Student Financial Services Advisor (SFM)

OTTAWA UNIVERSITY•Surprise, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Financial Services Advisor serves as the central point of contact and advocate for prospective and current students regarding their student financial accounts. The advisor provides timely, accurate, student-centered service and works with students through the financial aid application process to determine eligibility for Title IV financial aid, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with University policies and federal regulations. The role requires initiative, strong operations management, and effective collaboration with Financial Aid, Accounts Receivable, and Student Services Team members. The advisor communicates financial options and information to students and University employees, generally working with minimum supervision. The advisor conducts personalized financial advisory sessions for new, transfer, re-entry, and returning students, including in-person, telephone, and video appointments. The position manages a portfolio of up to 500 active students, communicates financial clearance requirements, collects necessary documents, and oversees financial clearance and financial drop processes each term. The advisor helps students understand and set up payment plans in J1, resolves account questions and concerns, supports retention efforts, and connects students with appropriate University personnel and services. The position also requires ongoing knowledge of Title IV regulations, education assistance programs, student finance, and University programs, policies, procedures, and systems. The role may require evening and weekend work for certain events and meetings, long work days, and extensive sitting and computer use. The position may require lifting 5–15 pounds at a time. Although the job details list travel as “Yes,” the description’s travel requirements state that no travel is required.

Requirements

Minimum two years of applicable service or student advising experience.
Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; applicable equivalent experience may substitute.
Commitment to quality service and a positive customer experience.
Strong communication skills through email, telephone, video meetings, and in-person interactions.
Ability to facilitate resolution of difficult situations and navigate challenging interpersonal or group dynamics with patience and kindness.
Ability to self-initiate, manage diverse 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 suite, Zoom, and student information systems, or ability to learn new systems.
Ability to lift 5–15 pounds at a time.
May be required to work evenings and weekends 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 orientations to University financial policies and student-specific financial information before first enrollment.
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 financial clearance requirements and collect required documents for each term.
Manage financial clearance and financial drop processes each term in accordance with established metrics and service standards.
Collaborate with Financial Aid and Accounts Receivable processing teams on student account processing, questions, and concerns, while acting as students’ primary contact and advocate.
Help students understand how to set up payment plans and support payment plan setup processes in J1.
Use problem-solving skills and manage difficult conversations.
Cooperate with Student Services Team members and support their retention efforts.
Connect students with appropriate University personnel and services.
Participate in regular supervisor and team meetings, campus events, and other assigned duties.
Follow University policies and procedures and manage University and student information confidentially and ethically.
Represent the University professionally and model collaboration, inclusivity, and effective communication.