Financial Aid Analyst

Occidental College Careers•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Analyst supports the Office of Financial Aid by reviewing financial aid applications, preparing reports, fulfilling data requests, and performing monthly reconciliation of federal and state programs. Serving as a generalist, the Financial Aid Analyst also assists the Director of Financial Aid with annual initiatives and special projects. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of institutional, federal, and state regulations, as well as the ability to perform need analysis using both federal and institutional methodologies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field to position duties or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Four years of experience in financial aid administration.
Experience with the intricacies of the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and federal and institutional need analysis formulas.
Experience with data analysis and general accounting procedures.
Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, policies, eligibility criteria, and federal personal and business tax law as it relates to financial aid need analysis.
Skilled in qualitative and analytical work with strong attention to accuracy and deadlines.
Ability to maintain strict institutional confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Drive (including Docs, Sheets, and Forms), Adobe Acrobat, web editing, and social media applications, or any combination of productivity tools applicable to position responsibilities.
Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented and thorough; skilled at anticipating and preventing potential problems and handling a wide variety of tasks with efficiency and accuracy.
Strong commitment to a quality work product.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally, in writing and electronically.
Effective interpersonal skills as evidenced in the ability to collaborate with a variety of constituencies.
Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, inclusion & diversity.
Demonstrated skill in adapting to and performing work effectively in high-volume, high accountability, confidential environment with multiple and changing priorities.
Effective organizational, logistical, time management and planning skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks/projects simultaneously, prioritize and fulfill the functions of an office in a timely manner.
Ability to self-motivate and work independently.
Ability to provide effective leadership and training, and to work effectively and professionally across functions, disciplines, levels, and with diverse groups.
Ability to analyze, synthesize and organize data, and present findings in a comprehensible manner for different audiences.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a private, selective higher education institution.
Experience with financial aid reconciliation and external reporting.
Demonstrated knowledge of SQL databases.
Experience with the PowerFAIDS financial aid management system.

Responsibilities

Reviews, evaluates, and verifies financial aid applications; performs need analysis using federal and institutional methodologies and determines eligibility and awards aid in compliance with applicable regulations.
Prepares, analyzes, and submits financial aid data for external reporting, surveys, and institutional requests, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Performs monthly reconciliation of federal and state aid programs in coordination with Student Business Services and external agencies.
Applies federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures to ensure compliance in all financial aid processing.
Perform other duties as assigned.