Financial Aid Analyst

West Coast University•Irvine, CA

About The Position

Ensures timely and accurate awarding and disbursement of student financial aid funds. Performs federal verification of financial aid files selected by the Department of Education's processor or the institution and reviews assigned files for conflicting or discrepant data. Confirms eligibility for federal, state, institutional, or external awards by reviewing student records, supporting documents, cost of attendance, need analysis, enrollment levels, program data, and information available from relevant government agencies and other entities. Confirms eligibility for aid already awarded and adds, cancels, or adjusts funds as appropriate in the Student Information System. Reviews potential award variances and discrepancies, takes steps to resolve them, and communicates with campus or other functional teams as needed. Monitors personal activity queues and follows up on reminders or activities assigned to others to support timely and accurate resolution. The role may also assist with financial aid software testing and student cost-of-attendance budget maintenance.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must not be in default on a federal student loan or owe repayment on a federal grant.
2–3 years of experience, singly or combined, in bookkeeping, data analysis, or Title IV financial aid administration.
Ability to retain information and apply learned concepts to similar or new situations appropriately.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with others verbally and in writing.
Attention to detail and retention of learned concepts.
Familiarity with preparation of U.S. federal tax returns.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree from an accredited college or university.

Responsibilities

Perform federal verification of financial aid files selected by the Department of Education's processor or the institution, and review selected and non-selected files for conflicting or discrepant data.
Review C-Codes for assigned files, evaluate available information, and determine appropriate action.
Determine or confirm eligibility for federal, state, institutional, or external awards using student records, documents, cost of attendance, need analysis, enrollment levels, program data, and information from relevant agencies and entities.
Monitor FAME Approved spreadsheets and update student packaging and document statuses in the Student Information System in accordance with departmental procedures.
Review assigned variance reports, identify award discrepancies or errors, determine their root causes, and resolve them or repackage awards as appropriate.
Monitor the personal activity queue in the Student Information System and complete required tasks so activities can be closed accurately and promptly.
Follow up on self-assigned reminders and activities assigned to other parties, ensuring timely resolution and escalating as appropriate.
Document actions taken to resolve activities in the Student Information System contact manager.
Assist with testing new or modified financial aid software functionality.
Assist with updates and maintenance of student cost-of-attendance budget setup.
Perform other duties as assigned.