Financial Aid Advisor - II

South University; Savannah, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

South University in Savannah seeks a Financial Aid Counselor to provide general aid knowledge and create student financial plans in line with policy and Federal/State regulations.

You will explain the application process to students and parents, guide them through verification, and help resolve conflicts while ensuring aid is paid timely and accurately.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field with relevant federal student aid experience.
• Experience with federal and state financial aid regulations and verification processes.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Guide students and parents through the financial aid process and required forms.
• Develop and finalize student financial plans in line with policies and regulations.
• Package and communicate aid awards for new, continuing, and transfer students.
• Review ISIRs, request documents, and perform verification and C Code reviews.
• Collaborate with Admission to deliver excellent service to prospective students.
• Ensure files are complete and aid is applied to accounts timely.
• Explain rights and responsibilities for each aid source to students.
• Assist with special projects and training modules as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related discipline

Associate’s Degree + 3 years of federal student aid experience

Tools

MS Office

Campus Vue/Campus Nexus

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for providing general financial aid knowledge and overviews to new, continuing, and returning students. Develop, negotiate and finalize student financial plans consistent with financial planning policies and procedures and with Federal/State regulations for awarding aid. Explain and guide students and parents through the application process, including verification, conflicting information, and C Code Resolution. Counsel students on all acceptances and other matters related directly to the student financial plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Work cohesively with Admission Representative in order to facilitate outstanding service to prospective students and their parents.
2. Efficiently and accurately package assigned students including includes new, continuing, re-entry and transfer students.
3. Guide students on the financial aid process, including required forms, documents, and process.
4. Create financial plans for assigned students in compliance with institutional policies and Federal regulations, communicate the plan to students and parents, and effectively explain rights and responsibilities for each aid source.
5. Assist students and parents with alternative means of financing any remaining balance after awarding eligible federal, state, or institutional aid
6. Ensure student files are complete and accurate and that aid is paid to students’ accounts in a timely manner.
7. Review ISIRs, request outstanding documents, and perform all levels of verification and C Code reviews.
8. Utilize reports to review students, analyze work needed, ability to prioritize daily workload independently prioritize workload.
9. Strong Customer Service, ability to calm students and parents, accurately articulate the status of a student’s aid and account.
10. Complete the appropriate training modules within 30 days of the new or revised module becoming available.
11. Assist with or perform special projects as assigned. Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline or Associate’s Degree and 3 years of related experience with federal and student financial aid, or 5 years of related experience with federal and student aid.
• Financial aid or accounting experience required.
• Customer service, problem-solving experience required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make small group presentations as well as skill in interacting on a one on one basis.
• The ability to multi-task, work independently, and make decisions based on guidelines.
• Strong basic computer software (MS Office) skills as well as exposure to more concentrated financial aid software (Campus Vue/Campus Nexus preferred)

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

South University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success. We are committed to building and developing a diverse environment where a variety of ideas, cultures, and perspectives can thrive.