Assistant Bursar

Washburn University • Topeka, KS

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Bursar serves as the Bursar’s backup and oversees Business Office operations in the Bursar’s absence, ensuring continuity of services and compliance with institutional policies. The role leads third-party payments and payer relationships, including those involving military branches, oversees cashiering activities, and is responsible for Washburn University’s petty cash and cash funds.

The Assistant Bursar manages student account transactions and related operations, including refunds, Title IV calculations, account holds, meal plans, banking files and deposits, cash levels, ACH returns, returned checks, cashier discrepancies, third-party billing, and payment processing. The position also supports Marketplace operations, TouchNet access, reporting, payment troubleshooting, 1098-T inquiries, student account adjustments, journal entries, account reconciliations, internal controls, and related documentation.

The position supervises Business Office and cashier staff, with responsibility for recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, leave approvals, performance evaluations, and professional development. The Assistant Bursar also maintains Business Office web and SharePoint content, policies, procedures, and deadlines; coordinates courier services and communicates with campus departments about banking and deposits; and promotes process improvement and a respectful, collaborative workplace. Other job-related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling four years.
• One year of experience in a supervisory accounting position.
• Proficient knowledge of Excel.
• Experience with account reconciliations.
• Effective analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and work collaboratively.
• Experience using computer-based accounting or payroll systems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in higher education, including at least two years in a Bursar or Student Accounts office.
• Four years of experience in a financial, banking, or business office setting.
• One year of banking experience, including balancing a cash drawer and/or a vault, reconciliation, and discrepancy resolution.
• Knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, such as Ellucian Banner.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Business Office operations in the Bursar’s absence, ensuring continuity of services and compliance with institutional policies.
• Process student refunds, verify Title IV calculations, manage account holds, update meal plans, and maintain accurate student accounts.
• Prepare daily banking files and deposits; manage cash levels, petty cash, change funds, ACH returns, returned checks, and cashier discrepancies.
• Lead third-party billing and payment processing, including payer setup, account reconciliation, grant and scholarship tracking, billing follow-up, and student communications.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate Business Office and cashier staff, and provide professional development opportunities.
• Oversee cashier coverage, approve leave requests, and lead implementation of process and technology changes.
• Maintain Business Office web and SharePoint content, policies, procedures, deadlines, and TouchNet access.
• Support Marketplace operations, reporting, refunds, and payment troubleshooting.
• Respond to 1098-T tax form inquiries and maintain required third-party system certifications.
• Coordinate student account exemptions and adjustments with other departments to ensure accurate balances.
• Prepare journal entries in coordination with Finance and review account reconciliations, processing documentation, and internal controls.
• Coordinate courier services and communicate with campus departments regarding banking and deposit concerns.
• Promote a healthy, fair, inclusive, collaborative, and respectful work environment; encourage open communication and process improvement.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or appropriate.

Benefits

• Competitive wages
• Excellent benefits program
• Supportive culture
• Healthy work/life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager