Financial Aid Analyst

California State University, Sacramento • Sacramento, CA

2d • $4,482 - $4,833 • Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Analyst provides 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 in accordance with institutional policy and federal and state regulations, analyzes individual student needs using established guidance, and helps students make progress toward their degree objectives.

The role handles cyclical workloads involving verification and needs analysis, awarding and monitoring federal and state financial aid, and loan certification. The analyst interprets program rules and regulations, ensures compliance, and maintains knowledge of Title IV requirements, state grant requirements, and institutional policies and procedures. Staff develop expertise in one or more assigned program areas, such as BIA, NCAA, Pell Grant, State Grant, or Direct Loans, and counsel students on university policy when applicable.

The position involves frequent contact with students, parents, faculty, and staff in a fast-paced environment with multiple tasks and strict deadlines. The analyst must exercise discretion and comply with FERPA confidentiality and privacy requirements, while communicating clearly and sensitively with students from varied backgrounds, including in stressful or emotionally charged situations. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; hours may vary based on operations. It is a regular probationary, non-exempt position eligible for overtime compensation. The anticipated hiring range is $4,482–$4,833 per month; the CSU classification salary range is $4,482–$6,342 per month.

Requirements

• 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.
• Knowledge and abilities typically demonstrated through the equivalent of one year of professional Student Services work at the entry trainee level; equivalent graduate-level job-related education may substitute for experience.
• Working knowledge of organization and program management methods and problems, research and interviewing techniques, principles of individual and group behavior, and basic principles, practices, and trends in the assigned Student Services field.
• Ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of the campus organization, procedures, activities, Student Services program objectives, and their 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 and establish cooperative working relationships with faculty, CSU administrators, student organizations, and public and private agencies.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment subject to frequent change.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to serve a diverse student population.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment.
• Proficiency with standard office software packages, such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with school-based record and data systems or software, 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.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to FERPA privacy requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience advising students individually or in groups.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft, NSLDS, COD, WebGrants, ELM, Campus Logic, and Hyland OnBase Imaging System, or comparable image 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 in specific 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 financial aid documentation in accordance with institutional policy and federal and state regulations.
• Conduct verification, document review, and needs analysis.
• Award and monitor federal and state financial aid, and certify loans.
• Interpret applicable federal, state, and program-specific rules and regulations and ensure program compliance.
• Maintain knowledge of Title IV program rules, state grant requirements, and institutional policies and procedures.
• Develop and apply expertise in one or more assigned program areas, such as BIA, NCAA, Pell Grant, State Grant, or Direct Loans.
• Counsel students on university policy when applicable.
• Manage multiple tasks and cyclical workloads in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines.
• Protect confidential student records and comply with FERPA requirements.
• Communicate requirements and available options clearly and sensitively to students from varied backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, and other relevant parties.

What This Job Offers

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