Financial Aid Specialist I

Grand Canyon Education • Phoenix, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This role involves reviewing and verifying student applications for financial aid, auditing required documents for compliance, and accurately inputting data into financial aid systems. The specialist will evaluate student appeals, process financial aid disbursements, and maintain up-to-date knowledge of various financial aid programs and regulations. Confidentiality of student information is paramount. The position requires understanding all loan types and may involve reviewing document accuracy, determining eligibility for federal funds, calculating funds earned and returned, and reconciling accounts. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally within a team environment, and to work independently when necessary; establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Accurate, thorough and very detail oriented.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high volume environment meeting quality and quantity requirements within timelines.
• Proficient with computer software and systems including MS Office Suite and willingness to perform data input.
• Must become familiar with University, state and federal financial aid regulations and procedures.
• Sound judgment and critical thinking skills.
• Must be able to respond to supervision, guidance and direction in a positive, receptive manner.
• Good organizational ability and strategy.
• Ability to deal professionally and appropriately with diverse populations.
• One year related work experience.
• Must be willing to work over time when needed.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment background investigations.
• Cannot be delinquent or in default on a federal student loan as verified in your credit report. If in a rehabilitation program, your credit report must reflect that you are current, not delinquent, on your payments.
• Must complete pre-employment background check.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is preferred.
• Previous knowledge of financial aid policies and procedures is helpful.
• Work experience with CampusVue or other financial aid software systems/database(s) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and verifies information on undergraduate student applications for completeness, accuracy and eligibility for financial aid.
• Audits required financial aid documents including Master Promissory notes, Entrance Counseling, etc. to confirm compliance with local, state and federal regulations and policies.
• Accurately inputs data, information, changes, corrections and new awards into database(s).
• Reviews/evaluates student appeals of financial aid award determinations and intercedes for students with participating departments.
• Processes disbursements for financial aid funds accurately and efficiently.
• Maintains current knowledge of state grants and scholarships, federal programs, veterans’ programs, scholarships and federal, state and University regulations related to financial aid.
• Participates in ongoing trainings to develop and maintain multiple skill sets.
• Maintains confidentiality of students’ and/or parents/guardians’ personal, private and financial information.
• Will need to be able to understand all loan types for movement to different classification.
• May perform one or more of the following duties: reviewing accuracy of documents, determining eligibility and packaging federal funds, calculating funds earned and return of funds, and/or reconciliation of large accounts.

What This Job Offers

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