Financial Aid Advisor

Buffalo State University; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Buffalo State University is hiring a Financial Aid Advisor to support SUNYFAN operations at the Enrollment Management, VP Office. The role focuses on counseling students and campuses about federal, state, and institutional aid programs, eligibility, and documentation requirements.

The candidate should have a Bachelor’s Degree with two years of relevant experience, strong Microsoft Office skills, and the ability to work with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and two years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in software systems including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with discretion.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and processing.
• Equity-minded practice in all college policies and personnel.

Responsibilities

• Answers inquiries on applicant financial aid options, eligibility, and procedures.
• Assists with FAFSA completion, verification, and documentation requirements.
• Responds promptly to inquiries from member campuses and System Administration.
• Evaluates financial aid applications for accuracy and compliance.
• Determines award eligibility based on regulations and guidelines.
• Maintains accurate records in financial aid systems.
• Provides guidance on federal loan programs and processing issues as applicable.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Financial aid counseling

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Slate

Banner

Job description

Financial Aid Advisor

The SUNY Financial Aid Network (SUNYFAN) is a shared-services model for financial aid application assistance, staff training, and financial aid award processing for member campuses from the State University of New York.

Responsibilities

• Answers member campus and System Administration inquiries on applicant financial aid options, eligibility, and application procedures;
• Assists with FAFSA completion, verification, and documentation requirements;
• Responds promptly to member campus inquiries in a timely fashion;
• Evaluates financial aid applications for accuracy and compliance;
• Determines award eligibility based on established guidelines and regulations;
• Maintains accurate records in financial aid systems;
• Ensures adherence to Title IV regulations and institutional policies;
• Coordinates with member campuses and System Administration as needed;
• Participates in outreach events and financial literacy workshops as needed;
• Keeps abreast of new literature published in the financial aid counseling field;
• Counsels students and member campuses regarding federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and alternative sources of financial assistance;
• Provides financial aid counseling and assistance through telephone, email, virtual, and individual or group appointments;
• Conducts follow-up communication regarding outstanding verification, documentation, and other financial aid requirements;
• Reviews financial aid awards and makes appropriate adjustments in accordance with established regulations, policies, and SUNYFAN procedures, as assigned;
• Provides guidance and support related to federal student loan programs and assists with resolving loan processing issues, as applicable.

Special Notes

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, please note that Buffalo State University is not an E-Verify employer.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree and two years of relevant experience.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining organized in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in software systems including Microsoft Office applications is required. Candidate will be required to exercise discretion in handling confidential information, and be able to work with a team of diverse faculty, staff, and students.

All candidates must have evidence of responsiveness to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice in all college policies, practices, and personnel.

The candidate will demonstrate working knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and financial aid processing with the ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures accurately in a student-centered environment. The candidate will also demonstrate knowledge of Federal Direct Loan programs and related processing requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

It is preferred that the successful candidate will have experience in higher education and a background in financial aid, bursar, business office, or related area.

At least one year’s prior experience working as a financial aid counselor or advisor preferred. Experience using Slate and Banner is desirable.

Salary and Employment Details

Salary Range: $60,245

Full Time: Full-Time

Bargaining Unit: UUP

Open Until Filled: Yes

Anticipated Date of Hire: 10/30/2026

Department: Enrollment Management, VP Office

Local Title: Financial Aid Counselor for the SUNY Financial Aid Network

Budget Title: Financial Aid Advisor

Rank: SL-3

Line Number: TBD

PRODiG+ Position: No

Executive Position: No

FLSA: Exempt

Department Website: https://www.suny.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity

Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution that subscribes to all federal, state, and SUNY legal requirements and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status (Nondiscrimination Notice). Any violation of this policy should be reported to the Institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office, Cleveland Hall 204, [phone]. Buffalo State is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Warnes at [e-mail] or call [phone].

Background Investigation Statement

All applicants are subject to a pre-employment background investigation. Our Pre-Employment Background Screening Policy is available at http://hr.buffalostate.edu/pre-employment-background-screening.

Clery Statement

Applicants interested in positions may access the Annual Security Report (ASR) for SUNY Buffalo State at http://police.buffalostate.edu. The ASR contains information on campus security policies and certain campus crime statistics. Crime statistics are reported in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Applicants may request a hard copy of the ASR by contacting the SUNY Buffalo State University Police Department at [phone].

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://jobs.buffalostate.edu/postings/8448