The history of the Bursar’s Department began concurrently with the establishment of UPSI in July 1997. Mr. Yusof bin Semahil, then the Deputy Bursar of Universiti Putra Malaysia (Terengganu Branch), was seconded to UPSI to pioneer and set up the department, subsequently becoming UPSI’s first Bursar. As a pioneer, he implemented crucial foundational measures to ensure smooth operations during the university's infancy. Notably, Mr. Yusof initiated the drafting of the UPSI Financial and Accounting Regulations, which established the core framework and reference for the university's financial management—a regulation that remains in use today.

Apart from drafting these regulations, among Mr. Yusof’s initial decisions was acquiring a suitable computerised accounting system. In 1997, the department implemented the Integrated Accounting System (INTACs), supplied by NK Systems Sdn. Bhd. This system significantly bolstered operations and was continuously upgraded over time. On 16 December 1997, the department's administration was further strengthened when Mrs. Hajah Khadijah binti Hamdan reported for duty as the Deputy Bursar to assist Mr. Yusof. Prior to her appointment at UPSI, she served as an Assistant Bursar at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The extensive experience and knowledge she brought from UPM were instrumental in streamlining the overall operations. Together, Mr. Yusof and Mrs. Hajah Khadijah adapted various proven procedures, forms, and workflows from UPM to fit UPSI’s operational needs.

By July 1997, the Bursar’s Department commenced processing payments for salaries, supplies, and maintenance. Moving forward, tasks and roles were progressively specialised to cater to the rapid growth of the university.

Starting in 2005, the department transitioned to an integrated financial information system known as the UPSI Integrated Management System – Financial Information System (UIMS-FIS), or Sistem Pengurusan Bersepadu UPSI. This parent system consolidated all existing university management platforms, including finance, student information, and payroll. The Integrated Management System comprised seven (7) main applications:

• Academic Information System and Student Records

   

• Financial Information System

   

• Administrative Information System and Human Resources

   

• Property Development and Management Information System

   

• Graduate Students Information System

   

• Community Portal Information System

   

• Electronic Learning Information System (MyGuru)

   

The Financial Information System (UIMS-FIS), better known as MyFIS, was the earliest application to be comprehensively implemented on 2 January 2005. It consisted of 11 core modules:

1. Budgeting

2. Procurement

3. Accounts Payable

4. Accounts Receivable

5. Asset/Inventory Management

6. Store Management

7. General Ledger

8. Cash Management

9. Loan Management

10. Payroll

11. Management Information System (MIS)

MyFIS complied with the standards set by the Standard Accounting System for Government Agencies (SAGA) and successfully obtained the SAGA Certificate of Compliance from the Accountant General’s Department of Malaysia on 31 May 2012. The system successfully fulfilled four main objectives:

• To provide facilities for maintaining a complete and up-to-date set of accounts.

• To enable daily account closures.

• To offer enhanced financial management accounting facilities.

• To prepare pre-audit financial reports in a timely manner.

On 16 January 2020, the Bursar’s Department adopted a new financial system developed on an open-source PHP platform. Named MyFIS Neo, this advanced system introduced numerous innovations and improvements, proving to be more technologically sophisticated, cost-effective, and user-friendly.

In terms of leadership transitions, Mrs. Hajah Khadijah binti Hamdan was appointed as the Bursar of UPSI on 7 August 2003, succeeding Mr. Yusof bin Semahil upon his retirement. She dedicated 16 years of service as the Bursar before retiring on 5 August 2019.

Today, the Bursar’s Department is helmed by Mr. Hj. Mohamad Najib bin Hj. Mohamed, supported by 1 Senior Deputy Bursar, 3 Deputy Bursars, 6 Assistant Bursars, and 52 support staff. To ensure structured governance, the department is organised into 9 specialized units:

• Administration, Finance & Quality Unit

• Payment Unit

• Asset, Store and Development Unit

• Payroll, Study Leave and Ticketing Unit

• Governance, Funds & Loans Unit

• Procurement and Contract Management Unit

• Accounts and Budget Unit

• Students Finance Unit

• Generation, Risk & System Unit

This continuous optimization of the administrative structure and manpower has fortified the department’s capacity to navigate future challenges. In line with driving a digital and automated work environment, the department has rolled out various online applications for staff via the MyUPSI Portal and MyFIS Neo. The Bursar’s Department remains steadfast in its commitment to elevating service delivery through innovative practices, cost-optimization, and revenue generation, ensuring long-term financial excellence for the university.