Financial Aid Management Systems Specialist II

Montgomery College has an immediate need for a full-time Financial Aid Management Systems Specialist II in the Financial Aid Department. This is a non-bargaining, exempt, grade 29 position eligible for telework one day a week, subject to change based on unit needs.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Apply technical expertise and knowledge of financial aid policies to configure integrated financial aid management systems for effective and optimal processing of student financial aid.
• Align technical solutions with business needs; maintain working knowledge of business functions and utilize technical knowledge to provide system solutions.
• Analyze, develop, implement, and maintain information technology systems that facilitate solutions to complex problems.
• Implement and perform day-to-day operations of multiple systems and interfaces including Banner, ImageNow, Dynamic Forms, Verification, UC4, etc., for accurate, consistent, and timely processing of student financial aid programs.
• Establish, test, and maintain Banner rules using Oracle SQL to write queries, algorithms, and web-based rules.
• Implement and support all back-end system processes including assignment of period-based budgets, weekly fund packaging and authorizations, running satisfactory academic progress, and other processes related to the student financial aid life cycle.
• Coordinate system upgrades, ongoing/maintenance updates, and enhancements relative to Financial Aid Management Systems.
• Work with other module systems specialists for data and process-related dependencies.
• Perform quality assurance testing for all release upgrades, document potential testing issues, monitor software vendor release upgrades and patches, create test plan scenarios to validate testing, evaluate new software functionalities, and implement system enhancements.
• Develop operating protocols and procedures.
• Provide periodic reviews of current system processes involved in the administration of student financial aid including verification, C-flag resolution, processing of loans, Pell, etc.
• Analyze the need for system enhancements and consult with users, decision-makers, and outside consultants regarding the viability of new processes and procedures.
• Create electronic student forms, workflow processes in ImageNow, and manage communications-related software.
• Write, revise, and maintain system documentation for user guides, instructional how-to, and processing guides for staff and students.
• Evaluate requests for services from student affairs staff; investigate and troubleshoot reported issues, resolve problems, and report results in a timely manner.
• Provide support to end users for the use of applications and to perform a variety of tasks relative to their functional area; set up and maintain security for users.
• Serve as a backup to assign user security for the Department of Education secured websites.
• Leverage knowledge of financial aid policies and processes, and other student and financial data to effectively collect and understand report requirements, analyze and identify reporting data to satisfy report requests, and produce accurate, clear, and well-informed reports of financial aid data for standard and ad-hoc requests.
• Compile data queries using Oracle SQL, Crystal reports, or any other reporting tool to support annual data reporting to federal and state agencies.
• Assist the Office of Institutional Research with financial aid data definitions and identification of data tables and fields.
• Gather and validate required documents and processes for external and internal audit requests.
• Develop training materials and provide training to financial aid and other Student Affairs staff on Banner Financial Aid, ImageNow, Dynamic Forms, and other related computer systems.
• Serve as a resource for the college community regarding software functionality and system optimization.
• Maintain expertise in all areas of financial aid to ensure federal and state compliance.
• Identify and evaluate regulatory changes that will impact software system set-ups and processing.
• Provide technical and functional specifications to the Financial Aid Management Systems Manager to assist in the development of project plans.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer technology, or a related field.
• Three years of experience working with a student information system or related Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
• Experience in Oracle SQL, Crystal reports, or any other reporting tool.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and evaluate business processes and data, making accurate recommendations on the appropriate course of action.
• Technical proficiency including experience with student information systems ERP modules including database management, system configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of and ability to use office technology (software, computers, printers) and MS Excel (Advanced Level) and other MS Office products.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of student information systems including financial aid business processes and practices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Federal and State Financial Aid regulations and College’s policies and procedures.
• Skill in managing information system databases, coordinating system upgrades, troubleshooting systems, conducting analysis, resolving system problems, and ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Skill in interpreting and explaining principles, procedures, policies, and regulations.
• Skill in organization, time management, and leadership.
• Ability to lead and manage multiple projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Knowledge of imaging systems and electronic forms solutions.
• Experience supporting one or more financial aid programs (e.g., Pell, Student Employment, Loans, or Scholarships).

Pay

Hiring range: $74,267–$96,558 annually, based on relevant candidate experience and internal equity. The maximum salary for this position is $118,850 annually.

Benefits

• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, vision, and group legal benefits.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Retirement plan options (Pension or Optional Retirement Plan).
• Educational assistance and tuition waiver for employee and dependents.
• Wellness programming including onsite gyms, pools, and classes.