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 an equitable distribution of aid. Specialists review applications and a wide variety of documents to perform needs analysis for federal and institutional eligibility. The work is high‑volume and fast‑paced, requiring knowledge of rapidly changing federal regulations and institutional requirements, as well as excellent customer service to advise applicants and families on prompt resolutions.

Responsibilities

• Perform federal and institutional tax verification, adjusting and verifying parent and student income and assets to ensure compliance.
• Identify tax discrepancies and determine appropriate actions for families.
• Evaluate and verify PROFILE and FAFSA information, researching supporting documentation to resolve conflicts.
• Review institutional reports to resolve student eligibility issues and ensure equitable aid distribution within federal regulations.
• Review all subsequent ISIR transactions and troubleshoot issues such as unofficial SAIs and ISIR rejects.
• Apply established needs‑analysis procedures and professional judgment to determine financial aid eligibility.
• Collaborate with colleagues and the Assistant Director to evaluate complex circumstances and determine acceptable documentation.
• Create and update communications clarifying requirements for swift resolution.
• Act as a resource for other financial aid staff on federal regulatory and needs‑analysis questions.
• Communicate with families tactfully about complex and delicate situations, including marital, custody, business, tax filing, and citizenship/residency matters.
• Represent the office at campus and community events.
• Participate in professional development activities, including conferences, webinars, and peer training on regulatory changes.
• Assist IT with testing PeopleSoft updates, troubleshooting issues, and tracking resolutions.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience (required).
• Bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• 2–5 years of experience working 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.
• Strong understanding of federal tax forms, requirements, and tax law.
• Proven ability to research, interpret, and apply complex rules and laws.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present concise findings with recommended actions.
• Ability to analyze diverse family situations objectively and communicate with professionalism and compassion.
• Flexible attitude, strong attention to detail, and ability to prioritize workload in a high‑volume environment.
• Initiative and ability to work with minimal guidance.
• Commitment to the university’s mission and its students.
• Experience with PeopleSoft or other student information systems, OnBase or other imaging systems, and Microsoft Office products.
• Willingness to work overtime during peak award season to provide optimal customer service.