Fractional Bursar | Higher Education Finance Leader | Billing, Receivables and Compliance Strategist

Stephen Toppin is a seasoned higher-education finance professional with over 25 years of progressive experience leading student accounts, billing, collections, and receivables management operations across multi-campus and university systems. His career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to institutional integrity, compliance, and financial health — consistently transforming bursar and student finance departments into efficient, data-driven, and student-centered operations.
At the University of the District of Columbia, Stephen served as Bursar, where he implemented a comprehensive collections protocol to address a $15 million outstanding receivable portfolio. Through automation, enhanced reporting, and staff development, he reduced billing processing time by 50%, mitigated audit risk, and improved student payment flexibility. His initiatives strengthened cash flow and accountability while elevating the overall student financial experience.
As Receivable Director at Ambow Education Inc., he built a centralized bursar function servicing multiple client institutions — maintaining low departmental overhead cost and streamlining all accounts receivable, cashiering, and payment plan processes. He championed innovative solutions such as early-identification funding tools and reentry programs that reduced inactive receivables by 30%, improved student retention, and expanded enrollment by developing a streamlined institutional aid process. His cross-functional collaboration with Enrollment, Financial Aid, and the CFO’s office enhanced financial reporting accuracy, compliance, and strategic planning effectiveness.
Previously, as Billing and Financial Services Director at Stratford University, Stephen led major process transformations that resulted in the successful recovery of millions in aged accounts, a 30% increase in AR resolution rates, and widespread reduction in processing errors after replacing outsourced operations with an in-house team and standardizing internal operations across a multi-campus institution. His leadership extended beyond collections — he integrated student and general ledger systems, improving reconciliation cycles, and developed comprehensive performance dashboards to align departmental outcomes with institutional objectives.
Stephen’s early tenure as Manager of Internal Controls at Stratford University solidified his foundation in audit readiness and regulatory compliance. He established standardized procedures, internal audit frameworks, and system integrations that ensured consistency and transparency across multiple campuses and administrative functions.

Holding a Master of Science in Forensic Studies (Accounting) from Stevenson University and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Forensic & Fraud Examination from Mountain State University, Stephen brings both technical acumen and investigative rigor to every engagement. His approach combines analytical depth, process discipline, and human-centered leadership — making him a trusted partner to institutions seeking sustainable financial stability and operational excellence.