Senior Compliance Officer, Financial Aid

Summary

In support of the university’s mission and objectives, the Senior Compliance Officer provides oversight on all federal, state, and institutional regulations and requirements, as well as the implementation of the highest level of customer service. This role has primary responsibility to ensure compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations for the University.

Regulatory Compliance and Oversight

• Ensures compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations during the review of financial aid applications.
• Exercises judgment in interpreting federal and state regulations for specific student situations.
• Manages the Return to Title IV process to ensure adherence to federal guidelines.
• Provides direct oversight of the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Professional Judgment processes, including supervision and program management for accurate and timely processing of appeals.
• Compiles and coordinates data related to SAP, Professional Judgment, and other institutional appeals.
• Serves as the Financial Aid Compliance Liaison for Athletics/NCAA.
• Processes all state-required audits, reconciliations, and reports by semester and annually.
• Provides oversight of audits and establishes best practices for handling conflicting information.
• Participates in the development of institutional financial aid procedures to enhance efficiency and service quality.

Customer Service and Student Support

• Ensures high-level customer service performance by communicating and providing families with strategies for meeting college costs.
• Provides accurate and appropriate information to prospective and continuing students, as well as parents, regarding educational costs, financial aid resources, program eligibility, and the financial aid application process.
• Facilitates clear communication of financial aid decisions and appeal outcomes to students and families.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Compiles, manages, and analyzes data related to SAP, Professional Judgment, and institutional appeals.
• Processes and ensures the accuracy of state-required reports and reconciliations.
• Oversees the preparation and submission of audit reports to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Affords assistance in preparing special projects and reports as requested by leadership.
• Establishes and revises business processes for efficient aid program management.

Professional Development and Operational Support

• Regularly reads professional publications, articles, and handbooks to support continuous improvement in staff and departmental processing of aid.
• Provides support to the Director by communicating progress toward defined goals and compliance standards as required by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Florida Department of Education (FLDOE).
• Manages purchase order (PO) transactions and departmental supply orders.
• Affords assistance in the training and development of staff, sharing updated practices and knowledge to ensure operational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, mathematics education, or related field required; a minor in communications or education preferred.
• Experience: 1+ years’ of progressive experience in financial aid administration. Mastery in financial aid procedures, regulations, and practices, required. Knowledge in PowerFaids and Jenzabar is preferred.
• Competencies: Customer Service Orientation, Professionalism, Christ-first Faith, Analytical Thinking & Decision Making, Attention to Detail, Confidentiality, Effective Communication, Establishes Trust, Results Orientation & Accountability, Technology.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work non-routine hours during certain times of the year.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to traverse campus and stairs.