Financial Aid Systems & Compliance Counselor

Job Title:

Financial Aid Systems & Compliance Counselor

Job Summary:

The Financial Aid Systems & Compliance Counselor is responsible for overseeing financial aid systems integration, managing a team of student employees, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and providing strategic support to streamline financial aid processes. This position involves leading the implementation of system upgrades, troubleshooting, and maintaining data security while ensuring operational efficiency and continuous improvement in financial aid processes.

Full Job Description:

Leadership/Management:

○     Supervise and provide training to student employees in the Financial Aid Systems team to enhance their skills in financial aid processes.

○     Proactively address issues that may impact students’ financial aid processes, providing problem-solving support.

○     Collaborate with the SEM Data Operations team to test, refine, and implement enhanced business processes.

○     Coordinate with external vendors for system troubleshooting, upgrades, and new features (e.g., ELMONE, CPS, EDconnect).

○     Assist with system updates, testing, and regression testing after updates or configuration changes in the Financial Aid Management System.

○     Leads Federal PLUS Loan Processing, including monitoring review of outstanding pending credit checks

○      Responsible for a processing a caseload which includes federal verification and comment codes

System Integration & Process Automation:

○     Ensure seamless integration between financial aid systems (e.g., Banner, CampusLogic) and external platforms (e.g., FAFSA, state portals).

○     Identify and implement automation opportunities in financial aid processes (e.g., ISIR imports, packaging, reconciliation) to improve efficiency.

○     Maintain the daily production schedule for operations and financial aid reporting including resolving ISIR suspense files

○     Run ISIR corrections in Banner, send out corrections via EDconnect to CPS, and import corrected ISIRs.

Compliance & Security:

○     Monitor system security, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional data privacy regulations (e.g., FERPA).

○     Review and resolve issues related to loan default, bankruptcy, overpayment, loan discharge, and other identified compliance matters.

○     Leads the review and processing for subsequent ISIR review on a daily basis to ensure accuracy of financial aid eligibility.

Documentation & Quality Assurance:

○     Create and update comprehensive documentation for system configurations, processes, and workflows.

Professional Development & Training:

○     Participate in professional development opportunities, such as conferences or certifications, to stay updated on industry trends and best practices.

○     Participate in Financial Aid training that will support the execution of job responsibilities

Communication & Customer Service:

○     Assist as needed with customer service operations to include phone and email response and promote an atmosphere of excellent customer service for students.

○     Participates in office outreach events to include planning and presenting financial aid workshops, seminars, etc. which may be outside of traditional office hours

○     Assist in the creation of FAQs and help resources for students and staff to resolve common issues independently.

Student Engagement & Outreach:

○     Develop and implement student engagement strategies (e.g., email campaigns, student portals) to promote financial aid literacy and support the completion of financial aid tasks (e.g., FAFSA completion, document submission, PLUS processing).

○     Support communications regarding updates, deadlines, and changes to financial aid policies.

Continuous Improvement:

○     Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in financial aid systems and processes, incorporating feedback from stakeholders.

○     Implement improvements to policies, procedures, and systems in alignment with institutional goals and regulatory changes.

Other Duties:

○     Perform other duties as assigned related to the financial aid department’s goals and operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

●     Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.

●     Experience: At least three years of increasingly responsible financial aid experience, with a strong command of Title IV regulations and experience with systems like Ellucian Banner.

●     Technical Skills: Proficiency with financial aid systems, document management, and Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with automated systems, particularly Banner and CampusLogic, preferred.

●     Attention to Detail: Ability to handle complex data and tasks with accuracy and efficiency.

●     Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of advising students and presenting information clearly.

●     Time Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and work in a fast-paced environment.

●     Customer Service: Strong orientation towards customer service with the ability to resolve issues and provide guidance.

●     Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze data, make informed decisions, and apply judgment based on financial aid regulations.

●     Policy Knowledge: Deep understanding of federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

●     Experience with managing student employees and leading training efforts.

●     Advanced knowledge of financial aid regulations and institutional compliance requirements.

●     Experience with federal financial aid verification and processing, including Title IV funds management.

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full time

Pay Rate:

Salary

Salary Range :

$68,640 - 73,000 annualized; commensurate with experience