Financial Counselor Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• 0–3 years of experience in higher education.
• Ability to work independently and in a team-based environment, manage conflicting priorities, and work under deadlines.
• Strong mathematical computation ability.
• Knowledge of basic accounting concepts and competence in Excel.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and Google Suite applications.
• Detail orientation and good organizational skills.
• Ability to manage projects within deadlines.
• Critical-thinking, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to use effective cross-cultural communication in person and in writing.
• Willingness and ability to take initiative.
• Ability to manage sensitive information confidentially.
• Ability to work well with employees at all levels, be flexible, exercise sound judgment, and use an open, collaborative style that encourages teamwork beyond the immediate team.
• Position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Education, or a related field.
• Financial aid experience in federal and institutional methodology.

Responsibilities

• Counsel a dedicated caseload of students and families; perform need analysis, verification, and packaging of federal, state, and institutional aid according to regulations and university policy.
• Explain financial aid concepts, including FAFSA, CSS Profile, federal student loans, cost of attendance, and repayment options, clearly and empathetically to students, parents, and guardians.
• Perform federal verification, resolve conflicting data, analyze tax transcripts, and adjust FAFSA records in compliance with Department of Education regulations.
• Review and resolve complex student files involving unusual circumstances, conflicting information, or regulatory interpretation, and determine appropriate next steps consistent with policy.
• Assume functional responsibility for designated programmatic, operational, or reporting areas, monitoring compliance and coordinating related processes across campus partners.
• Provide crisis management and conflict resolution for students and families experiencing unexpected financial hardships.
• Reconcile financial aid accounts and run quality assurance reports to identify and correct discrepancies before funds are disbursed.
• Analyze system-generated reports and data to support timely awarding, disbursement, reconciliation, and compliance with federal and institutional requirements.
• Support outreach and programming, including presentations and workshops such as FAFSA completion nights, on and off campus for prospective students, families, and community partners.
• Protect personally identifiable information (PII) and controlled unclassified information (CUI).
• Share front desk coverage and assist students visiting the financial aid office.
• Understand campus services and resources available to students.
• Collaborate with Admissions, the Registrar’s Office, Student Financial Services, Academic Advising, and the Dean’s Office to meet student needs and support recruitment and retention goals.
• Maintain student records documenting contacts and communications.
• Attend seminars, conferences, and department training to stay current with federal regulations, university policy, and FAFSA updates.
• Assist with loan default prevention efforts when necessary.
• Make recommendations and referrals to other institutional personnel to support the student experience.
• Support financial aid staff with time-sensitive and complex projects as assigned.
• Perform related duties and special projects as assigned.