Bursar vs. Clerk — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
A bursar manages financial operations in educational institutions, focusing on tuition and fees, while a clerk handles administrative tasks across various sectors.
Difference Between Bursar and Clerk
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A bursar typically oversees the financial affairs of a college or university, particularly handling student billing and tuition payments. On the other hand, a clerk may work in various environments, including courts, legislative bodies, and private companies, performing general administrative duties.
Bursars are integral to the financial health of educational institutions, ensuring that financial policies are adhered to and that funds are properly managed. Whereas clerks are more focused on the day-to-day administrative tasks such as filing, maintaining records, and handling correspondence.
In educational settings, bursars also often manage scholarships, financial aid, and sometimes payroll for institutional employees. Conversely, clerks in educational settings might assist in these processes but do not have overall management responsibility.
Bursars frequently interact with students and parents, explaining billing details and resolving payment issues. Meanwhile, clerks might interact with the public or other employees, but their interactions are generally less specialized and not primarily financial in nature.
The role of a bursar requires a deep understanding of financial management and often necessitates a background in finance or accounting. On the other hand, clerks typically require a broader skill set that includes strong organizational and communication skills, with less emphasis on financial expertise.
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Comparison Chart
Main Function
Manages financial operations of institutions
Performs general administrative duties
Primary Responsibilities
Tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships
Filing, recording, correspondence, customer service
Work Environment
Mainly educational institutions
Diverse sectors including government, legal, corporate
Required Skills
Financial management, accounting
Organization, communication, clerical skills
Interaction
Often with students and parents
Wide range, often not specialized
Compare with Definitions
Bursar
An official in charge of funds at a college or university.
The bursar sent out notices for overdue tuition payments.
Clerk
A front desk officer handling customer or public inquiries.
The clerk answered questions at the municipal office.
Bursar
An overseer of budgeting and financial planning at colleges.
The bursar presented the annual budget to the board.
Clerk
An administrative assistant in various organizational settings.
The clerk organized all incoming mail.
Bursar
A manager of scholarships and financial aid.
The bursar worked diligently to distribute aid fairly among students.
Clerk
A support staff member assisting in document preparation.
The clerk prepared the necessary documents for the meeting.
Bursar
A key figure in student financial transactions.
Students met with the bursar to discuss their payment plans.
Clerk
A record keeper in offices and courts.
The clerk was responsible for updating the filing system.
Bursar
A custodian of financial records in educational institutions.
The bursar updated the financial records for the fiscal year.
Clerk
An employee involved in general office maintenance tasks.
The clerk was tasked with restocking the office supplies.
Bursar
A bursar (derived from "bursa", Latin for purse) is a professional financial administrator in a school or university. In the United States, bursars usually exist only at the level of higher education (four-year colleges and universities) or at private secondary schools.
Clerk
A clerk ( or ) is a white-collar worker who conducts general office tasks, or a worker who performs similar sales-related tasks in a retail environment. The responsibilities of clerical workers commonly include record keeping, filing, staffing service counters, screening callers, and other administrative tasks.
Bursar
An official in charge of funds, as at a college or university; a treasurer.
Clerk
A person employed in an office or bank to keep records, accounts, and undertake other routine administrative duties
A bank clerk
A wages clerk
Bursar
The treasurer of a university, college or school.
Clerk
A receptionist in a hotel
She approached the desk and the clerk looked down at her
Bursar
A student funded by a bursary.
Clerk
A member of the clergy.
Bursar
A treasurer, or cash keeper; a purser; as, the bursar of a college, or of a monastery.
Clerk
A literate or scholarly person.
Bursar
A student to whom a stipend or bursary is paid for his complete or partial support.
Clerk
Work as a clerk
Eleven of those who left college this year are clerking in auction stores
Bursar
The treasurer at a college or university
Clerk
A person who works in an office performing such tasks as keeping records, attending to correspondence, or filing.
Clerk
A person who keeps the records and performs the regular business of a court, legislative body, or municipal district.
Clerk
(Law) A law clerk, as for a judge.
Clerk
A person who works at a sales counter or service desk, as at a store or hotel.
Clerk
A cleric.
Clerk
(Archaic) A scholar.
Clerk
To work or serve as a clerk
Clerked in a store.
Clerks for a judge.
Clerk
One who occupationally provides assistance by working with records, accounts, letters, etc.; an office worker.
Clerk
A salesclerk; a person who serves customers in a store or market.
Clerk
A law clerk.
Clerk
An employee at a hotel who deals with guests.
Clerk
(Quakerism) A facilitator of a Quaker meeting for business affairs.
Clerk
(archaic) In the Church of England, the layman that assists in the church service, especially in reading the responses (also called parish clerk).
Clerk
(dated) A cleric or clergyman (the legal title for clergy of the Church of England is "Clerk in Holy Orders", still used in legal documents and cherished by some of their number).
Clerk
(obsolete) A scholar.
Clerk
To act as a clerk, to perform the duties or functions of a clerk
The law school graduate clerked for the supreme court judge for the summer.
Clerk
A clergyman or ecclesiastic.
All persons were styled clerks that served in the church of Christ.
Clerk
A man who could read; a scholar; a learned person; a man of letters.
He was no great clerk, but he was perfectly well versed in the interests of Europe.
Clerk
A parish officer, being a layman who leads in reading the responses of the Episcopal church service, and otherwise assists in it.
And like unlettered clerk still cry "Amen".
Clerk
One employed to keep records or accounts; a scribe; an accountant; as, the clerk of a court; a town clerk.
The clerk of the crown . . . withdrew the bill.
Clerk
An assistant in a shop or store.
Clerk
An employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
Clerk
A salesperson in a store
Clerk
Work as a clerk, as in the legal business
Common Curiosities
What is the primary role of a bursar?
A bursar primarily manages financial operations within educational institutions, focusing on student tuition and fees.
Where do clerks typically work?
Clerks can work in a variety of settings, including government offices, courts, schools, and private businesses.
Can a clerk perform financial tasks?
Clerks might handle some financial-related duties like petty cash management, but they generally focus on administrative tasks.
Is financial expertise essential for a bursar?
Yes, financial expertise is crucial for a bursar due to the nature of their responsibilities in managing institutional finances.
What educational background is expected for a bursar?
A bursar typically holds a degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.
What skills are important for a clerk?
Important skills for a clerk include organization, communication, and basic clerical abilities.
What makes a bursar different from a financial manager in other sectors?
A bursar is specifically tailored to manage the financial operations of educational institutions, unlike general financial managers.
How do the responsibilities of a bursar and a clerk differ in a university setting?
In a university, a bursar manages financial operations like tuition, while a clerk handles administrative tasks such as document management.
Do bursars handle tasks other than financial management?
While their main focus is financial, bursars may also oversee related areas such as scholarships and financial aid.
What types of problems does a bursar solve?
A bursar solves issues related to billing errors, tuition payment plans, and financial aid distribution.
What impact do bursars and clerks have on their organizations?
Bursars directly affect the financial stability of their institutions, while clerks ensure smooth operational workflows.
Can a clerk become a bursar?
A clerk can become a bursar if they gain the necessary education and experience in financial management.
How often do bursars and clerks interact with technology?
Both roles frequently interact with technology; bursars for financial software and clerks for administrative tools.
Who does a clerk interact with in their role?
A clerk interacts with colleagues, the public, and other stakeholders depending on their specific duties.
Do clerks need specific software skills?
Clerks often need to be proficient in office and database software to manage records and correspondence efficiently.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
