Financial Aid Specialist

The Financial Aid Services (FAS) team is charged with analyzing prospective and enrolled students¿ financial aid applications to resolve student eligibility issues and ensure an equitable distribution of aid. Specialists review applications and a large variety of documents necessary to perform needs analysis to determine federal and institutional eligibility.

Specialists work in a high-volume and fast-paced environment to apply knowledge of swiftly changing federal regulations and institutional requirements to each application they review. They also provide excellent customer service by advising applicants and their families on the promptest resolution to application or eligibility issues.

As a member of The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs, the individual will represent the office during on campus events and also participate in community events.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience Required; Bachelor's degree, Preferred.
• 2-5 years of experience working in Financial Aid (FM & IM needs analysis, CSS Profile review, tax review, Federal Verification & Federal Match.)

Skills and Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of regulations in interpreting and administering of federal Title IV, state and university financial aid programs to ensure compliance. In depth knowledge of and experience with federal tax forms and requirements/tax law. Proven ability to research, interpret and apply complex rules and laws.
• Strong communication skills. Ability to write and present concise findings with recommended course of action.
• Ability to analyze families in diverse populations and situations objectively and communicate with professionalism and compassion.
• Must possess a flexible attitude and be able to function well as a team member in a high-volume, fast paced environment while paying close attention to detail and prioritizing workload to meet numerous deadlines crucial to meeting the University enrollment goals.
• Must take initiative and be able to prioritize workload with little guidance.
• Maintain a strong commitment to the mission of the university and its students.
• Experience with and knowledge of PeopleSoft or other student information systems, OnBase or other imaging systems, and Microsoft software products.
• Overtime may be required during peak award season to provide the best possible customer service.

Responsibilities

• Perform federal & institutional tax verification: adjust and verify parent and student income and assets to ensure compliance with federal and institutional regulations. Identify tax discrepancies and determine appropriate course of action for the family.
• Evaluate and verify PROFILE and FAFSA application information and research/analyze supporting documentation in order to resolve conflicting information as directed by the Department of Education. This may include but is not limited to tax and legal documents, business, real estate or other asset information.
• Review institutional reports to resolve student eligibility issues and ensure an equitable distribution of aid within federal regulations. Review all subsequent ISIR transactions. Troubleshoot issues such as unofficial SAIs and ISIR rejects to ensure timely disbursement of aid.
• Apply established needs analysis procedures to determine federal need and use professional judgment as appropriate to determine financial aid eligibility.
• Collaborate with colleagues to evaluate complex circumstances that require a number of proficiencies to resolve. Work with other FAS team members and the Assistant Director in determining acceptable documentation for resolving discrepancies. Create and update communications used to clarify those requirements and intended for swift resolution. Act as a resource for other financial aid staff with federal regulatory and needs analysis questions.
• Communicate with families using tact, discretion, and diplomacy regarding complex and delicate family situations to clarify aid eligibility. This often consists of expertly asking questions about and discussing potentially volatile marital and custody situations, living situations, complex business situations and activity, federal tax filing requirements, and citizenship/residency statuses.
• Represent the office during campus events and participate in community events. Participate in a variety of professional development activities including attendance at professional conferences, webinars, training peers and colleagues on changes in financial aid regulations both on campus and off, etc. Participation in professional development activities is critical to stay current with changes to federal and state regulations as well as institutional policies regarding the awarding of financial aid.
• Assist IT with testing PeopleSoft updates and corrections. Troubleshoot when there are issues, alerting IT and tracking / testing until it can be resolved.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.