Job Description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

University Bursar

Job Profile Title

Director D, Business and Finance

Job Description Summary

The University of Pennsylvania is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as University Bursar within Student Registration and Financial Services (SRFS). In this key leadership role, the Bursar oversees student billing, accounts receivable, collections, and student financial operations supporting more than $1.4 billion in student account activity. Responsibilities include ensuring accurate and compliant financial transactions, partnering with university stakeholders to enhance financial processes, supporting financial wellness initiatives, and leading efforts to improve the student financial experience. The position also provides leadership in budgeting, financial reporting, policy development, and continuous improvement of student financial systems and services. Candidates should possess significant experience in higher education finance, student accounts, and financial systems administration.

To learn more about Student Registration & Financial Services (SRFS), visit: https://srfs.upenn.edu/

Job Description

The University of Pennsylvania seeks a highly professional, experienced, and strategic leader to serve as the University Bursar within Student Registration and Financial Services (SRFS). This critical leadership role is responsible for overseeing the billing and collection of over $1.4 billion in student accounts receivable, including tuition, financial aid disbursements, housing, meal plans, and various student fees. Additionally, the Bursar will manage student loan receivables and collections for a portfolio totaling over $4 million.

As a collaborative leader, the Bursar will partner with academic and administrative stakeholders across the university to ensure efficient, transparent, and compliant financial processes related to tuition, fees, and student accounts. This position also leads initiatives to strengthen financial operations and assist in financial wellness, working closely with university leadership to improve accessibility. This includes billing and receivables oversight, tuition collections, assisting with financial aid disbursement, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of all student financial transactions. Additionally, the position supports budgeting, financial reporting, and general financial operations within the university.

The Bursar will report to the Associate Vice President of Student Registration and Financial Services, collaborating with senior university leadership to develop long-term financial strategies, operational policies, and student financial system improvements.

Key Responsibilities

The University Bursar is responsible for managing student accounts and financial operations to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with institutional and regulatory policies. This includes overseeing student billing, receivables, collections, and tuition payments while ensuring seamless coordination with financial aid disbursement processes. The Bursar also plays a vital role in financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance auditing, ensuring transparency and adherence to financial regulations. Providing excellent customer service, the Bursar educates students and families on financial processes and policies while addressing inquiries and resolving billing concerns. Additionally, the position supports financial wellness initiatives, enhances operational efficiency, and collaborates with external agencies to manage collection efforts. The role also includes participation in university-wide committees, vendor contract negotiations, and continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.

Qualifications & Skills

Required Qualifications

• The University Bursar role requires a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Candidates should have 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in higher education finance, student accounts, or tuition management.
• Expertise in Ellucian Banner AR, particularly with tuition and fee assessment modules, is essential.
• Strong technical proficiency, including the ability to configure and manage student financial systems, is necessary.
• Additionally, candidates must demonstrate the ability to collaborate with university stakeholders and provide data-driven policy recommendations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are required to effectively convey complex financial information to a broad audience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Finance, Higher Education Administration, Business, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in higher education student financial services and tuition management is highly desirable.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations governing tuition and fees is preferred, as well as experience with TouchNet systems and international payment vendors.
• Strong background in financial compliance, audit processes, and tax reporting (e.g., 1098-T regulations) is advantageous.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Division of Finance

Pay Range

$135,327.00 - $150,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay