Financial Aid Specialist

Bellevue University•Bellevue, NE

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Advises students and implements use of Federal, State and University policies, rules and regulations regarding financial aid programs and processes financial aid applications in order to assist students applying for and receiving financial aid. Responsible for accurately packaging, awarding, and maintaining federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid for eligible students playing a critical operational function in ensuring regulatory compliance, data integrity, and timely delivery of financial aid to support student enrollment, persistence, and success. This role works collaboratively with Financial Aid Systems & Operations, Enrollment Management, Student Accounts, and IT to resolve issues, system exceptions, and student inquiries while maintaining a high standard of customer service.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required, Associates Degree or 60 hours towards a Business, Finance, or related degree preferred
Three (3) years’ experience in financial processing or related field with one (1) year direct experience in Financial Aid
Advanced data entry skills required with the ability to input and access a variety of information Systems.
Excellent attention to detail to find discrepancies in information.
Intermediate arithmetic skills to solve problems and calculate financial awards and financial contracts.
Must be detailed orientated, with the ability to ensure accurate and quality work within prescribed timeframe.
Strong internal and external customer service skills required and ability to engage with upset students
Strong written communications skills required with the ability to use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.
Ability to work independently and as well as establish effective working relationships in a team environment.
Commitment to quality and personal ethics to maintain a high level of confidentiality related to all duties and responsibilities.
Proficiency in using computer software, databases, internet, spreadsheets and word-processing, experience with Oracle Campus Solutions (PeopleSoft CRM/ERP) and Oracle Student Financial Portal preferred.
Requires the ability to maintain strict level of confidentiality in the handling of account and student information
Knowledge of federal financial aid programs, including Pell Grant, Direct Loans, and SAP requirements

Responsibilities

Ensure all packaging activities comply with Title IV, state, and institutional policies and procedures
Review financial aid files for accuracy, completeness, and audit readiness
Apply packaging philosophies, award rules, and priorities accurately within university system environments
Support internal and external audits by providing documentation, reports, and data extracts as requested
Maintain compliance with FERPA and institutional data security standards
Validate aid eligibility using NESLS, ISIR data, enrollment status, and academic progress indicators
Advises students and parents on debt management, credit worthiness and Federal, State and University guidelines regarding financial aid programs.
Respond to student & staff inquiries related to financial aid awards, eligibility, and disbursement timelines
Explain financial aid offers, award adjustments, and required actions clearly and professionally
Collaborate with Student Accounts, Student Records, and Admissions/Advising to resolve enrollment, billing, and eligibility-related issues
Evaluates unusual/mitigating circumstance documentation or information provided by the student, exercises judgment by making adjustment or revisions to costs, contribution, need or dependency status as exceptions to the prescribed process
Use university systems to review student-submitted documentation, resolve checklists items, and support self-service functionality
Identify, research, and resolve system errors, packaging exceptions, and data discrepancies within university systems
Compiles and records statistical data and periodic reports
Generate and analyze financial aid reports using Oracle queries, dashboards, and delivered reports
Track packaging progress, exception rates, and unresolved items to meet institutional timelines and enrollment goals
Document processes, procedures, and system changes related to packaging and awarding functions
Identifies complex and controversial issues and direct them to the attention of the Financial Aid Director.
Assists in drafting and/or developing of guidelines and procedures related to the processing and delivering of financial aid.
Review current literature and attends professional meetings to keep current on Federal, state, and Institutional
Perform batch and manual packaging, re-packaging, and recalculation as student data changes
Assist with functional testing, validation, and implementation of financial aid system updates, configurations, and annual rollover processes
Performs other duties as assigned.
Attends one graduation ceremony per academic year.