Financial Aid Advisor I

NC Community Colleges; Elizabeth City, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

NC Community Colleges seeks a Financial Aid Technician I to support the College’s financial aid programs and services. You will assist students, families, faculty, staff, and external agencies by providing information on financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and funding opportunities.

You will help administer federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs, including document processing, record maintenance, compliance monitoring, scholarship administration, and

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Education, Student Services, or a related field.
• One year of experience in financial aid, student services, higher education administration, customer service, clerical support, or related office operations.
• Experience using computer systems, databases, and office software applications.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for financial aid inquiries and provide information regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines.
• Assist students and families with completing financial aid applications, scholarship applications, and required documentation.
• Respond to inquiries by phone, email, written correspondence, and in-person interactions.
• Provide guidance regarding financial aid eligibility, SAP, and available student support resources.
• Participate in financial aid workshops, orientations, outreach events, and student information sessions.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Communication skills

Customer service experience

Computer systems experience

Education

Associate degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Education, Student Services, or related field

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

Etrieve

FAFSA processing systems

Job description

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Education, Student Services, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• One (1) year of experience in financial aid, student services, higher education administration, customer service, clerical support, or related office operations.
• Experience using computer systems, databases, and office software applications.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Experience working in financial aid, admissions, student services, or higher education.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague, Etrieve, FAFSA processing, or related student information systems.
• Knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid programs and regulations.

Position Description

Position Summary

The Financial Aid Technician I provides technical and administrative support for the College’s financial aid programs and services. This position assists students, families, faculty, staff, and external agencies by providing information regarding financial aid programs, application procedures, eligibility requirements, and available funding opportunities.

The Financial Aid Technician I supports the administration of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs through document processing, record maintenance, compliance monitoring, scholarship administration, and student support services. The position plays a vital role in helping students access financial resources that support enrollment, persistence, and academic success.

The Financial Aid Technician I receives general supervision from the Director of Financial Aid.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Service and Financial Aid Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for financial aid inquiries and provide information regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines.
• Assist students and families with completing financial aid applications, scholarship applications, and required documentation.
• Respond to inquiries by phone, email, written correspondence, and in-person interactions.
• Provide guidance regarding financial aid eligibility, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and available student support resources.
• Participate in financial aid workshops, orientations, outreach events, and student information sessions.

Financial Aid Processing and Record Management

• Review, verify, and process financial aid documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Maintain student financial aid records within student information and document management systems.
• Monitor student files and communicate missing or incomplete documentation requirements.
• Research discrepancies and assist in resolving student financial aid issues.
• Prepare reports and maintain records related to financial aid processing and program administration.

Program Administration

• Assist in administering federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and special assistance programs.
• Coordinate Federal Work-Study activities, including student eligibility, placement coordination, payroll monitoring, and reconciliation.
• Assist with administration of scholarship programs, donor-funded awards, and third-party funding sources.
• Monitor student eligibility and enrollment requirements related to assigned financial aid programs.

Compliance and Operational Support

• Maintain confidentiality of student records in accordance with FERPA and applicable regulations.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with federal and state financial aid regulations, institutional policies, and program requirements.
• Participate in audits, program reviews, reporting activities, and compliance monitoring.
• Collaborate with the Business Office, Registrar’s Office, Student Services, and other departments to support accurate financial aid processing.
• Maintain current knowledge of financial aid regulations, policies, and best practices.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Education, Student Services, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• One (1) year of experience in financial aid, student services, higher education administration, customer service, clerical support, or related office operations.
• Experience using computer systems, databases, and office software applications.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Experience working in financial aid, admissions, student services, or higher education.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague, Etrieve, FAFSA processing, or related student information systems.
• Knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid programs and regulations.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office environment requiring extensive use of computers, student information systems, and standard office equipment. The position requires frequent interaction with students, families, faculty, staff, and external agencies regarding sensitive and confidential information. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support registration, outreach events, orientations, and other student service activities.