Academic and Finance Counselor I (Nov Start)

NU National University; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first work perks

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

National University is seeking an Academic and Finance Counselor to support online students across channels. This full-time, remote role focuses on advising, interpreting financial aid policies, and helping students balance academic goals with their finances.

You’ll handle student inquiries by phone, video, email, or chat, guide them through course enrollment and aid processes, and collaborate with campus resources to promote student success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least three years in advising, student services, or related fields.
• Experience with online students and Financial Aid preferred.

Responsibilities

• Explain policies and financial aid guidelines to students.
• Provide personalized, student-centered support to help students stay on track.
• Manage student accounts receivable and payments.
• Communicate with students across channels (phone, video, chat, email).

Skills

Student advising

Financial aid

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

NSLDS access

Job description

Compensation Range: Hourly: $21.63 - $24.04

Are you someone who loves building connections, finding solutions, and making a real impact in students’ success? If so, our Academic and Finance Counselor role is a full-time work-from-home opportunity.

As an Academic and Finance Counselor (AFC) at National University, you’ll be both a guide and a problem solver, helping students balance their academic goals and financial plans with confidence. You’ll provide personalized advising, interpret policies, and connect students to the right resources to help them thrive. Each day brings meaningful conversations, whether through phone, video, email, or chat, as you support students in navigating their courses, understanding financial aid, and celebrating milestones along the way.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a trusted guide for students explaining University policies, Financial Aid guidelines, and Title IV regulations in a clear, supportive way.
• Provide personalized, student-centered support to help each learner stay on track toward their goals.
• Manage your student caseload with care, using sound judgment and proactive communication.
• Manage student Accounts Receivable, including document collection, student payments, and financial aid.
• Monitor and facilitate voucher collection and submission for processing by the student finance team.
• Facilitate appropriate referrals to other departments and campus resources.
• Navigate multiple systems and reports to stay informed and ensure seamless student support.
• Communicate with students across channels, phone, email, video, and chat, offering timely, professional, and friendly service.
• Handle escalated student concerns effectively, turning challenges into solutions.
• Execute outreach and communication strategies that strengthen engagement and student success.
• Monitor academic progress, identify at-risk populations, and provide resolutions to assist students in successful program completion.
• Use coaching techniques to build strong relationships and motivate students toward graduation.
• Offer creative ideas and resources that boost student satisfaction, persistence, and achievement.
• Collaborate across departments to deliver a connected, positive student experience.
• Share University updates, assist with departmental initiatives, and contribute to special projects.
• Maintain consistent and reliable attendance to fulfill the requirements of this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of related experience in recruiting, advising, student services, retention, academic counseling, marketing, educational services, or customer service required.
• Experience in a fast-paced, student or customer-focused environment preferred.
• Background in academic advising and course enrollment within a college or university setting preferred.
• Experience supporting online students preferred.
• Experience with Financial Aid or Title IX regulations preferred.
• Experience interpreting and ensuring compliance with federal regulations and guidelines preferred.
• Experience in higher education and technology-driven environments preferred.
• All skills, abilities, and education will be considered in determining minimum qualifications.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills

• Solid understanding of academic and business practices in an online learning environment.
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures.
• Strong customer service mindset with a genuine desire to help students succeed.
• Team-oriented and collaborative, with the ability to build positive working relationships across departments.
• Excellent communication and active listening skills—able to adapt tone and style for different audiences, even in challenging situations.
• Skilled at de-escalating and resolving student concerns with professionalism and care.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Creative and logical problem solver who can think on their feet.
• Comfortable learning and using technology, including word processing tools, databases, internet navigation, SMS, live chat, and email systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint).
• Strong work ethic with flexibility, dependability, and a team-player attitude.
• Knows when to seek guidance or elevate issues appropriately.
• Strong communication and public speaking abilities.
• Open to feedback, coaching, and adapting to change.
• Able to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Develops personal goals aligned with the university's mission, vision, and objectives.
• Must be eligible to receive access to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).

What We Offer

In addition to competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 403b with match, paid holidays, and PTO.

National University supports the professional growth of our team members through free education benefits and other growth opportunities.

Location

Remote, USA #LI-Remote. Candidate receiving offers will be offered a salary/pay rate commensurate with experience that vary based on a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and competencies. Absent exceptional circumstances, candidates will be offered a salary within this range for this position. The minimum salary will be offered based on the minimum exemption threshold based on state of residency. Base pay is one component of National University’s total rewards package, as we are dedicated to supporting the needs of the "whole you" with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family. For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit benefits.nu.edu.

National University employs more than 4,500 faculty and staff and serves over 45,000 students.

We are united in our mission to meet the global education demands of the 21st Century and are dedicated to creating a supportive academic and work environment that allows students, faculty and staff to develop their interests and talents while experiencing a sense of community.

With programs available both online and at our many campus locations, National University is a leader in creating innovative solutions to education and meeting the needs of our student population, including adult learners and working professionals.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

National University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant per applicable federal, state and local laws.

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment, education, and admission at National University.

National University is breaking barriers in education – and in the workplace. We’re united in our mission to build a better future for our more than 4,500 employees and our 45,000+ students.

National University prioritizes our employee’s well-being and growth by offering competitive pay and benefits packages, development and advancement opportunities, remote-first work perks, and more. We value and reward the hard work of our faculty and staff.