TBR | The College System of Tennessee

ADMINISTRATIVE/PROFESSIONAL

BURSAR

Number of Openings:           1

Institution:                           Cleveland State Community College

Department:                         Finance

Reports to:                            Director of Accounting Services

Campus Location:                 Cleveland, Tennessee

Salary Range:                        $55,388-$69,235

Position Status:                     Exempt / Full-Time

Moving Allowance:                N/A

Cleveland State Community College is a comprehensive, two-year post-secondary institution, located in Cleveland, Tennessee. Cleveland State is committed to providing open access and quality education to all students. A Tennessee Board of Regents institution, Cleveland State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). At Cleveland State, our mission is to build strong minds, careers and communities through exceptional teaching and learning, workforce development and service. We wish to hire individuals with similar values who can help us accomplish those goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

To be considered for a position at Cleveland State, you must complete an online application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated solely based on the information provided in your application. Any work experience not included will not be considered for meeting the minimum requirements or determining compensation for the position.

Please note the following: 

• Attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form.
• Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Bursar provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all student financial services functions, including billing, receivables, collections, cashiering, refunds, and compliance with federal and state regulations. The Bursar ensures accurate and timely student account processing while delivering high-quality customer service to students, families, and campus partners.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICIATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in any combination of:
• At least three (3) years of direct supervision of staff, defined as assigning work, evaluating performance, and providing guidance.
• Accounting (e.g., reconciliation, fund allocation, receivables, etc.).
• Business management (e.g., develop/implement strategies, training, leading projects, reporting outcomes, etc.).
• Finance (e.g., forecasting, financial reports, accounts receivable/payable, audit, etc.).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Student Accounts Management – 35%

• Direct and oversee student billing, tuition and fee assessment, payment processing, and account reconciliation.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of all financial transactions in compliance with institutional accounting standards.
• Manage cashiering operations and maintain strong internal controls, including PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliance.
• Provide effective service and resolution for complex student account inquiries and issues.

Policy & Compliance Oversight– 15%

• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures that ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Oversee collection processes, institutional write-offs, and bad debt management to reduce financial risk.
• Coordinate and prepare for internal and external audits, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to regulations.
• Monitor evolving regulatory requirements and update practices to maintain institutional compliance.

Vendor & Financial Management– 20%

• Manage relationships with third-party vendors, collection agencies, and payment plan providers.
• Oversee administration of student payment plans and third-party billing programs.
• Prepare and analyze financial and aging reports, reconciliations, and related documentation.
• Provide financial data and insights to inform institutional decision-making and strategic planning.

Supervision & Staff Development – 15%

• Supervise Bursar Office staff, setting goals, monitoring performance, and fostering professional growth.
• Provide training and development opportunities to strengthen staff skills in compliance, systems, and service.
• Offer guidance and support to campus partners regarding Bursar-related policies and procedures.

Student Success Support – 10%

• Collaborate with Financial Aid, Registrar, and Enrollment Management offices to ensure coordinated student account processing.
• Participate in committees and initiatives that enhance student financial services and retention.
• Support institutional efforts to improve financial literacy and reduce student financial barriers.
• Contribute to cross-departmental projects that promote operational efficiency and student success.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (5%)

• Serve on college committees as required.
• The Bursar will be required to meet those standards now required or which may be required by the Tennessee State Board of Regents and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. 
• May be required to achieve additional skill, knowledge, or credential levels. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Suite for reporting, tracking, and documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and effective follow-up.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact professionally with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with College, TBR, and state/federal regulations (e.g., Title IV, FERPA).
• Manage student billing, payments, reconciliations, and financial reporting using GAAP (Generally accepted accounting principles).
• Use Banner Finance or similar systems to extract and analyze data for operations and reporting.
• Review financial data to identify discrepancies, trends, or potential issues.
• Evaluate situations independently and handle confidential information responsibly.
• Effectively manage priorities and projects, develop staff through training and supervision, and coordinate with college offices to improve processes and student outcomes.

WORK ACTIVITIES & EQUIPMENT

Work activities routinely involve the use of standard office equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, scanners, telephones, and other related devices. Employees are expected to perform tasks such as data entry, document preparation, email communication, and report generation using these tools.

JOB LOCATION

The primary workplace for this position is the Finance Office at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee. Occasional travel to off-campus instructional sites within the College’s five-county service area may be required. Occasional travel to state and national conferences may be required.

Applicants may be subject to a background check and credit check.

Cleveland State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HAS
• Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in health)
• Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Longevity Pay
• Retirement Options: State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401k with $50 match, 403b, and 457
• Fourteen (14) Paid Holidays/Year
• Sick and Annual Leave
• Sick Leave Bank
• State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

If you are interested, click on the link to apply. 

Applications can be assured full consideration if submitted by March 30, 2026. 

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Human Resources Office
Telephone: 423-478-6203; FAX: 423-478-6257
Email: humanresources@clevelandstatecc.edu

Website: www.clevelandstatecc.edu

The following link will direct you to a reporting section of the college’s website:  How Do I Report