Financial Aid Specialist

About the role

This is a hybrid role based in our Great River, NY office.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and processes Leave of Absence (LOA) and Withdrawal requests in alignment with federal and institutional requirements.
• Supports c-flag compliance.
• Reviews banner letter reporting and compliance reporting to ensure compliance standards are met and followed.
• Updates policy manual and workflow procedures to maintain compliance with federal aid requirements.
• Identifies potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk, develops/implements corrective actions plans to manage and mitigate risk and improve compliance practices.
• Identifies training requirements and changes and implements necessary updates to training materials and communications for students and staff.
• Develops, modifies, and provides oversight of the office policies and procedures that are following current US federal guidelines/regulations.
• Supports new institutional initiatives while maximizing operational efficiency, maintaining compliance with US federal and state regulations and prioritizing service excellence.
• Works cooperatively with other departmental partners.
• Solves complex issues and works both collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
• Supports all activities relating to both internal and external audits.
• Participates in reporting duties; assists in gathering, compiling, auditing, maintaining, and analyzing data for the maintenance and preparation of records and reports; identifies required data elements to create database queries; creates selection sets.
• Provides coverage for financial aid operations as needed to ensure uninterrupted service to students, staff, accrediting bodies.
• Performs other duties and special projects assigned by leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in Financial Aid or process improvement.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required.
• Advanced knowledge of US Title IV financial aid regulations and programs preferred.

Qualifications

• Well-developed analytical, cognitive, and computer skills.
• Highly skilled in excel; macros, complex formula, development (advance level required).
• Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills with a focus on compliance and automation.
• Proven technical skills with specific focus on Banner financial systems to ensure data integrity, compliance, and adequate internal controls.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with employees at all levels of the University.
• A high degree of personal motivation, independent judgment, and persuasiveness.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and openness.