Financial Aid Assistant

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario is seeking a Financial Aid Assistant to support OSAP and provincial student aid programs. You will process applications, review documentation, and help students navigate funding options.

Reporting to the Assistant Registrar, you will maintain accurate records, apply policies, and provide clear guidance while upholding privacy standards. This role requires strong organizational skills and a student-centered approach in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Two-year community college diploma or equivalent; undergraduate degree an asset.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with accuracy.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to explain complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams).
• Experience with student information systems or financial aid platforms.

Responsibilities

• Process provincial and territorial government student aid applications and documentation.
• Review documentation for completeness and accuracy, identify discrepancies and follow up.
• Assess routine eligibility and update government aid systems (OSAP, etc.).
• Support Confirmation of Enrolment and resolve registration-related discrepancies.
• Process OSAP summer extension requests and CIFS applications.
• Coordinate documentation for Out-of-Province student aid programs.
• Assist with disability funding programs (BSWD) activities.
• Review student accounts and coordinate return of funding to NSLSC when required.
• Respond to inquiries via in-person service, email, live chat, and phone.
• Explain policies, deadlines, and funding implications clearly to students and families.
• Assist students with appeal processes and funding concerns.
• Support Lincoln Alexander Student Service Centre with guidance on financial aid processes.
• Maintain understanding of financial aid policies, systems, and regulations.
• Help develop internal resources and procedural documentation.
• Ensure compliance with FIPPA and protect student confidentiality.

Skills

Customer service

Policy interpretation

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Data entry

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Teams

Education

Two-year community college diploma

Undergraduate degree an asset

Tools

Colleague

WebAdvisor

OSAP One-Key

Job description

Department:Student Financial Services
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

General Purpose

Student Financial Services is seeking qualified Financial Aid Assistants to support the administration of provincial and territorial government student financial assistance programs, including the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Reporting to the Assistant Registrar, Student Awards & Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Assistant plays a key role in the delivery of financial aid services to diploma, undergraduate, and graduate students.

The Financial Aid Assistant is responsible for processing government aid applications and documentation, reviewing and assessing eligibility requirements, maintaining accurate student records, and providing information and guidance to students, families, staff, and other stakeholders. The incumbent exercises sound judgment in interpreting policies and procedures, resolving routine and moderately complex issues, and ensuring compliance with government regulations, University policies, and institutional accountability requirements.

Working in a high-volume, service-focused environment, the successful candidate will provide exceptional customer service while supporting students through often complex and sensitive financial situations. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a student-centred approach.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Processing provincial and territorial government student aid program applications and documentation in accordance with established policies, procedures, and service standards.
• Reviewing financial aid documentation for completeness and accuracy, identifying discrepancies, and determining appropriate follow-up requirements.
• Assessing routine eligibility requirements and completing updates within government aid systems, including OSAP and other provincial funding portals.
• Supporting the Confirmation of Enrolment process and resolving routine discrepancies related to registration and course load status.
• Processing OSAP summer extension requests and assisting with Continuation of Interest-Free Status (CIFS) applications.
• Coordinating documentation and processing activities related to Out-of-Province student aid programs.
• Assisting with administrative activities related to disability-related government funding programs, including the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD).
• Reviewing student accounts and coordinating the return of government aid funding to the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) when required.
• Responding to student, parent, and staff inquiries through in-person service, virtual meetings, email, live chat, and telephone.
• Explaining complex financial aid policies, procedures, deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding implications in a clear and supportive manner.
• Assisting students with appeal processes, funding concerns, and documentation requirements.
• Serving as a resource to Lincoln Alexander Student Service Centre (The Linc) staff by providing guidance on financial aid processes and program requirements.
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of financial aid policies, University systems, student accounts, and government funding regulations.
• Assisting with the development and maintenance of internal resources, training materials, and procedural documentation.
• Ensuring compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and maintaining the confidentiality of student information.

The Student Financial Services environment is fast-paced, highly collaborative, and service-oriented. Candidates who demonstrate strong organizational skills, exceptional attention to detail, empathy, professionalism, and the ability to navigate complex policies and systems while supporting students through challenging situations will be most successful in this role.

Requirements

• Two (2) year community college diploma (undergraduate degree an asset) and a minimum of two (2) years of related front-line student service.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to explain complex information clearly to a diverse audience.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Experience working with student information systems, financial aid systems, or enterprise databases.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience administering OSAP or other provincial or territorial student financial assistance programs.
• Experience working in a post-secondary education environment.
• Experience working within strict legislative, regulatory, or policy-driven frameworks.
• Knowledge of student financial aid processes, student accounts, and enrolment procedures.
• Experience with Colleague, WebAdvisor, OSAP One-Key systems, or similar student information and financial aid platforms.

Hours of work: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Occasional additional hours may be required during peak financial aid processing periods.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number:10928801

*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date:10/21/2026
Closing Date:10/28/2026