Financial Aid Data Auditor

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

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About The Position

The Ohio Department of Higher Education is a Cabinet-level agency for the Governor of the State of Ohio that oversees higher education for the state. The agency's main responsibilities include authorizing and approving new degree programs , managing state-funded financial aid programs and developing and advocating policies to maximize higher education's contributions to the state and its citizens. The Financial Aid Data Auditor is responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and validating data submitted by state-supported, public, proprietary, and non-profit private colleges and universities. This role ensures compliance with state and federal requirements, identifies data quality issues, processes audit refunds and provides actionable recommendations to institutions. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and state rules.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficient with use of Microsoft Word, Excel.
• Ability to analyze data and identify problems.
• Experience handling sensitive interactions with agency personnel, higher ed institutions, and/or the public.
• Experience leading discussions.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as a Financial Aid Advisor at an institution is preferred.
• We will also consider candidates with a background in auditing, compliance, or financial review, ideally within a higher education or government environment.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains financial aid audit schedule in accordance with established guidelines.
• Reviews data submitted by colleges and universities, including but not limited to enrollment, courses, degrees, and student financial aid data.
• Conducts audits and reviews in a timely manner.
• Identifies data quality issues and concerns and works with the campus to resolve.
• When errors cannot be resolved, requests and processes state grant and scholarship refunds from institutions.
• Recommends strategies and corrective actions to institutions for compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Provides assistance/training to campus personnel as needed through discussions and meetings.
• Provides audit results to campus management via audit reports and other communications.
• Responds to stakeholder requests for data verification and assists with system-related process questions.
• Prepares audit or data related findings in report form to the Senior Auditor for review and submission.
• Responsible for access to confidential and sensitive information and information systems including personally identifiable information as defined by FERPA.
• Attends meetings and training related to state and federal financial aid rules and regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

What This Job Offers

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