Bursar

Stanbridge University; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan

401k Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Stanbridge University in Irvine, CA, seeks a detail-oriented Bursar to manage daily student financial operations including tuition billing, student accounts, payment processing, reconciliations, and collections.

The ideal candidate is a resourceful, independent problem-solver with strong accounting fundamentals who balances operational duties with responsive student service and collaborates with Accounting, Financial Aid, and Admissions.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in accounting/finance or related field.
• 3+ years in accounts receivable, billing, or student accounts.
• Proficiency with Excel and accounting software; strong numerical ability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain accurate student accounts, including tuition charges, payments, adjustments, refunds, and balances.
• Process tuition billing, payments, adjustments, and refunds per policy and deadlines.
• Reconcile student accounts and financial records; investigate discrepancies and resolve issues.
• Collaborate with Accounting, Financial Aid, Admissions, and other departments to ensure accurate postings.
• Maintain documentation and support for audits and financial reporting.

Skills

Accounts receivable

Billing

Student accounts

Analytical skills

Discretion

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Accounting software

Job description

Stanbridge University is seeking a detail-oriented, analytical, and highly organized Bursar to manage daily student financial operations, including tuition billing, student accounts, payment processing, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and collections.

The ideal candidate is a resourceful critical thinker and independent problem-solver who takes ownership of financial processes, identifies discrepancies, and develops practical solutions. This position requires strong accounting fundamentals, sound judgment, financial accuracy, and the ability to balance operational responsibilities with responsive student service.

The Bursar works collaboratively with Accounting, Financial Aid, Admissions, and other university departments to maintain accurate student financial records, resolve account issues, and support efficient financial operations.

This is a hands-on position emphasizing accountability, independent judgment, and operational excellence rather than traditional staff management.

This position requires full-time, onsite attendance at Stanbridge University's Irvine campus. Hybrid and remote work arrangements are not available and will not be considered.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Accounts and Tuition Administration

• Manage and maintain accurate student accounts, including tuition charges, fees, payments, adjustments, refunds, and outstanding balances.
• Process tuition billing, student payments, account adjustments, and refunds in accordance with university policies and established deadlines.
• Review student account activity to identify discrepancies, investigate inconsistencies, and resolve billing or payment issues.
• Respond to student inquiries regarding tuition, account balances, payment arrangements, and financial obligations.
• Coordinate student account activities associated with enrollment changes, withdrawals, leaves of absence, and graduation.

Accounts Receivable and Financial Reconciliation

• Monitor accounts receivable balances, identify past-due accounts, and conduct timely collection follow-up.
• Reconcile student account transactions, payment records, and financial reports to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Investigate discrepancies, research transaction histories, and implement appropriate corrections.
• Coordinate with Accounting and Financial Aid to ensure accurate posting of payments, financial aid disbursements, and refunds.
• Prepare and maintain reconciliations, financial reports, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with month-end closing activities, audits, and financial reporting requirements.

Financial Analysis and Problem-Solving

• Analyze student account activity to identify discrepancies, unusual transactions, and potential financial risks.
• Independently investigate complex account issues, determine root causes, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Identify recurring billing, payment, or reconciliation issues and recommend process improvements.
• Exercise sound judgment when resolving financial discrepancies and determining when matters require escalation.
• Maintain accurate documentation of financial transactions, account adjustments, and issue resolution.

Student Service and Departmental Collaboration

• Provide professional, responsive, and solutions-oriented service to students regarding financial matters.
• Communicate account balances, payment requirements, and financial policies clearly and accurately.
• Collaborate with Financial Aid, Admissions, Accounting, and other departments to resolve student account issues.
• Support timely communication regarding outstanding balances, payment deadlines, and account requirements.
• Maintain professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive student financial information.

Compliance and Operational Support

• Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with university policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Follow established internal controls, financial procedures, and cash-handling practices.
• Support compliance with applicable student financial regulations, including relevant Title IV requirements.
• Assist with internal and external audits by preparing records, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, financial accuracy, and student account processes.
• Manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accountability for assigned responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of three years of experience in accounts receivable, billing, accounting, student accounts, or related financial operations.
• Demonstrated experience with account reconciliation, payment processing, financial transactions, and discrepancy resolution.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience using accounting or financial management software.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to independently investigate financial discrepancies, evaluate information, and determine appropriate solutions.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a professional, student-centered approach to customer service.
• Ability to handle confidential financial information with discretion, accuracy, and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Previous experience in higher education, student accounts, or a bursar's office.
• Experience with tuition billing, student refunds, financial aid disbursements, and payment arrangements.
• Familiarity with student information systems, enterprise accounting platforms, or student account management software.
• Experience with accounts receivable aging reports, collections, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of FERPA, Title IV financial aid processes, and applicable higher education financial regulations.
• Demonstrated experience identifying inefficiencies and implementing improvements to financial processes.

Compensation:

$27.00–$33.00 per hour. Compensation is based on education, experience, qualifications, internal equity and other job-related factors.

Conditions of Employment:

• A job-related assessment may be required during the interview process.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be physically present in the office (unless otherwise noted).
• Employment Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Stanbridge University does not provide employment-based immigration sponsorship or participate in employer-sponsored or employer-dependent work authorization programs.
• Sponsorship: Sponsorship now or in the future could include having Stanbridge University sponsor, complete employer documentation, provide attestations or training plans, or otherwise participate in a work‑authorization or employment-based immigration program in order for an individual to begin or continue employment. Stanbridge University does not provide any such sponsorship.
• Employment verification will be conducted to validate work experience per accreditation standards.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
• Official transcripts are required prior to hire. Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service to determine U.S. degree equivalency and applicable subject-area coursework.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

• Standard office, classroom, lab, or clinical setting.
• Duties are typically performed while sitting at a desk or computer workstation.
• May include time spent in skills labs or bedside environments as required by the program.
• Subject to frequent interruptions, noise from talking or office equipment, and demanding timelines.

Physical Demands

• Regularly sits for extended periods.
• Physical ability to perform program- or department-related duties.
• Proficient in using electronic keyboards and office equipment.
• Effective verbal communication via phone and in person.
• Ability to read fine print, operate computers, and understand voices clearly.
• Able to lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing 10–25 pounds as needed.

Employee Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Exciting university events
• Seasonal motivational health and wellness challenges
• Work/Life Balance initiatives
• Onsite wellness program / Staff Chiropractor
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)

Institutional Values

• Diversity and Inclusion: Stanbridge University’s motto, “Strength through Diversity,” reflects our deep commitment to honoring the diverse backgrounds of our students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities. We strive to build an inclusive learning environment and uphold anti-discrimination practices in all aspects of university life.
• Innovation and Technology: We embrace cutting‑edge technology to enhance student learning through interactive, hands‑on experiences, including virtual reality and simulation labs—ensuring students are prepared for the demands of modern healthcare practice.
• Community Engagement: Through initiatives such as Stanbridge outREACH, students are empowered to give back to local and global communities, cultivating compassion, civic responsibility, and social awareness.