Financial Aid Advisor

University of Arkansas System • Fort Smith, AR

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Advisor serves as a primary resource and advocate for students and families navigating the financial aid process. The Financial Aid Advisor provides personalized counseling, education, and support to help students understand their options, meet eligibility requirements, and overcome financial barriers. They assist with applications, awarding, and eligibility resolution while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies. The Financial Aid Advisor provides responsive and compassionate customer service, collaborates with campus partners, and manages assigned financial aid programs, and maintains current knowledge of applicable regulations and policies. The position reports to the Associate Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Benefits.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• One year of experience in financial aid and/or higher education
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
• Ability to listen, explain complex financial aid information clearly, and provide individualized guidance to students and families.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with students, families, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
• Ability to analyze information, interpret requirements, exercise sound judgment, and resolve financial aid-related issues.
• Ability to manage detailed information accurately, identify discrepancies, maintain accurate records, and meet established deadlines.
• Commitment to providing responsive, professional, empathetic, and student-centered service.
• Knowledge of FERPA and applicable financial aid regulations and ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard student information.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities, deadlines, and student needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing regulations, policies, procedures, technology, and student needs while demonstrating initiative.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and campus partners to support departmental and institutional goals.
• Strong computer skills and ability to effectively use student information systems, Microsoft Office applications, reporting tools, and other technology used in financial aid operations.
• Ability to clearly and effectively present financial aid information to individuals and groups.
• Demonstrates sound professional judgment, reliability, dependability, and accountability in daily work.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a college or university financial aid office, including direct experience administering and processing multiple federal, state, institutional, scholarship, loan, or work-study programs and interpreting applicable regulations and policies.
• Experience with financial aid counseling, student information systems such as Workday, and resolving complex student financial aid situations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized financial aid counseling to prospective and current students and their families. Explain financial aid options, eligibility requirements, award offers, cost of attendance, student account charges, and available resources. Assist students in understanding how enrollment decisions may affect their financial aid and help identify solutions to financial aid-related barriers. Provide accurate, compassionate, and student-centered guidance while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Assist students with the financial aid application process and electronic financial aid procedures. Review applications and supporting documentation, determine financial aid eligibility, and process federal, state, institutional, and scholarship awards in accordance with applicable regulations and institutional policies. Complete verification, resolve eligibility requirements, monitor overawards, and make necessary adjustments to financial aid. Monitor student financial aid action items and take appropriate action to maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements. Identify and resolve issues that may affect a student's eligibility or receipt of financial aid and refer complex or unusual circumstances for additional review.
• Provide timely, professional, and responsive assistance to students and families through in-person, telephone, email, virtual, and other communication channels. Serve at the Financial Aid Office front counter as assigned, greet and assist visitors, respond to routine questions, triage student needs, and refer students to the appropriate staff member or campus resource. During peak periods, including registration, financial aid application deadlines, award processing, and the beginning of academic terms, assist with increased front-counter traffic, telephone and email volume, student queues, and other service demands. Communicate complex financial aid information clearly and respectfully, maintain confidentiality, and contribute to an organized, welcoming, and student-centered service environment.
• Serve as the primary staff resource and processor for two or more assigned financial aid programs or functional areas, such as Federal Work-Study, Foundation or institutional scholarships, athletic scholarships, state programs, Parent PLUS Loans, alternative loans, Return of Title IV funds, outside scholarships, or other designated programs. Maintain current knowledge of applicable regulations and procedures, monitor assigned processes, and provide guidance and support to students and staff.
• Participate in financial aid outreach and educational activities, including presentations, workshops, orientation programs, recruitment events, and visits to area high schools or community organizations. Educate students, families, and campus partners about financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, application processes, and strategies for paying for college.
• Work collaboratively with campus stakeholders and department colleagues to support a positive, student-centered work environment. Demonstrate professionalism in communication and conduct, foster teamwork, and provide support to colleagues and students. Maintain a consistent, service-oriented approach in all institutional interactions while contributing to a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement. Demonstrate reliability through consistent, regular, and punctual attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Financial Aid Office and University mission.

Benefits

• university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• immediate leave accrual
• a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level