Financial Aid Operations Specialist
The Financial Essential Functions Other Duties This description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Qualifications Hours & Travel
Aid Operations Specialist is responsible
for managing, maintaining, training on, and updating Banner
Financial Aid systems, including all patches and testing, and for developing
and automating operational policies and procedures in accordance
with US Department of Education requirements. Additionally, this
position plays a critical role in all Enrollment and Financial Aid
audits, serving as a partner in retrieving files, reviewing records, and
ensuring accuracy prior to submission. Working closely with Admissions,
Registrar, Bursar, and Clinical Education Operations, the Financial
Aid Operations Specialist ensures financial aid processes, systems,
and reporting is integrated to support a positive student experience.
and Processes Leave of Absence (LOA) and Withdrawal requests
in alignment with federal and institutional requirements.
and support c-flag compliance.
reporting and compliance reporting to ensure compliance standards are met
and followed.
high-level compliance reporting and provides updates to the
Operations team.
policy manual and workflow procedures to maintain compliance
with federal aid requirements.
areas of compliance vulnerability and
risk, develops/implements corrective actions plans to
manage and mitigate risk and improve compliance practices.
requirements and changes and implement necessary updates to training
materials and communications for students and staff.
and provide oversight of the office policies and procedures that are
following current US federal guidelines/regulations.
new institutional initiatives while maximizing operational efficiency,
maintaining compliance with US federal and
state regulations and prioritizing service excellence.
cooperatively with other departmental partners.
complex issues and work both collaboratively and independently in a
fast-paced, high stress environment.
all activities relating to both internal and external audits.
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.
coverage for financial aid operations as needed to ensure uninterrupted
service to students, staff, accrediting bodies.
other duties and special projects assigned by leadership.
This position may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing
needs of the department/institution.
analytical, cognitive, and computer skills.
skilled in excel; macros, complex formula,
development. (advance level required)
written and oral communication skills and the demonstrated competence to
effectively present information in either format.
analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills with a focus on
compliance and automation.
technical skills with specific focus on Banner financial systems
to ensure data integrity, compliance, and adequate internal
controls.
interpersonal skills and the ability to work with employees at all levels
of the University.
high degree of personal motivation, independent judgment, and
persuasiveness.
commitment to continuous improvement and a continued working knowledge of
current issues and trends.
professionalism, integrity, and openness.
forward and creative thinking with high ethical standards to develop
strategic vision.
organizational, time management, collaboration, attention to
detail and active listening skills.
interpersonal skills; proven ability to collaborate across multiple departments.
sound judgment and be sensitive to issues of policy and
process.
independently and collaboratively
tact, diplomacy and discretion when handling sensitive and/or confidential
matters or materials.
degree required, Master’s preferred
of five years of progressive experience in Financial Aid or process
improvement.
Microsoft Excel skills required.
knowledge of US Title IV financial aid regulations and
programs preferred.
We Are
· Student Centric: We approach every task with a focus on supporting our students to achieve their lifelong learning goals in a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment.
· A Global Community: We are one team with an international outlook welcoming the strength in our diversity and the value each of us brings to what we do.
· Accountable: We take responsibility for our actions by being responsive, resourceful and respectful in delivering on our commitments with integrity and the highest ethical standards.
· Collaborative: We support and empower one another through open communications, cooperation, sharing knowledge and taking time to always listen and show we care.
· Committed to Excellence: We take pride in our ongoing pursuit for continuous improvement through creativity, rigor and best practices to produce meaningful outcomes.