Assistant Vice President, Student Accounts

Mercer University•Macon, GA

26d•Onsite

About The Position

Mercer University is seeking an Assistant Vice President, Student Accounts to provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for the university’s student financial services. The role aligns operational initiatives with institutional goals and develops long-term strategies for revenue collection, financial aid integration, cash flow optimization, and student retention. It also oversees the development, testing, and integration of financial systems and technology platforms to modernize services and improve user experiences. The Assistant Vice President serves on university committees and provides financial insight on academic programs, resource allocation, and tuition pricing. As Chair of the Retroactive Enrollment and Refund Appeals Committee, the role ensures appeals are evaluated in compliance with Title IV regulations while balancing fiscal responsibility and student success. As Chair of the Student Services Advisory Committee, the role facilitates collaboration among student service offices and ensures policy changes’ financial implications are communicated and addressed. The position leads initiatives to improve student financial accessibility, retention, and satisfaction, including managing the university’s Cohort Default Rate. It collaborates with external auditors, legal counsel, and regulatory entities on compliance and audit readiness; negotiates contracts for student financial services; and manages vendor partnerships. The role oversees internal controls, risk assessments, policies, preparation and compliance of 1098-T forms, and staff training on compliance and 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. The position has decision-making authority over policies affecting student accounts and financial aid disbursement and ensures adherence to federal and state regulations. This is an in-person position based in Macon, Georgia. The position is scheduled for 40 hours per week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
At least five years of related experience, including accounting, accounts receivable, and business management.
At least two years of supervisory experience.
Valid driver’s license and insurability by the university’s carrier.
Strong analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a senior management team.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Management or Accounting.
Prior Higher Education Bursar or Student Loans experience.

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for student financial services.
Develop and implement long-term strategies for revenue collection, financial aid integration, cash flow optimization, and student retention.
Oversee development, testing, and integration of financial systems and technology platforms.
Serve on university committees and provide financial insights and recommendations regarding academic programs, resource allocation, and tuition pricing.
Chair the Retroactive Enrollment and Refund Appeals Committee and ensure appeals are evaluated in compliance with Title IV regulations.
Chair the Student Services Advisory Committee and facilitate collaboration among student service offices on policy changes and their financial implications.
Lead initiatives to improve student financial accessibility, retention, and satisfaction, including management of the university’s Cohort Default Rate.
Collaborate with external auditors, legal counsel, and regulatory entities to ensure compliance and audit readiness.
Negotiate contracts for student financial services and manage vendor partnerships.
Oversee internal controls, risk assessments, and policies for student financial services.
Ensure accurate preparation and compliance of 1098-T forms.
Provide staff training and educational opportunities on compliance issues and best practices in student account management.
Provide executive oversight of Assistant Bursars and senior staff across multiple campuses.
Lead strategic workforce planning and staff development initiatives.
Make decisions on policies affecting student accounts and financial aid disbursement and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.