Financial Aid Analyst

Alabama-A; Normal (AL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Alabama-A is seeking a Financial Aid Advisor to evaluate and award federal, state, and university financial aid in alignment with regulations and campus policies. You will assess student needs and counsel families on aid options, processes, and requirements, and participate in academic progress decisions and program administration.

You will also handle eligibility reviews, professional judgments, and data reporting, while supporting workshops and advisement services for students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of data management systems and processes.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies concerning financial aid.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes and evaluates the financial viability of students and families and provides advice on financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
• Reviews and assesses eligibility of applications for financial aid; exercises professional judgment to determine adjustments.
• Reviews for accuracy and provides signature approval/disapproval of loan applications, promissory notes, and other financial documents.
• Conducts orientations, entrance and exit interviews, per guidelines.
• Responds to inquiries and resolves problems related to unit transactions; liaises with stakeholders.
• Oversees data collection, management, and reporting; participates in data systems development.
• Implements and oversees one or more administrative programs or service areas, as assigned.
• Trains staff and may supervise student employees or lower-level staff.
• Conducts workshops to students, parents on financial aid policy and procedures.
• Participates in scholarship and progress appeal readings.
• Provides academic advisement and crisis intervention referrals; arranges tutorial support.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Data management software

Job description

Summary:

Within a centralized financial aid services environment, evaluates, approves, and awards financial aid to students in accordance with federal, state, and university regulations, policies, and operating guidelines. Assesses financial needs of students, and advises students and parents regarding financial aid options, processes, and requirements. Evaluates student academic progress, and adjudicates academic progress appeals. Participates as appropriate in systems/procedures planning and management; implements and coordinates specific individual programs and/or assignments, in accordance with the overall objectives of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyzes and evaluates financial viability of students and families and provides advice and counsel regarding available financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
• Reviews and assesses eligibility of applications for financial aid; exercises professional judgment to determine whether adjustments should be made.
• Reviews for accuracy and provides signature approval/disapproval of loan applications, promissory notes, and other financial documents.
• Conducts orientations, and entrance and exit interviews, in accordance with university, state, federal, and other agency guidelines.
• Responds to inquiries and researches and resolves problems related to transactions handled by the unit; serves as liaison with other constituencies in the resolution of day-to-day administrative and operational issues.
• Serves as liaison with state, federal, tribal, and other agencies; keeps abreast of student assistance opportunities and program regulations.
• Oversees the collection, management, and reporting of data in accordance with the objectives of the position; participates in the development and implementation of data management systems and procedures, as appropriate.
• Implements, coordinates, and oversees one or more specific administrative programs and/or service areas, as assigned.
• Trains and serves as an operational resource to other staff and/or students, as appropriate; may supervise student employees or lower-level staff.
• Conducts workshops and/or presentations to students, parents, and/or other interested parties on financial aid policy and procedural issues.
• Participates in committee readings for scholarship selection and academic progress appeals.
• Provides academic advisement and crisis intervention referrals; arranges for tutorial support, as necessary.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):

• Bachelor's degreeKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements
• Knowledge of data management systems and processes
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies concerning the provision of financial aid to students
• Knowledge of the policies and eligibility requirements of a range of federal, state, and agency scholarship programs for tertiary students
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Interviewing skills
• Organizing and coordinating skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to verify and assess student eligibility for financial aid
• Ability to analyze and solve problems
• Ability to make evaluative judgments
• Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and over the telephone