Director of Student Accounts

Job Summary

The Director of Student Accounts provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University’s student accounts and payment systems at a public research university. This role ensures the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of all tuition, fee, and related financial transactions while delivering high‑quality service to students, families, and campus partners.

The Director plays a vital role in supporting the University’s administrative, academic, and student service missions through the timely and accurate billing, collection, reconciliation, and reporting of student accounts, including third‑party sponsored student billing. This role operates within a highly regulated public environment and collaborates extensively with campus partners to support student access, success, and institutional fiscal stewardship.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Significant progressive experience in student accounts, bursar, accounting, or financial operations, preferably in higher education.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff, budgets, and complex operational workflows.
• Strong knowledge and experience of accounting principles, internal controls, and financial systems.

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience with enterprise student information systems and cashiering platforms.
• Experience with third‑party sponsored billing and complex receivables environments.
• Knowledge and experience in higher education regulatory and compliance requirements.

• Strategic Leadership & Management
  • Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for student accounts and cashiering operations in alignment with institutional goals.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve policies, procedures, and internal controls related to billing, collections, sponsored students, refunds, and receivables. Lead, mentor, and evaluate professional and support staff, fostering a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
  • Participate in cross‑functional collaborations related to enrollment, financial aid, registration, and student success initiatives.
• Student Accounts & Billing Operations
  • Oversee the accurate and timely assessment, billing, and collection of tuition, fees, housing, and other student charges.
  • Ensure proper reconciliation of student accounts, cashiering activity, and related general ledger entries.
  • Oversee third‑party sponsored student billing, including government agencies, research sponsors, employer reimbursement programs, and external partners.
  • Oversee accounts receivable functions, including payment plans, collections, refunds, and write‑offs in accordance with public sector policies and best practices.
• Compliance, Controls, & Risk Management
  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and audit requirements.
  • Maintain strong internal controls to safeguard institutional assets and ensure financial accuracy and integrity.
  • Serve as a key point of contact for internal and external audits related to student accounts and cashiering functions.
  • Support institutional reporting requirements and public disclosures related to student financial activity.
• Systems, Reporting & Process Improvement
  • Oversee the effective use of student information systems and financial systems related to student accounts and cashiering.
  • Collaborate with Information Technology and other stakeholders on system enhancements, testing, and implementations.
  • Analyze operational and financial data to identify trends, assess risk, and inform policy and process improvements.
  • Advance automation, efficiency, and modernization efforts to enhance accuracy and the student experience at scale.
• Customer Service & Campus Collaboration
  • Ensure delivery of responsive, accurate, and student‑centered service to a diverse population of students, families, faculty, and staff.
  • Collaborate closely with Financial Aid, Registrar, Enrollment Management, Housing, and Accounting to support seamless student service delivery.
  • Support equity and access initiatives by ensuring transparent, fair, and consistent application of billing and collection practices.