Assistant Bursar

Founded in 1917, Providence College (PC) is a premier Catholic liberal arts institution steadfastly committed to academic excellence through a dynamic core curriculum, a distinctive Development of Western Civilization Program, and abundant experiential learning opportunities. The only U.S. higher education institution administered by the Dominican Friars, PC is committed to providing a variety of opportunities for intellectual, social, moral, and spiritual growth in a supportive environment. Providence College believes that cultural and intellectual pluralism is essential to the excellence of its academic programs, and strives to foster an academic culture and campus community reflecting the global environment in which we live and work.

The approximately 105-acre campus is situated in Rhode Island’s capital city and is close to the many cultural and educational offerings of Rhode Island’s “renaissance city.” Additionally, Providence is located an hour from Boston and just a few hours from New York City.

For years, Providence College has been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report “Regional Universities – North Category” and has been commended by several other ranking publications.

Conducted under the auspices of the Dominican Friars, Providence College is a Catholic, Dominican, liberal arts institution of higher education and a community committed to academic excellence in pursuit of the truth, growth in virtue, and service of God and neighbor. We seek candidates who can affirm and contribute to our mission.

Providence College is also an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a Beloved Community — an environment that reflects the rich diversity of the human family and is marked by justice, charity and the promotion of the common good and flourishing of all. We invite applications from qualified individuals who possess the experience, knowledge and commitment to develop the diverse learning environment envisioned as part of the Beloved Community. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The College’s Non-Discrimination policy can be found Notice of Non-Discrimination (PDF document) (Download PDF reader)

Overview

Assist the Bursar and Associate Bursar in facilitating the timely collection of payments from current and former students for Student Accounts Receivable and the Federal Perkins Loan Program.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist the Bursar and Associate Bursar with all operational functions of the Bursar/Student Account Office and assist the Associate Bursar in managing the operational functions of the Federal Perkins Loan Program. Stay apprised of Federal Perkins regulations. Maintain Perkins Loan Accounts and update demographic information. Provide customer service to borrowers by email and telephone. Perform due diligence and collections for Perkins Loan borrowers. Serve as liaison with the University Accounting Services (UAS), the College’s Perkins Loan servicer. Ensure accurate processing of deferments and cancelation benefits. Process separations to ensure timely repayment schedules. Monitor exit interviews. Process refund checks for overpayments to the program, verify and mail monthly paid-in-full loans, and prepare delinquent portfolio for assignment to the DOE when necessary. (25%)
2. Assist the Bursar and Associate Bursar in the collection of delinquent student accounts and student loans. Assist in the monitoring of collections for student web and registration activity for the SCE and Grad level activity. Pro-actively problem solve with students and parents for all student levels. Provide debt counseling to students and parents regarding their financial obligations towards payment of student bills and regarding loan repayment, debt, and rights and responsibilities as a borrower of Direct/Perkins Loans. (30%)
3. Assist the Bursar in the processing and publishing of bills for all school programs within the College. Manage the payment plan. Perform data input, testing, reconciliation, and monitoring. Coordinate with Financial Aid and other departments. (20%)
4. Coordinate with student health insurance plan renewal, implementation, family and student communications, enrollment, and reconciliation. (15%)
5. Assist both the Bursar and Associate Bursar in the organization and coordination of special projects, presentations, education programs, and special events when necessary. (10%)

MARGINAL DUTIES:

1. Perform all other duties as may be required.

Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree in accounting or related field from an accredited institution required
• Minimum of two to four years’ experience in collections, student receivables, student loan processing or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in large-scale, system-based billing, account management, payment processing, and collections
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, problem-solving, and demonstrated ability to handle adverse situations
• Good organizational and technical skills with the ability to work under deadlines.
• Intermediate level knowledge of Microsoft Office tools
• Working knowledge of accounts receivable and collections.
• Demonstrated ability to use knowledge to solve routine, extraordinary, and complex issues and problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills to relate sympathetically with others yet with sufficient detachment to communicate understanding of rules, procedures, and policies
• Ability to prioritize duties when faced with interruptions, distractions, and fluctuating workloads
• Ability to multi-task and perform effectively in crisis situations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and exercise discretion and judgement on matters of significance while maintaining the highest level of customer service and confidentiality within limitation of law, regulations, and College policy

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time
• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction
• Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard
• Communication skills using the spoken word
• Ability to see within normal parameters
• Ability to hear within normal range
• Ability to move about

DISCLAIMER:

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.