Financial Aid Systems Analyst (IN-HOUSE ONLY)

Coast Community College District • Huntington Beach, CA

7h • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides financial aid systems support functions and analysis of data to support operations, needs assessment, and awarding. It assists in the design and maintenance of business processes to meet end-user requirements and regulatory mandates. The role involves setting up systems and data queries, maintaining production schedules, and serving as first-level help desk support for financial aid systems. Additionally, it provides training and support and acts as a lead worker for other classified staff in the area. This is a professional-level classification that provides system application, testing, reporting, and analysis activities, requiring a high level of discretion and independent judgment. Successful performance requires knowledge of database applications and basic knowledge of the District’s information systems infrastructure.

Requirements

• Principles, practices, and technologies of operating systems.
• Federal, State programs that provide financial assistance to students and student eligibility guidelines.
• Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations.
• Generating and analyzing reports from financial aid systems and databases.
• Various activities within system operation including File Transfer Protocols, system/database access, and batch scheduling.
• Student Financial Aid processes and software systems.
• Web development.
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Problem-solving skills; managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Critical thinking, interpersonal, oral and written communication skill
• Ability to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the position.
• Works well in a functional and technical team environment and takes direction and supervision and provide training and oversight.
• Learning technologies, analyzes, implements and troubleshoots software programs. Collaborates with Information Technology staff.
• Performs technical tasks within defined deadlines.
• Applies critical thinking and data analysis skills.
• Manages conflicting priorities and works under deadlines; manages deadline oriented projects.
• Works independently and with a diverse group of users.
• Gives and follows oral and written instructions.
• Analyzes the financial needs of students to determine their financial aid eligibility.
• Applies Student Financial Aid program in a fair, consistent and objective manner and in a team based environment.
• Provides strong and clear communication, customer service, and inter-personal skills.
• Works cooperatively with diverse groups of students and staff; works collaboratively with all levels of employees.
• Demonstrates sound judgment with an open and collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.
• An Associate’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Six years of experience with Student Financial Aid office providing complex analysis of student financial aid needs within a higher education environment OR six years working with complex data systems, coordinating computer operations, networks and software applications in a production environment.
• Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required equivalent qualifications for the position.
• Demonstrated evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, ethnic, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, academic, and cultural diversity within the community college student population, including students with different ability statuses (e.g., physical and/or learning) as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice within the classroom and campus.
• Must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical and systems support to Student Financial Aid staff; develops, documents, and maintains practices and processes for operations and system processing.
• Develops new technical processes, systems, and data query analysis to benefit financial aid students and staff.
• Collaborates with District IT staff and FA Systems Specialists at the other Colleges to validate, verify and test all software and database upgrades to the Student Financial Aid systems, and performs related troubleshooting and testing of new functions.
• Plans and supports the development, implementation and testing of system enhancements and new systems. Works with District IT and the other FA Systems Specialists to customize, maintain and implement the annual set up and rule writing procedures for Student Financial Aid applications, which includes but is not limited to disbursement rules, System Applications Products (SAP) calculations rules and packaging, etc.
• Develops and conducts routine tests to ensure the Student Financial Aid software systems are in working condition and complies with the various reporting agency requirements.
• Identifies operational needs to improve processes; recommends changes for increased efficiency and effectiveness in office operations, and to ensure State and federal data reporting requirements are met.
• Documents existing system processes, including workflow processes and procedures.
• Collaborates with Student Financial Aid staff to gather requirements for system improvements to work toward automation possibilities and data consistency.
• Develops quality assurance protocols and analysis to ensure that delivered solutions meet the needs of the Student Financial Aid Office as detailed in the system requirements.
• Develops, schedules and implements training for Student Financial Aid staff on technology applications.
• Interacts with technology vendors and works with various departments on Campus/District to ensure effective delivery of vendor services to the Student Financial Aid Office (i.e. Ellucian, PowerFAIDS, etc.).
• Tests new releases of software, reports, data integration processes and other related technical system upgrades.
• Recommends and implements process improvement, develops documentation designed to improve operational effectiveness for District and College use.
• Represents Student Financial Aid at professional organizations or associations; serves on College and District-wide committees as required.
• Provides support to other technical users in diagnosing and resolving problems associated with Student Financial Aid software; trains Student Financial Aid staff in the use of software applications.
• Troubleshoots, updates, modifies, and analyzes data and information systems to ensure compliance with regulatory needs and changes and operational efficiencies. Communicates with personnel and various outside agencies as needed to exchange information and revolve issues and concerns.
• Responsible for executing, testing, and recommending system reports and assist District IT in developing new reports in Argos or other related reporting tools.
• Performs other related duties as assigned that support the objective of the position.
• Required to abide by all District policies and procedures including Board Policy 3050 – Code of Professional Ethics.

Benefits

• Generous medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans for employees and dependents
• 21 paid holidays
• Cumulative sick leave
• Paid vacation
• Longevity salary programs
• PERS/STRS retirement plans
• Deferred compensation/457 plans
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree