Financial Aid Counselor

Presbyterian College; Clinton, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Presbyterian College is seeking a Financial Aid Officer to oversee daily office operations including SAIG mailbox processing, ISIR reviews, and loan compliance for undergraduate students.

The role involves counseling students and families on aid options, reconciling disbursements with the Business Office, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of federal and state regulations. Strong communication and confidentiality are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in higher education preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written skills.
• Working knowledge of Banner tools and MS Office.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Importing and exporting files through SAIG mailbox daily.
• Process and review daily ISIRs.
• Ensure institutional compliance of state, federal and alternative loan programs for undergraduate students.
• Origination of federal loans through COD and Banner.
• Certify alternative loans on ELM and SC Student loans (SC Teacher Loan).
• Monitor and reconcile disbursements of loan funds for undergraduates.
• Counsel students and parents on financial aid programs and requirements.
• Complete Pell Reconciliation with the Business Office.
• Attend conferences and stay current with rules and regulations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Confidentiality

Time management

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Banner tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The main purpose of this position is to oversee the daily operations of the office that include processing downloads from the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG) mailbox, reviewing verification files, and reconciling Title IV aid. This position also meets and works closely with future and current families.

Essential Job Functions

• Responsible for importing and exporting files through SAIG mailbox daily
• Process and review daily ISIRs
• Responsible for ensuring institutional compliance of all state, federal and alternative loan programs for Undergraduate students
• Responsible for the origination of federal loans through COD and Banner – to include Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Parent Plus
• Responsible for the certification of alternative loans on ELM and SC Student loans to include the SC Teacher Loan on the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation website
• Monitor the disbursements of state, federal and alternative loan funds for Undergraduate students
• Resolve loan issues concerning state, federal and alternative loans
• Reconcile all federal and alternative loan disbursements with the Business Office
• Oversee and complete verification for all undergraduate students
• Counsel student and parents on all financial aid programs and application requirements
• Complete Pell Reconciliation with the Business Office
• Counsel students and parents by phone and in person about financial aid and bills
• Attend conferences, presentations and seminars for professional development and stay current with new rules and regulations
• Other duties as assigned

Marginal Functions

• Opening the mail
• Filing
• Assisting with mailings
• Helping other staff when needed
• As part of Outrageous service initiatives, staff will create communication flow with families and respond to all emails and phone calls within 24 hours.

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience
• Three to five years of experience in higher education setting preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written skills
• Working knowledge of Banner tools desired
• Basic mathematical skills and ability to perform mathematical computations accurately.
• Maintain confidentiality
• Effective oral and written communications to maintain cooperative working relationships with persons contacted in the course of performing assigned duties
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Demonstrate ability to follow through with projects and meet given deadlines
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with prospective students and families, current student body and parents, faculty and staff
• Ability to manage multiple projects with time sensitive deadlines while maintaining excellent, personalized financial aid service to parents, students, faculty and staff
• Ability to diffuse difficult or emotional situations with students and/or parents

Presbyterian College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to creating and sustaining an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.