Financial Aid Compliance Coordinator

University of Arkansas System • Fort Smith, AR

1d • $45,000 - $48,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Compliance Coordinator works under general supervision and provides functional leadership and guidance for developing strategies to ensure the institution adheres to all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies related to student financial aid. This role is responsible for managing policies, procedures, and compliance in the administration of federal student aid, as well as developing and executing compliance strategies, internal controls, and audits. Provides guidance to faculty, staff and other stakeholders to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. The position reports to the Associate Director Financial Aid Operations & Technology.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in financial aid, higher education student services, compliance, or closely related work.
• Knowledge of Title IV federal student aid regulations, including verification, Return of Title IV (R2T4), Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and student eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of state financial aid programs and institutional policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of FERPA and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive student information.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex federal regulations and translate guidance into operational policies and procedures.
• Ability to design, implement, and manage internal audit and file review processes to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify compliance risks, evaluate findings, and recommend corrective actions.
• Ability to monitor regulatory updates from federal and state agencies and assess institutional impact.
• Ability to develop and maintain comprehensive policies, procedures, and compliance documentation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and compliance timelines.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation to support audit readiness and institutional reporting.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure consistent application of policies and processes.
• Proficiency in financial aid systems (e.g., Workday Student) and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a professional demeanor.
• Ability to provide accurate, student-centered customer service in a compliance-driven environment.
• Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Five or more years’ experience working with Title IV federal student aid compliance.
• Experience with Workday Student.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the university’s financial aid policies and procedures in alignment with federal Title IV, state, and institutional requirements.
• Coordinates the annual review, revision, and publication of policies to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with current regulations.
• Ensures appropriate documentation and accessibility of procedures to support operational effectiveness and audit readiness.
• Reviews Workday Student financial aid processes, reports, and configuration impacts to identify compliance risks, processing gaps, and needed procedural updates.
• Conducts comprehensive file reviews, including but not limited to aid offers, federal verification, Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculations, enrollment changes, over-awards, C-flag resolution, and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Identifies compliance risks, documents findings, and recommends corrective actions to ensure regulatory adherence and processing accuracy.
• Monitors the Financial Aid operational and compliance calendar to ensure key processes are completed timely and in accordance with regulatory deadlines, and documents progress to support accountability, audit readiness, and continuous process improvement.
• Performs timely and accurate Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculations for all official and unofficial withdrawals in accordance with federal regulations.
• Ensures appropriate secondary review, documentation, reporting, and reconciliation of R2T4 transactions to maintain compliance and minimize institutional liability.
• Collaborates with Financial Aid leadership to interpret new and revised regulations and integrate requirements into business processes and systems.
• Develops and delivers training to financial aid staff on compliance requirements, regulatory updates, and policy changes to ensure consistent and accurate application across the office.
• Actively monitors communications from the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, NASFAA, AASFAA, ADHE, and other governing bodies.
• Analyzes regulatory changes and guidance to assess institutional impact and supports leadership in developing appropriate compliance strategies and operational responses.
• Supports the broader Financial Aid and Veteran Benefits Office by contributing to a team-based service model and assisting students in person, virtually, by phone, and via email.
• Maintains a collaborative and service-oriented presence within the office while ensuring accurate and consistent communication.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Serves as a member of the university’s Consumer Information committee, ensuring financial aid-related disclosures are accurate, complete, and compliant with federal requirements.
• Reviews and updates consumer information content as needed to support transparency and regulatory compliance.
• Prepares and provides required financial aid policies, procedures, and compliance documentation to the Office of the President in support of the university’s annual Compliance Calendar.
• Ensures timely, accurate reporting aligned with institutional and regulatory expectations.
• Works collaboratively with campus stakeholders and department colleagues to support a positive, student-centered work environment.
• Demonstrates professionalism in communication and conduct, fosters teamwork, and provides support to colleagues and students.
• Maintains a consistent, service-oriented approach in all institutional interactions while contributing to a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates reliability through consistent, regular, and on-time attendance.

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• 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