Financial Aid Associate II

Georgia Gwinnett College; Lawrenceville (GA); On-site; USD 42,100 - 50,500; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Gwinnett College seeks a Financial Aid Associate II to provide expert-level financial aid services, advising students and staff on eligibility, program requirements, and funding options. The role ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while handling complex awarding processes.

The Associate serves as a subject matter resource, resolving discrepancies and supporting accurate awarding.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Two to three years of relevant experience in financial aid or higher education administration.
• Experience with Federal Student Aid Programs and Title IV.
• Knowledge of student information systems and financial aid platforms.
• NASFAA credentials or commitment to ongoing professional development in financial aid.

Responsibilities

• Lead state financial aid department programs within the Financial Aid Office.
• Serve as the primary liaison with GSFC and partner institutions for awarding.
• Interpret and apply Federal Methodology, needs analysis and regulations to processes.
• Analyze and resolve discrepancies between government agencies and institutional records.
• Execute and manage invoicing, eligibility determinations, and reconciliations; maintain process maps.
• Review HOPE and Zell Miller eligibility for freshmen and transfers.
• Review, process and award Dual Enrollment including retroactive requests.
• Participate in departmental and cross-functional projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

Verbal & written communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Banner

NSLDS

CPS

FAA Access

Common Origination and Disbursement

SURFER

BDM

Job description

Financial Aid Associate II

Location: Georgia Gwinnett College

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Associate II provides expert-level financial aid services, including advising students and staff on eligibility, program requirements, and funding options. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while managing complex financial aid cases and awarding processes.

The Associate serves as a subject matter resource, applying in-depth knowledge of financial aid policies to resolve discrepancies, interpret regulations, and support accurate and timely awarding. This position plays a key role in maintaining operational efficiency, supporting compliance, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within the office.

The Financial Aid Associate II is expected to play a key role in fostering a positive work environment, with a focus on continuous improvement and first‑class customer service. Collaborative and team‑oriented skills with a commitment to student success are essential attributes for this position.

Responsibilities

• Lead state financial aid department programs within the Financial Aid Office.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) and partner institutions, coordinating institutional financial aid awards and in collaboration with academic departments, the Business Office and external entities to provide awards to students.
• Interpret and apply Federal Methodology, needs analysis principles, and state and federal financial aid regulations and institutional policies in these processes. Identify and resolve complex conflicting student and/or parent information in an effort to distribute Federal, State and Institutional funds.
• Analyze and resolve complex discrepancies between governmental agencies and Institutional records. Stay abreast of the most recent Federal, State and Institutional policy changes and recommend procedures to the department to remain compliant with current laws/policies.
• Execute and manage operational processes, including invoicing, eligibility determination, late invoice processing, and reconciliation; review outcomes and implement necessary corrections. Develop, document, and maintain process maps and workflow procedures to support accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Review and determine Freshmen HOPE and Zell Miller student eligibility. Complete HOPE and Zell Miller transfer evaluations.
• Review, process and award Dual Enrollment, including retroactive requests and late invoice exception case.
• Manage and/or participate in departmental and cross‑functional projects, as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 4 Year / Bachelor's Degree
• Two to three years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• One to three years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid, higher education administration, or in a related field requiring the interpretation and application of federal, state, or institutional regulations.
• Experience applying policies and regulations to individual cases with a high level of accuracy.
• Experience with Federal Student Aid Programs
• Experience in financial aid in a higher education environment, with knowledge of rules and regulations as they pertain to Federal Title IV and state funding
• Experience with student information systems and financial aid platforms
• Experience with student and/or financial aid modules at an institution of similar size, type or complexity
• NASFAA credentials (e.g., Student Eligibility, Application Process), or demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development in financial aid

Proposed Salary

42,100 - 50,500

Salary offer will be dependent on candidate's experience and qualifications, internal equity considerations, budget availability, and salary administration guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal Student Aid Programs
• Knowledge of Banner, NSLDS, CPS, FAA Access, Common Origination and Disbursement, SURFER, and BDM
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex regulations and apply them to individual cases
• High attention to detail and accuracy in processing financial aid
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate complex information
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage high volume workloads
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Conditions of Employment

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States and proof of eligibility will be contemporaneously required upon acceptance of an employment offer. Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). Eligibility of employment is determined by GGC in its sole discretion, and includes but is not limited to confirmation of credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre‑employment drug test.

Background Check

• Position of Trust + Education

Equal Employment Opportunity

Georgia Gwinnett College is an equal employment, equal access, and equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Georgia Gwinnett College to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75‑50). For individuals requiring disability‑related accommodations for participation in any event including the application, interview process, or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact HR at (678) 407‑5746 or email [e-mail].