Financial Aid Systems and Data Manager

Missouri Southern State University•Joplin, MO

About The Position

The Financial Aid Systems and Data Manager administers and maintains the Banner Financial Aid Module and related systems supporting financial aid operations. This position analyzes system requirements, workflows, and technical issues to improve automation, data integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. The Systems and Data Manager serves as the primary functional liaison with Information Technology and collaborates on the development, testing, and validation of reports and system processes supporting Financial Aid Office operations, compliance, and audit readiness.

Requirements

Bachelors degree from an accredited four-year institution required; Masters degree preferred.
Three to five years of experience in financial aid systems, higher education administration, or a related technical role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of federal financial aid regulations preferred.
Experience with Banner Financial Aid, reporting tools, and system testing preferred.
Advanced functional knowledge of Banner Financial Aid.
Ability to create and manage Banner reports, population selections, job submissions, and Crystal Reports.
Proficiency with SQL/PLSQL, Microsoft Office applications, Power BI, and web-based systems.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
Ability to plan for and support implementation of new or enhanced technology systems.
Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and institutional policies.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary functional administrator for the Banner Financial Aid Module.
Maintain advanced knowledge of Banner Financial Aid functionality and office business processes.
Configure, test, implement, and maintain Banner rules, parameters, processes, and jobs for annual setup and daily operations.
Analyze system issues and user requirements to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Coordinate Banner upgrades, patches, and testing with Information Technology.
Manage Department of Education systems and interfaces, including EDConnect, EDExpress, COD, and NSLDS Transfer Monitoring.
Coordinate electronic processing of FAFSA data, COD origination and disbursement records, promissory notes, and entrance and exit counseling data.
Monitor system interfaces, review error and exception reports, and resolve data issues to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and data integrity across systems.
Collaborate with Financial Aid, Information Technology, Admissions and Bursars Office staff to resolve system-related discrepancies affecting aid processing and reconciliation.
Serve as functional data steward for Financial Aid systems, ensuring consistent definitions, appropriate use, and accuracy of financial aid data.
Develop, generate, and maintain operational, analytical, and regulatory reports using Banner, population selection, job submission, and approved reporting tools.
Collaborate with Information Technology to design, test, validate, and document standard and ad hoc reports supporting compliance, audits, and operational decision-making.
Prepare and support required institutional, state, and federal reports, including FISAP, IPEDS, Common Data Set, Net Price Calculator, and audit-related reporting.
Maintain system documentation, data extracts, and audit trails supporting internal controls and external compliance requirements.
Coordinate annual processing cycles, regulatory updates, and system changes, including testing, validation, documentation, and communication to stakeholders.
Provide technical support and Banner system expertise during audits, program reviews, and compliance inquiries.
Support system configuration and processing for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, including Pell, SEOG, Direct Loans, PLUS Loans, TEACH Grant, Perkins Loans, and applicable state aid programs.
Support disbursement processing and reconciliation activities by reviewing Banner data, COD responses, and reconciliation reports.
Identify, research, and resolve system-driven discrepancies between Banner, COD, and institutional accounting systems in coordination with Financial Aid and Bursars Office staff.
Support year-end processing and closeout activities to ensure accurate and timely reporting to the Department of Education.
Evaluate office procedures and recommend system-based improvements that enhance efficiency, compliance, internal controls, and audit readiness.
Develop and maintain documentation for system configurations, processes, and reporting workflows.
Assist with staff training related to Banner Financial Aid functionality, reporting tools, and system-driven processes.
Serve as the primary liaison between the Financial Aid Office and Information Technology.
Lead system-related projects, enhancements, and implementations, coordinating timelines, testing, and stakeholder communication.
Participate in campus technical or systems-related committees as needed.
Cross-train with Financial Aid Compliance Counselors to ensure continuity of system-driven operations during peak periods or staff absences.
Provide functional guidance and oversight to assigned staff in support of Banner Financial Aid operations, reporting, and system-driven processes.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Provide day-to-day supervision and functional oversight of one Financial Aid staff member, including work prioritization, training, and performance feedback.
Ensure assigned work aligns with established financial aid processes, system requirements, and compliance standards.
Support cross-training and professional development to maintain continuity of system-driven operations.