Student Financial Services Advisor (SFM) (31090)

Ottawa University•Surprise, AZ

12d

About The Position

Serves as the central point of contact and advisor for prospective and current students regarding student financial accounts. Provides timely, accurate, student-centered service and acts as the student’s primary contact and advocate with University offices and external financial agents. Guides students through the financial aid application process to determine eligibility for Title IV aid, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with University policies and federal regulations. The role requires initiative, effective operations management, and regular coordination with Financial Aid, Accounts Receivable, and Student Services Team members. The advisor communicates financial options and information to students and University employees and carries out responsibilities with minimum supervision. As an integral member of a Student Services Team, the advisor conducts financial advisory sessions and manages a portfolio of up to 500 active students. The advisor supports term-based financial clearance and financial drop processes, helps students understand payment plans and supports payment plan setup in J1, and connects students with appropriate University personnel and services. The role also involves supporting retention efforts, participating in team meetings and campus events, and performing other assigned duties. The position may involve evening and weekend work for certain events and meetings, long workdays with extensive sitting and computer use, and lifting 5–15 pounds. Travel is not required.

Requirements

Minimum two years of applicable service or student-advising experience.
Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; applicable equivalent experience may substitute for the degree.
Commitment to quality service and a positive customer experience.
Strong communication skills by email, telephone, video meeting, and in person.
Ability and willingness to have difficult conversations, facilitate resolution of challenging situations, and navigate interpersonal or group dynamics with patience and kindness.
Ability to self-initiate, manage varied duties, and make sound decisions.
Ability to prioritize and balance multiple responsibilities and work effectively under stressful, time-sensitive deadlines.
Integrity and confidentiality in handling conversations and information.
Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to accuracy.
Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Systems- and process-minded approach.
Proficiency with a PC, Microsoft Office, Zoom, and student information systems, or ability to learn new systems.
Ability to lift 5–15 pounds at a time.
Availability for possible evening and weekend work and activities for certain events and meetings.

Nice To Haves

Prior higher education business office or financial aid processing experience.
Prior financial aid advising experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct financial advisory sessions for new, transfer, re-entry, and returning students.
Coordinate with Enrollment Advisors to provide new students with personalized financial-policy orientations and student-specific financial information before first enrollment, in person, by telephone, or by video.
Coordinate with Academic/Re-entry Advisors to provide re-entry students with personalized reviews of University financial policies and student-specific information when requested.
Serve as the dedicated Finance Advisor for a portfolio of up to 500 active students.
Communicate information and collect required documents needed for each student’s financial clearance each term.
Manage financial clearance and financial drop processes each term according to established metrics and service standards.
Coordinate with University Financial Aid and Accounts Receivable processing teams on student account processing, questions, and concerns, while serving as students’ primary point of contact and advocate.
Apply problem-solving skills and manage difficult conversations.
Maintain and expand knowledge of Title IV financial aid regulations; education assistance programs through VA, military, states, and employers; student finance; and University programs, policies, procedures, and systems.
Provide students with tools and information to understand payment plans and support payment plan setup processes in J1.
Cooperate with Student Services Team members and support their retention efforts.
Connect learners with appropriate University personnel and services to foster a support system.
Participate in regular meetings with the supervisor and team, as well as campus events.
Perform other duties as assigned.