Director of Student Accounts and University Bursar

Company Description:

Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.

Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise." The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.

Job Description:

Clark University's Financial Services Department seeks to fill the position of Director of Student Accounts and University Bursar. Reporting to the Controller, the successful candidate will provide leadership and direction for student account services related to assisting students and families with tuition financing and payment options, financial clearance, billing, collections, and compliance with internal and external policies and regulations.

As a key advisor to the Controller and a member of the Financial Services management team, the successful candidate will contribute to the development and implementation of new initiatives, lead the review and development of policies and procedures, assist in year-end close and annual audits, and will play a strategic role in identifying opportunities for improvement. 

Major Responsibilities: 

• Recommend, design, and implement policy and process enhancements to continually improve the student experience and provides excellent customer service.
• Manage the Federal Perkins Loan and University Loan programs including compliance, collections and accounting; will have ultimate responsibility for the Cashier Office which processes all University deposits as well as ecommerce (TouchNet).
• Supervise the Assistant Director of Student Accounts and staff, including hiring, evaluating, coaching, and training.
• Manage current and past due tuition accounts with the objective of assisting students in maintaining their enrollment with the University while supporting the fiscal objectives of the University.
• Partner with other University departments (for example, Student Financial Aid, Dean of Students, Dean of the College, and the Registrar), to develop strategies and lead efforts to improve customer service, process efficiency, and increase student retention.
• Make decisions regarding extension of credit to students/families and provide guidance to staff on appropriate professional judgement for same.
• Maintain and improve web pages related to student accounts; ensure that all communication vehicles (web, text, email, phone, print materials) provide consistent and accurate due dates, costs, policies, and other important information.
• Manage the Banner Student AR Module and ancillary systems including access, validation tables, billing rules, upgrades, testing, and implementing new functionality.
• Manage various software solutions used in the department including vendor relations, security, training, and implementation (i.e. TouchNet, ECSI, CASHNet).
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree preferred however significant relevant experience may be substituted in some cases.
• At least three years of full-time professional experience in student accounts, financial aid, or other accounting-related area, of which at least two years must have been in a supervisory, administrative, or managerial capacity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and levels of financial literacy.
• Commitment to student service and ability to interact effectively with a broad range of constituents on campus from diverse cultural backgrounds; demonstrated intercultural competency.
• Strong financial counseling, accounting, analytical and technical skills.
• Solid understanding federal regulations regarding Title IV, Institutional loans, and collections.
• Technical and functional knowledge of computerized billing and accounts receivable systems; knowledge of Banner and TouchNet systems preferred.
• Excellent management and administrative skills; ability to prioritize, problem solve, take initiative, organize and adhere to deadlines.
• Ability to design strong internal controls and implement policies and procedures.
• Advanced experience with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Clark University currently requires all employees and students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemptions will be made for medical or disability reasons or religious beliefs, and could be made, at the sole discretion of the University, for other well-documented reasons.

Additional Information:

Clark University embraces equal opportunity and affirmative action as core values: we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. This commitment applies to every aspect of education, services, and employment policies and practices at Clark. Our commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. All positions at Clark share in the responsibility for building a community that values diversity and the uniqueness of others by exhibiting integrity and respect in interacting with all members of the Clark community to create an atmosphere of fairness and belonging. We strongly encourage members from historically underrepresented communities, inclusive of all women, to apply.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

• Resume
• Cover letter

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

Already have a Clark University Careers Account? Login to your account to add documents or update your account.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

HR to select: A successful background check is required upon acceptance.

Apply Online