View Job description for Financial Aid Systems Analyst

Support Financial Aid Technology and Data Excellence as a Financial Aid Systems Analyst at CWI! 

Are you passionate about technology, data, and improving the student experience? The College of Western Idaho (CWI) is seeking a Financial Aid Systems Analyst to provide systems expertise, reporting support, and technical leadership for the technology tools that support Financial Aid operations. 

In this role, you'll serve as a key partner between Financial Aid, Information Technology, and institutional stakeholders to ensure systems are configured, maintained, and optimized to support compliance, operational efficiency, and student success. 

Why Join CWI? 

At CWI, Financial Aid plays a critical role in helping students access educational opportunities. As a Financial Aid Systems Analyst, you'll help ensure the systems that support financial aid administration are accurate, reliable, and responsive to changing regulations and student needs. This position offers an opportunity to blend technical expertise, data analysis, problem-solving, and collaboration in a mission-driven environment. 

Benefits: 

CWI offers one of the most affordable and comprehensive benefits packages in higher education, including: 

• Premium healthcare plans 

• 11%+ employer retirement contributions 

• Tuition discounts 

• Generous personal leave 

• Professional development opportunities 

Financial Aid Systems Administration & Support: 

• Lead the annual configuration and setup of financial aid systems and modules for each academic year 

• Research, evaluate, test, and implement enhancements and system functionality that support Financial Aid operations and regulatory compliance 

• Troubleshoot complex system issues and coordinate resolution efforts with Information Technology, software vendors, and external partners 

• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, system enhancements, and best practices related to financial aid administration 

Systems Analysis & Technical Collaboration: 

• Serve as the primary liaison between Financial Aid staff and IT, report-writing teams, and technical support personnel 

• Translate business needs and operational requirements into detailed functional specifications 

• Support system modifications, configuration updates, and process improvements 

• Develop and maintain user acceptance testing plans, scripts, and documentation 

• Coordinate testing and validation of software upgrades, patches, releases, and system enhancements 

Data Management, Reporting & Compliance: 

• Query, analyze, and validate data across internal and external systems to ensure data integrity and accuracy 

• Support reporting requirements and assist in the preparation of required federal, state, and institutional reports 

• Partner with Financial Aid leadership to prepare annual reporting submissions to the U.S. Department of Education 

• Coordinate reconciliation reporting, research, and issue resolution related to federal financial aid funds 

• Ensure accurate reporting and compliance with applicable regulations and reporting standards 

Student Information Systems & Data Stewardship: 

• Serve as a data steward for student and institutional records related to Financial Aid 

• Audit and monitor security roles and system access to ensure compliance with Title IV, state, and institutional requirements 

• Support the integrity, confidentiality, and appropriate use of student information 

• Promote best practices for data governance, security, and system utilization 

User Experience & Continuous Improvement: 

• Apply user experience and usability principles when evaluating and implementing system functionality 

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and enhance the student experience 

• Collaborate with campus stakeholders to streamline processes and improve service delivery 

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that support institutional effectiveness 

• Perform other duties as assigned 

What We're Looking For: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or three (3) years of experience in a college or university Financial Aid office, or an equivalent combination of education and experience 

• Experience working with technology systems and software applications supporting business operations 

• Demonstrated experience implementing, configuring, troubleshooting, or supporting enterprise systems 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

• Ability to translate complex business requirements into functional and technical specifications 

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills 

• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and represent the college professionally 

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and compliance 

• NASFAA Credentials preferred