Financial Aid Specialist

About the role

The Financial Aid Services (FAS) team analyzes prospective and enrolled students’ financial aid applications to resolve eligibility issues and ensure equitable distribution of aid. Specialists review applications and supporting documentation to perform needs analysis and determine federal and institutional eligibility in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. They apply rapidly changing federal regulations and institutional requirements, provide customer service to applicants and families, and represent the office at campus and community events.

Responsibilities

• Perform federal and institutional tax verification: adjust and verify parent and student income and assets to ensure compliance; identify discrepancies and determine appropriate resolution.
• Evaluate and verify PROFILE and FAFSA information; research and analyze supporting documentation to resolve conflicting information per Department of Education guidance.
• Review institutional reports to resolve student eligibility issues and ensure equitable aid distribution within federal regulations; review subsequent ISIR transactions and troubleshoot issues such as unofficial SAIs and ISIR rejects to ensure timely disbursement.
• Apply established needs analysis procedures and professional judgment to determine federal need and eligibility.
• Collaborate with colleagues to evaluate complex circumstances requiring multiple proficiencies; work with FAS team members and the Assistant Director to determine acceptable documentation and update communications clarifying requirements.
• Act as a resource for other financial aid staff on federal regulatory and needs analysis questions.
• Communicate with families using tact and discretion regarding complex and delicate situations such as marital and custody issues, living arrangements, business activities, tax filing requirements, and citizenship/residency statuses.
• Represent the office at campus events and participate in community events.
• Participate in professional development activities including conferences, webinars, and training peers on changes in financial aid regulations.
• Assist IT with testing PeopleSoft updates and corrections; troubleshoot issues, alert IT, and track/testing until resolution.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2–5 years of experience in financial aid, including FM & IM needs analysis, CSS Profile review, tax review, Federal Verification, and Federal Match.

Skills and Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of federal Title IV, state, and university financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.
• In-depth knowledge of and experience with federal tax forms, requirements, and tax law.
• Proven ability to research, interpret, and apply complex rules and laws.
• Strong communication skills; ability to write and present concise findings with recommended courses of action.
• Ability to analyze diverse family situations objectively and communicate with professionalism and compassion.
• Flexible attitude; ability to function well as a team member in a high-volume, fast-paced environment with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines.
• Initiative to prioritize workload with little guidance.
• Commitment to the university’s mission and students.
• Experience with PeopleSoft or other student information systems, OnBase or other imaging systems, and Microsoft software products.