Assistant Bursar

The University of Alaska Anchorage Office of the Bursar serves the university community by managing student accounts and all other university receivables. Our customers are our students and the generous donors and agencies that support them in their educational pursuits. The Office of the Bursar invites applicants for the position of Assistant Bursar. This position supports the day-to-day operations of the department and is responsible for managing disbursements and special programs. We are looking for an experienced fiscal professional or manager who wants to join a fun team, has a willingness to learn, and an eye for compliance and business process improvements. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes excellent benefits including retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and their dependents, and affordable medical, dental, and vision care coverage.

Duties:

FUND ACCOUNTING: Prepare specialized reconciliations for several balance sheet accounts. Ensure GAAP and UA Accounting & Administrative guidance are followed. Run error reports utilizing Banner and TOAD Data Point; process corresponding correcting journal entries. Provide guidance to University departments and peer campuses to ensure compliance. Manage detail code set up for UAA and its community campuses ensuring compliance with the SW Accounting & Administrative Manual. Manage fiscal records retention according to established system guidelines.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS MANAGEMENT: Responsible for processing and reconciliations for special programs, with emphasis on compliance, accuracy, collaboration, and efficiency for each program: Graduate Health Insurance/WWAMI; Athletic Stipends & NCAA compliance; Private loan returns; Foreign tax assessment and other compliance areas for international students; Stale checks and unclaimed property; Oversee the Petition for Refund/Reversal of Charges request process and review committee; Participating member of the system-wide UA AR Work Team; Banner A/R testing for system upgrades and process improvements; Serve as lead for Anchorage campus fee management. Other projects as assigned.

STAFF & PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: Provide day-to-day guidance, training and direction for staff. Regularly assign and review work. Participate in department recruitment efforts. Hire, train, evaluate performance and initiate corrective action for Disbursements area staff. Train staff on regulations for several fund types, including Title IV financial aid and VA benefits; state laws for collections and PFD garnishments, GAAP, Cash Management and UA BOR Policy and Regulations. Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures. Be instrumental in the motivation of staff members and to the concept of continuous improvement and change management. Provide training and assist staff in problem solving student account escalation issues; research and utilize sound independent judgment and autonomy to resolve student account issues. Assist with the daily operations of the Office of the Bursar. Act on behalf of the Bursar when unavailable; provide support and direction to the UAA Office of the Bursar staff and community campuses as needed. In conjunction with the Bursar, forecast departmental needs, develop processes, and participate in short- and long-term planning.

REFUND MANAGEMENT: Manage the disbursement of Federal and other sources of financial aid and payments in excess of account charges to students and sponsoring agencies, ensuring compliance with Federal, and agency regulations and UAA policies and procedures. Review and approve student refunds and financial aid disbursements in excess of charges averaging $26.7 million per year. Ensure the highest level of customer service is fostered and delivered to the UA student, departments, and sponsoring agencies. Reconcile Title IV financial aid accounts monthly, ensuring compliance with administrative capability for Title IV aid. Manage uncashed and returned checks, coordinating with the UA System Office for escheatment and the Office of Financial Aid for TIV aid returns per Federal regulations. Maintain currency with applicable federal and state regulations and adjust department policies and practices accordingly. Work closely with the UAA Office of Financial Aid and the Bursar to confirm data provided for annual FISAP submission. Participate in and respond to annual audit requests.

This position is physically located on the Anchorage campus. A limited hybrid remote work schedule may be considered after initial training and job proficiency is gained.

UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination