMARY

The Bursar leads a department which plays a critical role in administration and student services. The primary role of the Bursar is to maintain the accuracy of student tuition and fee accounts and oversee the billing process to ensure timely and accurate billing statements for students. The Bursar is responsible for reviewing tuition and fees and approving account adjustments and accurate student refunds.

In addition, the Bursar will act as cashier for all operational receipts and disbursement of all financial aid funds. As a result, the Bursar will be the expert institutional resource for all student account related policies and procedures as well as compliance with Federal or State guidelines. The Bursar will collaborate with other areas within the College to implement and improve processes and procedures that increase services to students and strengthen administrative operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

An associate’s degree in business administration, Accounting or Finance is required. A bachelor’s degree is preferred. Required skills include working knowledge of accepted accounting principles and methods and terms, preferably with an emphasis on college and not-for-profit accounting. Knowledge of computer applications and terms regarding fund accounting.

Must possess a high level of knowledge of Federal and State rules and regulations as they relate to student accounts. This position requires a minimum of five years of experience in accounting. Customer service and student accounts’ experience is preferred. Supervisory experience is preferred. A current NYS notary license is an asset.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Demonstrated leadership competencies required; three years supervisory experience preferred.

Excellent quantitative analytic skills, writing and communication skills, demonstrated organization and leadership skills.

Ability to perform with a high degree of diplomacy, confidentiality, and professionalism required.

It is expected that the individual in this role will obtain and maintain a NYS notary license.

A commitment to confidentiality and high ethical standards is also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains the accuracy of student tuition, bookstore and fee accounts and oversees the billing and receipt process to ensure timely and accurate billing statements for students.
• Responsible for all students’ accounts (full-time, part-time, work study, workforce development (for credit), and other specialized populations) as well as New York State/County residency affirmations.
• Ensures that all College funds, including student payments, chargebacks, government checks/drafts, receipts from financial institutions and other sources are properly accounted for and deposited into the prescribed College bank account in a timely manner.
• Reconciles all General Ledger accounts assigned to the Bursar’s Office.
• Maintains policies and procedures related to the Bursar’s Office and student related receivables.
• Supervises and leads the staff in the Bursar's Office by providing excellent management, training, and support.
• Ensures office coverage and excellent customer service.
• Counsels and advises students regarding the tuition and fee payment process and options available to discharge the obligation including, but not limited to, payment plans, student loans and personal payment arrangements with the College.
• Provides assistance with customer service, parent/student interactions and dispute resolution.
• Chairs the tuition appeals committee.
• Keeps informed of updates/patches regarding the student information system (currently CAMS).
• Troubleshoots and resolves issues related to the student side of the student information system with the assistance of IT.
• Builds and tests tuition and fee assessment for each semester.
• Coordinates with Information Technology as it relates to reporting, PCI Compliance, 1098T tax reporting, and third-party vendor integration.
• Assists the Controller with financial reporting, audit preparation, and maintaining appropriate internal controls.
• Partners collaboratively with other College offices and directs resources to student financial policies as appropriate.
• Maintains excellent control of departmental budget, consistently looking for ways to reduce costs without sacrificing service.
• Manages third party billing resources.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Some evenings and weekends required

Clinton Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, military status or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era or other statuses protected by state and federal law. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants who require reasonable accommodations during the employment process should notify Human Resources as necessary.