Director, Student Financial Services

Director, Student Financial Services

The Pennsylvania State University Office of the Bursar seeks a demonstrated leader to serve as the Director, Student Financial Services.

The Director, Student Financial Services provides leadership and direction to the Student Financial Services (SFS) staff. This position directs the operations of three departments within SFS: Loan Servicing and Collections, Federal, State, and External Awards, and Military and Third-Party Contracts. This position is responsible for developing operational and strategic goals for SFS, workforce planning, directing work objectives and priorities, comprehensive recommendations for problem solving, authority for hiring/firing, interviewing, selecting, and training staff, performance and disciplinary action and identifying opportunities and implementing changes in the existing processes along with maintaining organizational relationships and benchmarking initiatives.

The successful candidate for this position will provide supervision to three direct reports and their teams who support these daily activities and services, and must demonstrate knowledge and mastery of broad concepts, policies and procedures related to Office of the Bursar operations.

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate extensive experience in accounting and financial reconciliation, with strong technical proficiency in higher education financial systems; demonstrate ability to manage complex reconciliations, analyze financial data, and implement system-based solutions that support compliance, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making across Student Financial Services.
• Maintain a comprehensive working knowledge of Federal and State laws; University policies, guidelines, regulations, and procedures; tax laws related to reporting requirements and withholding international student taxes; and provisions of all student aid packages.
• Initiate, implement, and revise systems, department procedures, plans and policies, and handle complex student cases within the SFS system.
• Supply data, reports, and surveys regarding information related to student account activity.
• Meet with University Internal auditors, University External auditors, State auditors, and US Department of Education auditors when audits involve bursar office operations.

The successful candidate will possess:

• Advanced skills in accounting, leadership, and execution of objectives critical to the unit's success.
• Strong communication and diplomacy skills. This position communicates with stakeholders across the University as well as with external stakeholders. These communications often involve significant, complex, and sensitive situations. The successful candidate must be able to relay information in a way that is objective and adaptive to the audience.
• Ability to solve complex, controversial, or unprecedented issues and problems, as well as demonstrate sound judgement by considering values, risks, impact, and implications of actions throughout the organization.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 10+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $97,100.00 - $145,700.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.