Senior Financial Aid Analyst

Sacramento State•Sacramento, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Chief Financial Aid Officer and the lead work direction of the Financial Aid Lead, the Senior Financial Aid Analyst independently performs moderately complex student services work involving case-by-case professional judgment. The position supports university enrollment goals by processing student financial aid applications in a timely and effective manner and providing customer service to students and families regarding financial aid eligibility. The analyst reviews federal and state financial aid applications to determine financial need, prepares and awards financial aid packages, and performs duties related to the financial aid process, including return of Title IV. The position provides guidance in an assigned program area, such as verification and needs analysis, Direct Loans, or Cal Grant, and serves as a subject matter expert for Student Service Center staff handling escalated or unresolved financial aid questions and concerns. The analyst investigates and resolves student concerns, works collaboratively with Student Service Center staff, and participates in recruitment and retention activities, including providing information sessions for students, parents, and families. This is a full-time, regular (probationary), exempt position in the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office within Program Center Enrollment Management, Division of University Affairs. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; hours may vary depending on operations. The position requires satisfactory completion of a background check and California residency on the date of hire.

Requirements

Two years of professional experience in a student services program area or related field; a master's degree in a job-related field may substitute for one year of this experience.
Experience advising students individually and in group settings.
Knowledge of Title IV regulations and federal tax laws, with experience interpreting and applying regulations in verification and awarding processes.
Knowledge of state financial aid regulations, requirements, and guidelines, including the ability to apply program requirements to assigned tasks; programs may include Cal Grant, State University Grant, and Middle-Class Scholarship.
Knowledge of federal financial aid regulations, requirements, and guidelines, including the ability to apply program requirements to assigned tasks; programs may include Pell Grant, SEOG, Direct Loans, and Federal Work Study.
Ability to work independently and demonstrate self-direction in initiating plans, organizing, prioritizing, multitasking, and coordinating work in a fast-paced organization.
Ability to perform work with extreme accuracy and attention to detail, including document review and follow-up, awarding and adjustments, and packaging review.
Ability to interpret, coordinate, and implement new financial aid programs resulting from federal, state, or institutional regulatory changes.
Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external constituents.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize and multitask and meet goals and deadlines under severe time constraints.
Strong analytical skills.
Experience handling sensitive personal information in a delicate, caring, and helpful manner.
Experience assisting students with financial aid programs and providing factual academic information related to their area of study.
Proficiency with standard office equipment and common software, such as Microsoft Office and internet tools.
Ability to use student administrative software systems, such as PeopleSoft, document imaging, and workflow systems, to retrieve and review information.
Experience performing basic mathematical calculations to recalculate financial aid data and awards.
Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents.
Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field; additional specialized experience may substitute for education year for year.
Satisfactory completion of a background check.
Must reside in California on the date of hire and furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years of experience performing verification, needs analysis, and awarding to determine financial aid eligibility and to award and disburse aid.
Two or more years of experience with PeopleSoft CMS, OnBase imaging software, Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), or the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).

Responsibilities

Process student financial aid applications in a timely and effective manner to support university enrollment goals.
Provide customer service to students and families regarding financial aid eligibility.
Analyze federal and state financial aid applications to determine financial need.
Prepare and award financial aid packages and perform duties related to the financial aid process, including return of Title IV.
Provide program guidance in an assigned area, which may include verification and needs analysis, Direct Loans, or Cal Grant.
Investigate and resolve student concerns using analytical and interpersonal skills.
Serve as a subject matter expert for Student Service Center staff on escalated or unresolved financial aid questions and concerns.
Collaborate with Student Service Center staff to resolve problems efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Participate in university recruitment and retention activities.
Provide financial aid information sessions for students, parents, and families as part of outreach efforts.