Program Director of Budget and Financial Services (Associate Bursar)

Job Title: Program Director of Budget and Financial Services (Associate Bursar)

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 61796

Department

Office of Student Finance | Controller's Office

The Office of Student Finance, a unit within the Controller’s Office, plays a critical role in supporting student success by ensuring the efficient and effective management of student accounts, refunds, billings, and tuition processes. Our office provides accurate financial services, improving student access, and maintaining compliance with university, state, and federal regulations.

Responsibilities

The University is seeking an experienced and strategic Program Director of Budget and Financial Services (Associate Bursar) to provide leadership for the systems, services, and controls that support student financial operations. This role is ideal for a collaborative, detail-oriented leader who thrives at the intersection of finance, technology, compliance, and service.

Serving as a senior leader within the Student Finance organization, the Associate Bursar oversees the systems and services that support tuition assessment, tuition waivers, accounts receivable, third‑party billings, refunds, and payments, with specific operational oversight of customer service, employee and graduate student services, and project management. The position plays a central role in ensuring that student financial systems and processes are accurate, compliant, modern, and aligned with the university’s strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize student finance systems: Provide functional leadership for the university’s student financial systems, including PeopleSoft Campus Solutions, Transact, Flywire Collections Management, and other integrated platforms. Oversee system configuration, term-based calendars, billing and refund processes, and third-party integrations. Partner closely with campus stakeholders and vendors to resolve issues, improve automation, and enhance the student and family experience.
• Strengthen policies, processes, and compliance: Develop, maintain, and enforce office-level policies and procedures that align with federal and state regulations, university standards, and NACUBO best practices. Focus on documenting and evaluating business processes to identify risk, inefficiency, or compliance gaps—particularly in preparation for ERP modernization and audit readiness.
• Provide program oversight and financial controls: Ensure accurate administration of complex financial programs such as graduate scholarships, stipends, and health subsidies. Monitor data integrity and transactional accuracy, implement internal audit practices, and proactively identify and address financial or operational risks.
• Lead, supervise, and develop staff: Supervise a team of professional staff responsible for systems, data, and undergraduate and graduate financial programs. Set priorities, provide coaching and performance feedback, encourage cross-training, and foster an atmosphere of continuous improvement. Emphasize thoughtful use of technology and modern tools to increase efficiency within budget and staffing constraints.
• Support strategic planning and institutional readiness: Work closely with the Director and senior leadership to guide financial modernization efforts, document current-state operations, and design future workflows. Develop reports and analyses that inform decision-making and serve as a trusted advisor on systems strategy, policy alignment, and organizational readiness.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and six years of experience related to budget, financial and/or accounting services; or a high school diploma/equivalent and ten years of related experience. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to ten years.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and reconcile financial data.
• Proficiency reading and writing SQL or experience with Oracle databases and related software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to a broad range of people.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and external key‑holders.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about our university and campuses.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Considerations

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

This position is being re-advertised. Previous applicants need not reapply.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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