What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bursar position at Colorado Mesa University?
ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
Bursar
ABOUT THIS POSITION
Summary: This position is responsible for directing the Student Accounts department. This position develops and updates procedures to ensure that receipts are safeguarded and that operations follow established policies, procedures, rules and regulations. The Bursar is also tasked with continuous improvement of procedures so that the cashiering and accounts receivable functions take advantage of emerging technology to increase efficiencies. The Bursar is responsible for developing and maintaining internal controls for accounts receivable, for working with related departments to modify processing procedures to improve both efficiency and student services, and for working with the Controller to maintain compliance with university, state, and federal rules.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Lead and manage the Student Accounts staff overseeing assignment of roles & responsibilities, including professional and leadership development. This position will also represent Student Accounts in integrated resources for information and solutions (IRIS) efforts by collaborating with other directors to strategically integrate process improvements to improve customer service to our student population.
Use knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures, and with state and federal rules and regulations. This position conducts reconciliations of the University's receipts bank account(s) and submits annual 1098-T tax documents to students and the IRS. The Bursar is also responsible for allocating merchant fees and PCI compliance by working with IT and other campus departments.
Oversee the student accounts collection process by managing the payment portal and staying current with student payment procedures and recommendations. This includes managing the Student Accounts semester calendar and term planning process by developing dates and deadlines, assessing tuition, and ensuring all published information is correct and the campus community is informed.
Manage all external billing activities and incoming payments to ensure proper coding and compliance for multiple areas including ticketing revenue, Perkins loans and Sponsored Programs related grant funds. Work across various areas of campus to develop, establish and enforce cash controls. The Bursar also works with merchant service processors on setting up and maintain Merchant Identification Numbers (MID).
Research and implement ways to better utilize the campus ERP system and capitalize on the efficient utilization of available data reporting tools for accounts receivable and student aid financial analysis. Work with IT to migrate current reports to EDIFY and develop Power BI ad hoc reports for the Controller, Student Accounts, Accounts Payable, and Payroll.
Act as a liaison to the Financial Aid office to coordinate and provide compliance to student aid payments including requesting Title IV funds through the G5 system. The Bursar also works closely with the Budget department on tuition and fee structure to ensure that the proper rates are charged to students. This position also collaborates with other campus departments on process improvements and software integration opportunities related to payment systems.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
Bursar
ABOUT THIS POSITION
Summary: This position is responsible for directing the Student Accounts department. This position develops and updates procedures to ensure that receipts are safeguarded and that operations follow established policies, procedures, rules and regulations. The Bursar is also tasked with continuous improvement of procedures so that the cashiering and accounts receivable functions take advantage of emerging technology to increase efficiencies. The Bursar is responsible for developing and maintaining internal controls for accounts receivable, for working with related departments to modify processing procedures to improve both efficiency and student services, and for working with the Controller to maintain compliance with university, state, and federal rules.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Lead and manage the Student Accounts staff overseeing assignment of roles & responsibilities, including professional and leadership development. This position will also represent Student Accounts in integrated resources for information and solutions (IRIS) efforts by collaborating with other directors to strategically integrate process improvements to improve customer service to our student population.
Use knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures, and with state and federal rules and regulations. This position conducts reconciliations of the University's receipts bank account(s) and submits annual 1098-T tax documents to students and the IRS. The Bursar is also responsible for allocating merchant fees and PCI compliance by working with IT and other campus departments.
Oversee the student accounts collection process by managing the payment portal and staying current with student payment procedures and recommendations. This includes managing the Student Accounts semester calendar and term planning process by developing dates and deadlines, assessing tuition, and ensuring all published information is correct and the campus community is informed.
Manage all external billing activities and incoming payments to ensure proper coding and compliance for multiple areas including ticketing revenue, Perkins loans and Sponsored Programs related grant funds. Work across various areas of campus to develop, establish and enforce cash controls. The Bursar also works with merchant service processors on setting up and maintain Merchant Identification Numbers (MID).
Research and implement ways to better utilize the campus ERP system and capitalize on the efficient utilization of available data reporting tools for accounts receivable and student aid financial analysis. Work with IT to migrate current reports to EDIFY and develop Power BI ad hoc reports for the Controller, Student Accounts, Accounts Payable, and Payroll.
Act as a liaison to the Financial Aid office to coordinate and provide compliance to student aid payments including requesting Title IV funds through the G5 system. The Bursar also works closely with the Budget department on tuition and fee structure to ensure that the proper rates are charged to students. This position also collaborates with other campus departments on process improvements and software integration opportunities related to payment systems.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business, accounting or related area of study.
- Three years of experience in accounting or finance including account reconciliation, balancing, analysis, and reporting.
- Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills are required.
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Demonstrated customer services experience and be an innovative leader with a collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation.
Demonstrated experience with process improvement and project management. -
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Business Management, Finance, or Accounting.
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Experience working in higher education or under state and federal regulations.
Salary: $70,000.00 - 80,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Department: Colorado Mesa University
Employment Type: Administrative
HOW TO APPLY
Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be received by 3/23/2025.
How to Apply: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
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Cover letter
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Resume
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Include the name, phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for. Professional references should include at least one current or former supervisor. Professional reference may also include current or former employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge and can recommend you for employment.
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Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
Direct Inquiries Contact: Jeff Doyle, jefdoyle@coloradomesa.edu
ABOUT COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
A comprehensive university in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado's largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and via online offerings.
Colorado Mesa University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling 10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands.
The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you will not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that's less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado's best kept secrets.
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.
Colorado Mesa University
Attn: Human Resources Office
1100 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
970.248.1820
Salary : $70,000 - $80,000
