Financial Aid System Analyst

CSU Careers•Long Beach, CA

About The Position

The Financial Aid System Analyst works collaboratively with the Associate Director/Systems and Financial Aid Module Lead to improve the quality of financial aid services. The position configures, sets up, tests, analyzes, and implements technological solutions that support operations. It analyzes business processes and workflows to identify improvements in processes and system functionality; ensures compliance with aid program regulations; researches and documents solutions; and supports daily, weekly, and annual system maintenance for delivered financial aid, Baseline, and CSULB Custom modules. The role provides production support and helps maintain and enhance financial aid module functionality, including system updates, troubleshooting, process analysis, automated and manual control monitoring, and transaction monitoring. It also develops user-friendly online financial aid training modules for end users. This is a temporary, one-year appointment with a 1.0 time-base of 40 hours per week; temporary assignments may end earlier, and no permanent status is granted.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of related experience.
Knowledge of financial aid needs analysis methodology and federal and state financial aid program guidelines.
Ability to use MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Visio, and MS Excel.
Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of financial aid regulations, practices, resources, and online student information systems.
Ability to interpret and analyze complex financial aid and academic regulations, policies, and procedures; document process workflows; assess needs; and identify solutions.
Ability to organize and plan multiple priorities, carry out assignments without detailed instructions, analyze and evaluate situations and data, and make accurate recommendations that improve administrative systems, procedures, or practices.
Working knowledge of aid program delivery platforms, including National Student Loan Data System, Common Originations and Disbursement, CSAC Web Grants, FAA Access to CPS Online, and National Student Clearinghouse.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve student system-related problems.
Ability to ensure system data quality, usability, and integrity by following approved processes and testing procedures.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and short deadlines, use time-management and organizational skills, and work effectively in a dynamic team and fast-paced, diverse environment with students, faculty, and staff.
Ability to maintain detailed descriptions of responsibilities, from daily tasks to strategic activities and outcomes, and make them available to the supervisor.
Willingness to follow University policies, procedures, and guidelines, including those concerning safety, civility, information security, and nondiscrimination.
Demonstrated professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of financial aid needs analysis methodology and federal and state financial aid program guidelines.
Working knowledge of aid program delivery platforms, including National Student Loan Data System, Common Originations and Disbursement, CSAC Web Grants, FAA Access to CPS Online, and National Student Clearinghouse.

Responsibilities

Assist in maintaining and enhancing the functionality of the financial aid module, including production support to ensure efficient operation of automated systems.
Support setup activities, coordinate security administration, monitor quality assurance, and work with reports.
Provide maintenance support and test regular system updates, including fixes, annual maintenance, and updates.
Troubleshoot system issues and evaluate how changes affect office business processes.
Analyze new software systems, technologies, and current or proposed business processes to improve performance, data quality, and operational efficiency.
Monitor the Financial Aid department's automated and manual control functions.
Monitor transactions to ensure timely receipt and processing in accordance with program requirements and compliance standards.
Develop online, user-friendly financial aid training modules to help end users understand functional business policies, processes, and procedures.
Research and document solutions, and support daily, weekly, and annual system maintenance.

Benefits

Up to 24 vacation days per year, based on employee group and/or length of service.
14 paid holidays.
12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
Wellness programs.
Professional development opportunities.
Insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.