Financial Aid Specialist
About The Position
The Financial Aid Specialist supports the administration and delivery of financial aid to prospective and current students. The role assists students throughout the financial aid process, reviews and verifies documentation, determines and communicates eligibility, and supports accurate and timely processing of student aid in accordance with applicable regulations and institutional procedures. The specialist maintains confidential, complete records; explains financial aid programs and student responsibilities; monitors aid status; and coordinates with internal departments on processing and compliance activities. The role also participates in training, professional development, institutional meetings, and graduation ceremonies as required, models the CARES philosophy (Collaborative, Adaptable, Resilient, Empowered, Student-focused), and performs other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Relevant experience in accounting, bookkeeping, banking, financial services, or another finance-related occupation is required.
- Must be organized, detail-oriented, comfortable working with numbers and confidential information, and able to manage multiple deadlines.
- Strong communication, customer service, and computer skills are required.
- Ability to learn and apply federal, state, and institutional regulations governing student financial aid programs.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately review financial and student documentation.
- Ability to work with numbers, financial information, and detailed records.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills and ability to meet established deadlines.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive student information.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong customer service skills and ability to explain detailed processes understandably.
- Ability to identify discrepancies, research information, and seek guidance when appropriate.
- Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and other departments.
- Proficiency with computers and ability to learn financial aid and student information systems.
Nice To Haves
- Associate's degree or higher preferred.
- Previous financial aid and/or Title IV experience preferred but not required.
Responsibilities
- Assist prospective and current students with applications, required documentation, and loan processes.
- Review financial aid files for accuracy and completeness and follow up with students about missing or additional documentation.
- Determine eligibility and package financial aid according to established procedures and applicable regulations.
- Maintain accurate and complete financial aid records and protect student confidentiality.
- Explain financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, awards, and student responsibilities clearly and in a student-focused manner.
- Monitor students’ financial aid status and communicate changes that may affect eligibility or awards.
- Apply federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies and procedures and stay current on regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate with Admissions, Student Records, the Business Office, and other departments to support accurate and timely processing.
- Assist with reports, reconciliations, audits, program reviews, and other compliance activities as requested.
- Identify discrepancies or potential compliance concerns and escalate them to Financial Aid leadership.
- Participate in training, professional development, institutional meetings, and graduation ceremonies as required.
- Model the CARES philosophy and perform other related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
