Financial Aid Representative

Elaine Sterling Institute•Atlanta, GA

130d

About The Position

As a Financial Aid Representative, you’ll manage the full life cycle of financial aid administration, including Financial Aid Operations, Compliance & Reporting, Appeals & Special Circumstances, and Student & Community Engagement. This role involves awarding and packaging financial aid, negotiating student financial plans, counseling students and families, administering various financial aid processes, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. You will also be responsible for preparing reports, managing reconciliation efforts, and overseeing quality control of financial aid files. Additionally, you will handle appeals, deliver financial aid presentations, and support student record management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible financial aid experience
At least 2 years of hands-on student financial aid processing
Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and commercial loan programs
Experience with analysis, counseling, and aid packaging
Deep understanding of financial aid laws, regulations, and compliance requirements
Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills
Ability to work independently while collaborating across departments
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Professional discretion and strict adherence to confidentiality
Comfortable working under pressure and meeting firm deadlines
Proficiency with MS Office and ability to learn new systems quickly

Responsibilities

Manage the full life cycle of financial aid administration.
Award and package financial aid for new and continuing students.
Develop, negotiate, and finalize student financial plans in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
Counsel students and families on financial aid options and adjustments.
Administer SAP, Return of Title IV Funds, Title IV refunds/repayments, and loan processing.
Coordinate federal funds reconciliation with third-party services.
Maintain fund control records and ensure audit-ready documentation.
Ensure compliance with Title IV, state, and institutional policies.
Prepare and submit reports including FISAP, IPEDS, ERR, and financial audits.
Manage internal and external reconciliation efforts with auditors, program reviewers, and accreditation teams.
Oversee quality control of all Financial Aid and Academic files per Department of Education guidelines.
Administer SAP and Special Circumstance appeals.
Establish and train appeals committees.
Communicate appeal outcomes and counsel students on next steps.
Deliver financial aid presentations and workshops.
Participate in New Student Outreach, High School Outreach, and campus events.
Support student record management within Genesis student software.