Director of Student Financial Services

University of Southern Mississippi•Hattiesburg, MS

65d

About The Position

The Director of Student Financial Services provides leadership, strategic direction, and daily management of student financial operations. The position ensures exceptional service to students and families in all areas of student accounts, including billing, collections, refunds, cashiering, and payment services. The Director is responsible for compliance with federal and state regulations, management of student financial technology systems, and safeguarding University resources through strong internal controls. Serving as the University's primary officer for student accounts, the Director acts as both a problem-solver and a service leader, balancing regulatory, fiscal, and student success priorities.

Requirements

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, accounting, finance, higher education administration, or related field; and five (5) to ten (10) years of related experience in financial services.
The master's degree may be substituted for a bachelor's degree if coupled with significant progressively responsible experience in student accounts, bursar, or financial services management.
Business Strategy & Acumen: Understands higher education and can use industry/professional terminology fluently. Thinks strategically and seeks to align department services and goals with institutional strategic goals. Asks critical questions to delve to root cause to identify solutions. Understands the interconnection of decisions, actions, outcomes and measures.
Professional Knowledge and Application: Takes initiative to develop and apply professional knowledge and skills in order to enhance individual effectiveness and improve organizational performance. Creates opportunities to apply new learnings and best practices into innovative solutions that positively impact results. Seeks opportunities for development for both self and the team.
Business Execution: Leverages professional expertise and University knowledge to assess areas of opportunity, identify solutions and effectively execute the plan. Demonstrates a high level of planning and organizational skills and the ability to move projects forward to completion. Self-motivated and accountable for results. Seeks advice and input from others and recognizes when to escalate issues or seek help.
Communication: Demonstrates the ability to deliver accurate, concise and quality communication (verbal and written) in a timely manner. Encourages an open exchange of ideas and differing perspectives. Adapts communication style to meet the needs of diverse audiences and situations. Listens to understand others. Provides quality feedback.
Relationship Management: Works to build and manage productive relationships with peers, leaders and customer groups. Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances department results and team effectiveness. Affects outcomes and direction of customer's decisions through effective relationships, trust and credibility.
Leadership: Demonstrates an openness and flexibility towards new ideas and concepts and effectively influences or facilitates during times of change. Helps others become more effective through development and coaching. Utilizes candid feedback, knowledge, resources and opportunities to improve the performance of others and to increase their contributions. Sets clear expectations for performance, provides meaningful feedback, holds employees accountable and recognizes successes.

Nice To Haves

Experience with student financial systems (PeopleSoft or equivalent ERP).
Knowledge of Title IV regulations, and PCI DSS compliance.
Supervisory experience in a higher education environment.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership and strategic direction for Student Financial Services operations, including billing, collections, cashiering, and management of student accounts.
Develops and implements goals, policies, and procedures to ensure efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and high-quality customer service.
Oversees tuition and fee assessment, billing, and refund processes to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with institutional policies.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, including Title IV cash management, PCI DSS standards, NACUBO guidelines, and audit requirements.
Maintains effective internal controls over cash handling, payment processing, account reconciliation, and credit card operations.
Manages the Student Financials system (PeopleSoft) and related technologies, overseeing configuration, integrations, testing, upgrades, and user access.
Collaborates with key campus offices such as Financial Aid, Registrar, Housing, and Dining to ensure accurate account activity and coordinated communication with students.
Provides financial counseling and education to students and families, promoting financial literacy, payment awareness, and student retention.
Prepares and analyzes financial data and reports to support decision-making, monitor cash flow, and assist with institutional planning.
Supervises and develops Student Financial Services staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and student-centered service.