Financial Aid Analyst

CSU Careers • Sacramento, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Analyst performs professional student-service assistance to students, parents, and the public regarding federal and state financial aid programs at Sacramento State. Under general supervision and lead work direction, the analyst reviews documentation according to institutional policy and federal and state regulations, applies program guidelines to individual student needs, and supports students’ progress toward their degree objectives.

The role handles cyclical workloads that include verification and needs analysis, awarding and monitoring federal and state financial aid, and loan certification. The analyst interprets federal, state, and program-specific rules, ensures program compliance, and develops expertise in assigned areas such as BIA, NCAA, Pell Grant, state grants, or Direct Loans. The position involves frequent contact with students, parents, faculty, and staff, including providing sensitive, clear guidance to students from varied backgrounds in potentially stressful situations. Strict discretion and compliance with FERPA privacy requirements are mandatory.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position in the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. The stated work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; hours may vary depending on operations. The anticipated hiring range is $4,482–$4,833 per month.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of organization and program management, research and interviewing techniques, individual and group behavior, and the relevant Student Services field, or the ability to rapidly acquire this knowledge.
• Ability to rapidly learn the objectives of the campus Student Services program and its relationship to campus operations.
• Ability to interpret and apply program rules and regulations; gather and analyze data; reason logically; draw valid conclusions; and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to present clear and concise information orally and in written reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, CSU administrators, student organizations, and public and private agencies.
• Typically, one year of professional Student Services experience at the entry trainee level; equivalent amounts of graduate-level job-related education may substitute for experience.
• Education equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field; additional specialized experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment subject to frequent change.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to provide services to a diverse student population.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment.
• Proficiency with standard office software packages, such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with school-based record, data, or software systems, such as CMS or PeopleSoft.
• Ability to apply moderately complex rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents.
• Satisfactory completion of the background check process.

Nice To Haves

• Experience advising students in group or individual settings.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft, NSLDS, COD, WebGrants, ELM, Campus Logic, and Hyland OnBase Imaging System or comparable imaging and workflow software.
• Two or more years of experience working in a Financial Aid Office, with direct experience performing verification and awarding student financial aid through Title IV programs such as Pell Grants or Direct Loans, or state aid such as Cal Grant.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional assistance to students, parents, and the public regarding federal and state financial aid programs.
• Review required documentation in accordance with institutional policy and federal and state regulations.
• Analyze individual student needs using established guidelines, regulations, and precedents.
• Perform verification, document review, and needs analysis.
• Award and monitor federal and state financial aid.
• Certify loans.
• Interpret federal, state, and program-specific rules and regulations and ensure program compliance.
• Develop, maintain, and apply expertise in assigned financial aid program areas, such as BIA, NCAA, Pell Grant, state grants, or Direct Loans.
• Counsel students on University policy when applicable.
• Provide clear and sensitive information about requirements and available options to students from varied backgrounds.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect student records in accordance with FERPA.

What This Job Offers

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