Financial Aid Analyst

West Coast University; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

West Coast University in Irvine, CA is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to ensure timely and accurate awarding and disbursement of federal, state, and institutional aid. The role requires reviewing ISIRs, cost of attendance, need analysis, and enrollment data to determine eligibility and resolve discrepancies.

You will work with the Student Information System, assist with testing new functionality, and communicate with campus partners to meet deadlines while upholding policy and service

Qualifications

• 2-3 years in bookkeeping, data analysis, or Title IV financial aid administration.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately under deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

Responsibilities

• Perform federal verification of financial aid files for students selected by the processor.
• Review ISIR, cost of attendance, enrollment data, and program data to determine eligibility.
• Monitor and update the Student Information System and document statuses.
• Resolve discrepancies and communicate with campus teams per policy.
• Assist with testing and maintenance of financial aid software.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Financial aid administration

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

HS Diploma or equivalent

Associate Degree (preferred)

Tools

Image Now

Job description

Summary

Ensures timely and accurate awarding and disbursement of student financial aid funds. Performs federal verification of financial aid files for those selected by the Department of Education's processor or the institution, and reviews/evaluates all assigned financial aid files for conflicting or discrepant data. Confirms eligibility for awards by reviewing ISIR, documents scanned in Image Now, cost of attendance, need analysis, enrollment levels, program data, and information available from the Department of Education and other entities involved in the administration of TIV student financial aid. Confirms eligibility for financial aid funds already awarded by others and adds, cancels or adjusts aid funds as appropriate in the Student Information System. Review awards flagged as potential variance or discrepancy and takes steps to resolve or initiate as appropriate. Communicates with campus or other functional teams to resolve same in accordance with departmental policy and procedures. Monitors personal activity queue in Student Information System and completes required tasks so that activities can be closed in a timely and accurate manner. Follows-up on self-assigned reminders or activities assigned to other parties to ensure timely resolution and escalates as appropriate.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Perform federal verification of financial aid files for students selected by the Department of Education's processor or the institution (not verified by FAME), and reviews/evaluate both selected and non-selected financial aid files for conflicting or discrepant data.
• Review “C-Codes” for files assigned and evaluate information available to determine appropriate action and resolve.
• Determine/confirm eligibility for federal, state, institutional, or external awards by reviewing ISIR, documents scanned in Image Now, cost of attendance, need analysis, enrollment levels, program data, and information available from the Department of Education (e.g. COD, NSLDS, etc.) and other entities involved in the administration of TIV student financial aid (e.g. loan servicers, other schools, state agencies, etc.).Typically, should not require more than 25 minutes per student file.
• Monitor FAME Approved spreadsheets and appropriately update student packaging and document statuses in Student Information System to match FAME Approved spreadsheet, and review specific items required as stated in departmental procedure manual.
• Determine/confirm eligibility for federal, state, institutional, or external awards by reviewing SAI, cost of attendance, need analysis, enrollment levels, and program data in Student Information System. Typically, should not require more than 10 minutes per student file.
• Review variance reports (e.g. Pell Variance, Loan Variance, COA Variance, etc.) assigned by supervisors to identify award discrepancies or errors.
• Evaluate data available (e.g. from Student Information System, Image Now, state or federal agency websites, etc.) to identify root cause of the variance or warning flag, determine appropriate course of action, and resolve. Typically, each flagged award should not require more than 5 minutes to review. If repackaging is deemed necessary, an additional 5 to 10 minutes is typical.
• Monitor personal activity queue in Student Information System and completes required tasks so that activities can be closed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Follows-up on self-assigned reminders or activities assigned to other parties to ensure timely resolution and escalates as appropriate.
• Document in Student Information System contact manager all actions taken to resolve activities in a professional and appropriate manner.
• Assist with testing of new or modified functionality in financial aid software.
• Assist with updates and maintenance of student cost of attendance budget setup.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• HS Diploma or equivalent required.
• May not be in default on a federal student loan or owe repayment on a federal grant.
• Associate Degree from an accredited college or university preferred.

Experience & Skills

• 2-3 years of experience (singly or combined) in the following: bookkeeping, data analysis, or Title IV financial aid administration.
• Ability to retain information and apply learned concepts to similar or new situations appropriately.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with others both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to demonstrate attention to detail and retention of learned concepts.
• Familiarity with preparation of U.S. federal tax returns.

#LI-MR1

#HEJ

Do you want a career that allows you to make a difference in other people’s lives? Discover what it means to truly believe in the work that you do at West Coast University.

At West Coast University, we have the privilege of educating students seeking careers in healthcare and guide them through their transformational journey from student to caregiver. Our associates are united behind that purpose and share a deep commitment to our values of teamwork, collegiality, transparency, and a student-centric approach to all we do. This focus creates an aligned, nimble, and consensus‑driven culture that is solution‑oriented and supports our associates’ professional growth.

West Coast University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.