Bursar

SUNY Clinton•Plattsburgh, NY

About The Position

The Bursar leads the Bursar’s Office, which supports college administration and student services. The role maintains accurate student tuition, bookstore, and fee accounts; oversees billing and receipts; reviews tuition and fees; approves account adjustments and student refunds; and serves as cashier for operational receipts and financial aid disbursements. The Bursar is the institutional resource for student-account policies and procedures and related federal and state compliance. The position also collaborates with other College offices to improve student services and administrative processes. The Bursar supervises and supports office staff, ensures office coverage and customer service, advises students about payment obligations and options, and oversees account reconciliation, deposits, billing systems, third-party billing, reporting, audit preparation, and internal controls. Some evening and weekend work is required.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in business administration, accounting, or finance.
At least five years of experience in accounting.
Working knowledge of accepted accounting principles, methods, and terminology; preferably with an emphasis on college and nonprofit accounting.
Knowledge of computer applications and terminology regarding fund accounting.
High level of knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations as they relate to student accounts.
Demonstrated leadership competencies.
Excellent quantitative and analytical skills, writing and communication skills, organization, and leadership skills.
Ability to perform with diplomacy, confidentiality, and professionalism.
Commitment to confidentiality and high ethical standards.
Obtain and maintain a New York State notary license.
Some evenings and weekends are required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Customer service experience.
Student accounts experience.
Supervisory experience; three years is preferred.
Current New York State notary license is an asset.

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate student tuition, bookstore, and fee accounts and oversee billing and receipt processes to ensure timely and accurate billing statements.
Manage accounts for full-time, part-time, work-study, workforce development for-credit, and other specialized student populations, including New York State and County residency affirmations.
Ensure College funds are properly accounted for and deposited into the prescribed College bank account in a timely manner.
Reconcile General Ledger accounts assigned to the Bursar’s Office.
Maintain Bursar’s Office and student-receivables policies and procedures.
Supervise and lead Bursar’s Office staff, providing management, training, and support.
Ensure office coverage and excellent customer service.
Counsel students on tuition and fee payment processes and options, including payment plans, student loans, and personal payment arrangements.
Assist with customer service, parent and student interactions, and dispute resolution.
Chair the tuition appeals committee.
Keep informed about updates and patches to the student information system, currently CAMS.
Troubleshoot and resolve student-side student information system issues with assistance from IT.
Build and test tuition and fee assessments for each semester.
Coordinate with Information Technology on reporting, PCI compliance, 1098T tax reporting, and third-party vendor integration.
Assist the Controller with financial reporting, audit preparation, and maintenance of appropriate internal controls.
Collaborate with other College offices and direct resources to student financial policies as appropriate.
Maintain control of the departmental budget and seek cost reductions without sacrificing service.
Manage third-party billing resources.
Perform other duties as assigned.