Financial Aid Counselor, Financial Aid

Wake Forest University; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Forest University is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to counsel a dedicated caseload, perform need analysis, and package federal, state, and institutional aid per policy. The role involves explaining complex financial aid concepts, verifying data, and coordinating with campus partners to ensure timely awarding.

You will stay current with Title IV regulations, provide outreach events, and protect student data while supporting campus-wide recruitment and retention goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• 0-3 years' experience in higher education; financial aid experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and in a team-based environment under deadlines.
• Strong mathematical computation ability and basic accounting concepts.

Responsibilities

• Counsel a dedicated caseload of students and families with need analysis and packaging of aid.
• Explain FAFSA, CSS Profile, loans, cost of attendance, and repayment options clearly.
• Perform federal verification and adjust FAFSA records per DOE regulations.
• Maintain records, monitor compliance, and coordinate processes across campus partners.
• Provide outreach, workshops, and timely communication with students and families.

Skills

Counseling

Need analysis

Packaging

FAFSA knowledge

Policy interpretation

Data analysis

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor provides counseling, needs analysis, and packaging for a designated caseload of students. In addition to direct counseling responsibilities, the counselor assumes functional responsibility within the Office of Student Financial Aid for designated programmatic, operational, or reporting areas. The role requires sound judgment in the interpretation and application of federal and institutional policies and active collaboration across campus partners to support student success. The Financial Aid Counselor will also stay up to date with evolving Title IV federal and state regulations through active participation in professional development networks (e.g., NASFAA, SASFAA).

Job Description

Essential Functions

• Counsel a dedicated caseload of students and families, performing need analysis, verification, and packaging of federal, state, and institutional aid in accordance with applicable regulations and university policy.
• Explains complex financial aid concepts, including FAFSA, CSS Profile, federal student loans, cost of attendance, and repayment options, clearly and empathetically to all students, parents and guardians of applicants.
• Perform federal verification, resolving conflicting data points, analyzing tax transcripts, and adjusting FAFSA records in compliance with Department of Education regulations.
• Reviews and resolves complex student files involving unusual circumstances, conflicting information, or regulatory interpretation, determining appropriate next steps consistent with policy.
• Assumes functional responsibility within the Office of Student Financial Aid for designated programmatic, operational, or reporting areas, including monitoring compliance and coordinating related processes across campus partners.
• Provide crisis-management and conflict resolutions for students and families experiencing unexpected financial hardships
• Reconcile financial aid accounts and run regular quality assurance reports to identify and correct discrepancies before funds are disbursed. Analyzes system-generated reports and data to support timely awarding, disbursement, reconciliation, and adherence to federal and institutional requirements.
• Provide outreach and programming support with presentations and workshops (such as FAFSA completion nights) on and off campus to prospective students, parents, and community partners.
• Protect PII and CUI in all instances.
• Share front desk coverage to assist students who visit the financial aid office.
• Understand services and resources available for students across campus.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Admissions Office, Registrar's Office, Student Financial Services, Academic Advising, and Dean's Office to meet students' needs and support campus-wide recruitment and retention goals.
• Maintain student records documenting contacts and communications.
• Attend seminars, conferences, and department training to remain current with federal regulations, university policy, and FAFSA updates.
• Assist with loan default prevention efforts, when necessary.
• Make recommendations and referrals to other institutional personnel to support the student experience.
• Support financial aid staff with time-sensitive and complex projects as assigned.
• Perform related duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Degrees in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Education, or a related field preferred.
• 0-3 years' experience in higher education; financial aid experience in federal and institutional methodology preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team-based environment, manage conflicting priorities and work under deadlines.
• Strong mathematical computation ability.
• Knowledge of basic accounting concepts and competence in Excel.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite of software applications.
• Detail-oriented with good organizational s