Westfield State University
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Bursar provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of all student account functions, including billing, collections, payment plans, refunds, and compliance reporting. This position ensures that student account operations are accurate, timely, and aligned with institutional and regulatory requirements. The Bursar serves as the University's subject matter expert for student financial operations and data within the Banner system, and works collaboratively with campus partners to support the student experience through effectively providing financial services.
JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
30% - Student Account Operations Provide leadership and direction for all student account functions, including billing, tuition and fee assessment, collections, refunds, account adjustments, and payment processing. Establish annual goals, monitor performance metrics, and ensure compliance with institutional policies and applicable federal, state and local regulations (e.g., FERPA, IRS 1098-T, Red Flag Rules, Title IV, NACUBO, VA). Ensure processes are student-focused, consistently applied, and aligned with institutional policies and values while maintaining the University's financial integrity. 20% - Supervision and Staff Leadership Supervise a team of six staff (three direct, three indirect) responsible for the day-to-day operations of the student accounts area. Promote a culture of service, collaboration, and continuous improvement through training, performance management, and professional development. 15% - Vendor and Third-Party Oversight Serve as the primary University liaison with third-party vendors for payment processing, tuition payment plans, health insurance charges, collection agencies, 529 plan processing, and other student account services. Manage vendor contracts, monitor performance, ensure integration with University systems, and support a seamless student and family experience. 15% - System Stewardship and Data Integrity Act as system expert for Banner Student and Accounts Receivable modules and associated integrations with Workday and other systems. Run critical batch processes, oversee integration jobs, ensure timely and accurate setup of tuition rules and term codes, and maintain system integrity. Coordinate with Information Services and Financial Operations to support configuration, testing, security roles, and enhancements. 10% - Holds, Compliance, and Student Account Resolution Oversee processes related to financial holds, clearance for registration, transcripts, graduation, and the removal of students due to non-payment. Lead the production of IRS Form 1098-Ts and oversee compliance with FERPA, Title IV, financial responsibility acknowledgments, SOVOS SSN verification, and VA or GI Bill-related audits. Coordinate with Registrar, Financial Aid, and Student Development to support timely communication and fair resolution practices. 10% - Reporting, Strategic Projects, and Process Improvement Prepare and analyze reports and dashboards related to accounts receivable, refund trends, collections, early book funding, and enrollment. Lead and contribute to quarterly and annual reconciliations. Monitor higher education trends (e.g., Title IV, gainful employment, net price calculators), recommend policy or procedural changes, and develop proactive strategies for improving the efficiency, accuracy, and equity of student account services. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Directly supervises three staff members; indirectly oversees three additional staff, for a total team of six. Responsible for the full scope of personnel management, including hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, evaluating, and developing staff. Establishes performance expectations aligned with University values and departmental goals. Fosters a high-performing, student-focused team culture grounded in service, professionalism, respect, and integrity. Encourages innovation, collaboration, and individual accountability while ensuring that staff understand and contribute to the University's mission. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Typical office environment with standard work hours. Occasional extended hours during peak periods (e.g., semester start, year-end close). Prolonged computer use required. QUALIFICATIONS:
Advanced knowledge of student financial services, billing, and accounts receivable operations. Commitment to service excellence for students and families, continuous improvement, and supporting a diverse student population. Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills with the ability to foster collaboration across departments. Proven ability to manage and resolve complex or sensitive student account issues with discretion, empathy, and sound judgment, including those involving financial hardship or conduct-related holds. Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process efficiencies using technology, data, and cross-functional collaboration. Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements, including FERPA, 1098-T, Red Flag, VA education benefits, and financial responsibility acknowledgments. Familiarity with financial and student information systems, including Banner (Student and AR modules) and Workday (Finance/HR). Understanding of data stewardship, internal controls, and compliance requirements related to student financial transactions. Experience using reporting tools and dashboards to support operational and strategic decision-making. Ability to handle confidential information and student records in accordance with FERPA and University privacy policies. Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required. 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in student financial services, billing, or higher education finance. Prior supervisory experience required Work Hours: Full Time Non-Exempt 7.75/hr./daily, 38.75/hrs./weekly Salary: Pay Grade 10 ($88,109.00 - $154,211.00)
