System Administrator, Financial Aid

University of Denver•Denver, CO

3d•$65,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Enrollment Division at the University of Denver, which consists of Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid, seeks to attract and enroll students who will become leaders, scholars, artists, entrepreneurs, and public servants uniquely qualified to live in and shape a global society. The Undergraduate Admission team recognizes education as a means of individual and societal transformation - our vision is to inspire, guide, and support prospective and current students as leaders and scholars who will positively impact their communities. In our daily work, the enrollment team is guided by these values: intentional and informed decisions; integrity and inclusion; collaboration; fiscal responsibility; spirit; clear and thoughtful communication; and exceptional quality service. The Financial Aid Office is dedicated to serving and educating students, families, colleagues, and the community through the financial aid process from pre-enrollment to program completion. We value empathy and integrity, knowledgeable and professional staff, advocacy and access, clear and consistent communication, and compliance. We have primary responsibility for the undergraduate financial aid process, and we also serve the graduate student population. Position Summary As a member of the Financial Aid Systems Team, the Financial Aid Loan, Grant and System Administrator works to ensure that financial aid systems accurately award and process student financial aid in compliance with all federal, state and institutional policies. This position analyzes and utilizes Banner Financial Aid module functionality to maximize its potential to efficiently and accurately manage federal, state and institutional financial aid programs. This person participates in Banner testing, creating test cases and documenting results. This person manages the loading of financial aid data from the Department of Education and other external entities into the Banner system and manages the transmission of financial aid data files from Banner to the Department of Education and other external entities. This person participates in the on-going reconciliation of the federal student aid programs. This person oversees the processing of federal and private student loans in compliance with all federal and private lender regulations. He or she may advise students, parents, and the DU community on the financial aid application process, aid eligibility, need analysis, awards, disbursement and federal/state/institutional policy. This person must actively keep up to date on state and federal regulations and internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance. He or she develops and maintains active, positive relationships with departments such as the Bursar, Registrar and IT. This person works with sensitive data. This person must be able to handle numerous complex and routine tasks simultaneously with attention to detail and utilize discretion and good judgement. The Systems Administrator represents DU as a professional member of the Office of Financial Aid.

Requirements

Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical journals, financial reports and legal documents.
Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from students, auditors, Dept of ED or members of the university community.
Ability to effectively present information to students, management and university members.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
Ability to apply concepts and analyze relevant data to practical situations.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish fact, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Excellent communication and listening skills.
Proficiency in MS Access, Excel, Word, Outlook.
Experience with financial aid management system, Strong user skills in an automated computer system environment.
Bachelors degree from a four year educational institution or related experience.
At least one (1) year of financial aid experience, including a working knowledge of financial aid processes, higher education concepts, and state, federal, and institutional funding guidelines and procedures.
Experience must include strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Proficiency with standard MS Office software applications.

Nice To Haves

Additional three years of experience or expertise in Financial Aid and working with Banner Financial Aid module.
General knowledge of Ellucian Banner or similar financial aid software.
Basic SQL skills including data retrieval, filtering and sorting, simple aggregation, grouping, joining tables, data types and constraints.

Responsibilities

Test Banner functions prior to new aid year processing, before Banner upgrades are put in the production database, and prior to file exchanges with Dept of ED, College Board and State of Colorado to ensure complete and accurate file creation/ transfer and process flow.
Support the exchange of financial aid data with external entities such as the Dept pf ED, College Board, state of Colorado and private student loan lenders through the regular sending, receiving and loading of data files; Including the loading of federal and institutional aid applications into Banner. Resolve any errors or suspended files. Ensure Banner system setup to support the exchange of data.
Reconcile federal financial aid funds including Pell, Direct Federal Loans and TEACH in conjunction with Student Financial Services and the Dept of ED on an on-going monthly and annual basis. Resolve all discrepancies.
Run and monitor the federal student loan program file exchanges to ensure the timely origination and disbursement of federal student loans. Regularly troubleshoot and resolve any errors or issues. Ensure system setup in support of the federal loan program. Work closely with Financial Aid advisors to ensure accurate and timely processing of federal student loans.
Run and monitor the private student loan program file exchanges to ensure the timely origination and disbursement of private loans. Regularly troubleshoot and resolve any errors or issues. Ensure system setup in support of the private loan program. Work closely with Financial Aid advisors to ensure accurate and timely processing of private student loans.
Support batch and manual financial aid Banner jobs including but not limited to aid application processing, fund reconciliation and ISIR correction processing.
Participate in institutional, federal and state audits as required.
Review federal and state regulations, institutional procedures and Banner documentation on an on-going basis.
Advise students and members of the DU community on the financial aid application process, eligibility, awards and federal, state and institutional policies.
Routinely handle problems and issues of a highly sensitive financial and personal nature, and therefore, must exhibit independent judgement, discretion and tact while maintaining strict confidentiality and adhering to Higher Education Act and FERPA regulations.
Other duties as assigned.