University Bursar

upenn; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania seeks a highly professional, strategic leader to serve as University Bursar within Student Registration and Financial Services (SRFS). The Bursar oversees student billing, accounts receivable, and collections for over $1.4 billion in student account activity.

The role reports to the Associate Vice President and partners with university stakeholders to enhance financial processes and student financial wellness.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in higher education finance and student accounts.
• Strong leadership and governance skills.
• Experience with financial systems administration is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee billing, receivables, and collections for student accounts.
• Lead financial operations including tuition, housing, meal plans, and fees.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative stakeholders on financial processes.
• Ensure budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance auditing.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Higher education finance

Financial systems administration

Interdepartmental collaboration

Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

University Bursar

Job Profile Title

Director D, Business and Finance

Job Description Summary

The University of Pennsylvania is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as University Bursar within Student Registration and Financial Services (SRFS). In this key leadership role, the Bursar oversees student billing, accounts receivable, collections, and student financial operations supporting more than $1.4 billion in student account activity. Responsibilities include ensuring accurate and compliant financial transactions, partnering with university stakeholders to enhance financial processes, supporting financial wellness initiatives, and leading efforts to improve the student financial experience. The position also provides leadership in budgeting, financial reporting, policy development, and continuous improvement of student financial systems and services. Candidates should possess significant experience in higher education finance, student accounts, and financial systems administration.

Job Description

The University of Pennsylvania seeks a highly professional, experienced, and strategic leader to serve as the University Bursar within Student Registration and Financial Services (SRFS). This critical leadership role is responsible for overseeing the billing and collection of over $1.4 billion in student accounts receivable, including tuition, financial aid disbursements, housing, meal plans, and various student fees. Additionally, the Bursar will manage student loan receivables and collections for a portfolio totaling over $4 million.

As a collaborative leader, the Bursar will partner with academic and administrative stakeholders across the university to ensure efficient, transparent, and compliant financial processes related to tuition, fees, and student accounts. This position also leads initiatives to strengthen financial operations and assist in financial wellness, working closely with university leadership to improve accessibility. This includes billing and receivables oversight, tuition collections, assisting with financial aid disbursement, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of all student financial transactions. Additionally, the position supports budgeting, financial reporting, and general financial operations within the university.

The Bursar will report to the Associate Vice President of Student Registration and Financial Services, collaborating with senior university leadership to develop long-term financial strategies, operational policies, and student financial system improvements.

Key Responsibilities

The University Bursar is responsible for managing student accounts and financial operations to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with institutional and regulatory policies. This includes overseeing student billing, receivables, collections, and tuition payments while ensuring seamless coordination with financial aid disbursement processes. The Bursar also plays a vital role in financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance auditing, ensuring transparency and adherence to financial regulations. Providing excellent customer service, the Bursar educates students and families on financial processes and policies while addressing inquiries and resolving billing concerns. Additionally, the position supports financial wellness initiatives, enhances operational efficiency, and collaborates with external agencies to manage collection efforts. The role also includes participation in u