Senior Financial Aid Analyst

California State University, Sacramento•Sacramento, CA

4d•$5,083 - $7,228•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Chief Financial Aid Officer and lead work direction of the Financial Aid Lead, the Senior Financial Aid Analyst independently performs moderately complex student services work that requires professional judgment and case-by-case review. The role supports university enrollment goals through timely and effective processing of financial aid applications. It provides customer service to students and families regarding eligibility; analyzes federal and state applications to determine financial need; prepares and awards financial aid packages; and performs financial aid process duties, including Return of Title IV. Assigned program areas may include Verification (Needs Analysis), Direct Loans, and Cal Grant. The analyst provides program guidance in an assigned area and uses analytical and interpersonal skills to investigate and resolve student concerns. As a subject matter expert, the analyst assists Student Service Center staff with escalated financial aid questions and concerns, helping resolve issues efficiently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. The position also participates in university recruitment and retention activities and provides information sessions for students, parents, and families. The position is in the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office under the Program Center Enrollment Management in the Division of University Affairs. It is a full-time, regular (probationary), exempt position. The stated work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; hours may vary depending on operations. The anticipated hiring range is $5,083 to $5,200 per month, and the CSU classification salary range is $5,083 to $7,228 per month. Satisfactory completion of a background check is a condition of employment. Employees must reside in California by their hire date.

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 professional experience.
Experience advising students individually and in group settings.
Knowledge of Title IV regulations and federal tax laws, including experience interpreting and applying regulations in verification and awarding.
Knowledge of state financial aid regulations, requirements, and guidelines, with the ability to apply them to assigned work; examples include Cal Grant, State University Grant, and Middle-Class Scholarship.
Knowledge of federal financial aid regulations, requirements, and guidelines, with the ability to apply them to assigned work; examples include Pell Grant, SEOG, Direct Loans, and Federal Work Study.
Ability to work independently and use self-direction to initiate plans, organize, prioritize, multitask, and coordinate work in a fast-paced organization.
Attention to detail and ability to work with extreme accuracy in 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 and ability to 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 and 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 using standard office equipment and common software, such as Microsoft Office and the Internet.
Demonstrated ability to use student administrative software systems, such as PeopleSoft, document imaging, and workflow systems, to retrieve and review information when serving students.
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 demonstrating the required knowledge and abilities may substitute for education year for year.
Satisfactory completion of a background check.
Must reside in California by the date of hire.
Must be lawfully authorized 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 systems such as PeopleSoft CMS, OnBase imaging software, Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), and the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).

Responsibilities

Process student financial aid applications accurately and promptly to support 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 (Needs Analysis), Direct Loans, or Cal Grant.
Investigate and resolve student concerns using analytical and interpersonal skills.
Serve as a financial aid subject matter expert for Student Service Center staff on escalated or unresolved questions and concerns.
Collaborate with Student Service Center staff to resolve issues effectively and meet customer expectations.
Participate in university recruitment and retention activities.
Provide financial aid information sessions for students, parents, and families.