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30% - Student Account Operations Provide leadership and direction for all student account functions, including billing, tuition and fee assessment, collections, refunds, account adjustments, and payment processing. Establish annual goals, monitor performance metrics, and ensure compliance with institutional policies and applicable federal, state and local regulations (e.g., FERPA, IRS 1098-T, Red Flag Rules, Title IV, NACUBO, VA). Ensure processes are student-focused, consistently applied, and aligned with institutional policies and values while maintaining the University's financial integrity. 20% - Supervision and Staff Leadership Supervise a team of six staff (three direct, three indirect) responsible for the day-to-day operations of the student accounts area. Promote a culture of service, collaboration, and continuous improvement through training, performance management, and professional development. 15% - Vendor and Third-Party Oversight Serve as the primary University liaison with third-party vendors for payment processing, tuition payment plans, health insurance charges, collection agencies, 529 plan processing, and other student account services. Manage vendor contracts, monitor performance, ensure integration with University systems, and support a seamless student and family experience. 15% - System Stewardship and Data Integrity Act as system expert for Banner Student and Accounts Receivable modules and associated integrations with Workday and other systems. Run critical batch processes, oversee integration jobs, ensure timely and accurate setup of tuition rules and term codes, and maintain system integrity. Coordinate with Information Services and Financial Operations to support configuration, testing, security roles, and enhancements. 10% - Holds, Compliance, and Student Account Resolution Oversee processes related to financial holds, clearance for registration, transcripts, graduation, and the removal of students due to non-payment. Lead the production of IRS Form 1098-Ts and oversee compliance with FERPA, Title IV, financial responsibility acknowledgments, SOVOS SSN verification, and VA or GI Bill-related audits. Coordinate with Registrar, Financial Aid, and Student Development to support timely communication and fair resolution practices. 10% - Reporting, Strategic Projects, and Process Improvement Prepare and analyze reports and dashboards related to accounts receivable, refund trends, collections, early book funding, and enrollment. Lead and contribute to quarterly and annual reconciliations. Monitor higher education trends (e.g., Title IV, gainful employment, net price calculators), recommend policy or procedural changes, and develop proactive strategies for improving the efficiency, accuracy, and equity of student account services. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Directly supervises three staff members; indirectly oversees three additional staff, for a total team of six. Responsible for the full scope of personnel management, including hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, evaluating, and developing staff. Establishes performance expectations aligned with University values and departmental goals. Fosters a high-performing, student-focused team culture grounded in service, professionalism, respect, and integrity. Encourages innovation, collaboration, and individual accountability while ensuring that staff understand and contribute to the University's mission. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Typical office environment with standard work hours. Occasional extended hours during peak periods (e.g., semester start, year-end close). Prolonged computer use required. QUALIFICATIONS:
Advanced knowledge of student financial services, billing, and accounts receivable operations. Commitment to service excellence for students and families, continuous improvement, and supporting a diverse student population. Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills with the ability to foster collaboration across departments. Proven ability to manage and resolve complex or sensitive student account issues with discretion, empathy, and sound judgment, including those involving financial hardship or conduct-related holds. Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process efficiencies using technology, data, and cross-functional collaboration. Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements, including FERPA, 1098-T, Red Flag, VA education benefits, and financial responsibility acknowledgments. Familiarity with financial and student information systems, including Banner (Student and AR modules) and Workday (Finance/HR). Understanding of data stewardship, internal controls, and compliance requirements related to student financial transactions. Experience using reporting tools and dashboards to support operational and strategic decision-making. Ability to handle confidential information and student records in accordance with FERPA and University privacy policies. Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required. 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in student financial services, billing, or higher education finance. Prior supervisory experience required Work Hours: Full Time Non-Exempt 7.75/hr./daily, 38.75/hrs./weekly Salary: Pay Grade 10 ($88,109.00 - $154,211.00)
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