Financial Aid Manager (HEA) - Financial Aid (Tuition Assistance Program)

City University of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 114,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

City University of New York seeks a Financial Aid Manager to certify TAP awards, ensure compliance with HESC rules, and support timely state aid disbursement. The role requires monitoring academic progress, program pursuit, and enrollment data within CUNYfirst/PeopleSoft.

The ideal candidate will manage TAP adjustments, generate reports, and respond to student inquiries while collaborating with Registrar, Bursar, and academic departments. Evening/weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least six years of related experience.
• Experience with TAP regulations, HESC systems, and academic progress standards.
• Strong knowledge of New York TAP regulations and reporting tools.
• Experience with CUNYfirst (PeopleSoft) and student information systems.

Responsibilities

• Review and certify TAP eligibility per HESC guidelines and CUNY policies.
• Perform TAP award adjustments, decertification, and recalculations.
• Validate CUNYfirst data before EFAN transfer.
• Run CUNYfirst queries to identify eligibility issues.
• Develop reports using Tableau and other tools to track TAP trends.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical and problem-solving

Written and verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

CUNYfirst (PeopleSoft)

Job description

Financial Aid Manager (HEA) - Financial Aid (Tuition Assistance Program)

POSITION DETAILS

Reporting directly to the Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Manager will serve as the TAP Certifying Officer. The successful candidate will be responsible for the accurate review, certification, and maintenance of New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards in compliance with Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) regulations and institutional policies. The successful candidate will also ensure that students met all eligibility criteria, including academic progress and program pursuit standards, and supports timely disbursement of State financial aid.

Along with the CUNY title overview, the Financial Aid Manager tasks includes:

• Review and certify student eligibility for TAP awards in accordance with HESC guidelines and CUNY policies.

• Evaluate student records for compliance with TAP Academic Pursuit requirements, including: academic progress standards; program pursuit requirements; and cumulative credit and GPA thresholds by payment points.

• Perform TAP award adjustments, decertification, and recalculations based on enrollment changes, academic updates, or eligibility determinations.
• Validate that the information on CUNYfirst Certification System is accurate and has been updated before the information is transferred to HESC via the Electronic Financial Aid Network (EFAN) Agreement.
• Run and analyze CUNYfirst queries to identify students with eligibility issues, missing requirements, or certification discrepancies.
• Develop and maintain reports using the Tableau and other reporting tools to track TAP trends, certification activity, student eligibility and enrollment metrics.
• Use the ServiceNow Ticket system to manage FACTS operational requests and issues with students’ records on FACTS.
• Collaborate with the Registrar, Bursar, and Academic Departments to verify enrollment, coursework applicability, and degree requirements.
• Assist in preparing reports and data analysis related to TAP processing, compliance, and reconciliation.
• Stay current with HESC updates, regulatory changes, and CUNY policies impacting TAP administration and all other State Aid.
• Respond to student inquiries regarding TAP eligibility, award status, and required actions in a clear and student-friendly manner.
• Respond to Faculty, Academic Advisors and Staff via the FACTS email or College email.
• Create literature and present/offer Power Point Presentations to students and staff when needed.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree and six years’ related experience required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree.
• Minimum 6 years of financial aid experience, preferably within CUNY or a similar higher education setting.
• Strong knowledge of New York State TAP regulations, HESC systems, and academic progress standards.
• Experience with CUNYfirst (PeopleSoft) and student information systems.
• Attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage high-volume operations with accuracy and accountability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with TAP certification, roster reconciliation, and, HESC reporting tools.
• Familiarity with federal financial aid regulations (SAP, Title IV) as they intersect with TAP eligibility.
• Strong Excel/data tracking skills for reconciliation and reporting.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Plans, develops and implements financial aid policies and processes in accordance with Federal, State and University standards.

• Manages financial aid activities and represents the office at on-campus and off-campus meetings and forums
• Manages day-to day administrative and systems operations for optimal efficiency and customer service; manages special processes such as Return of Title IV Aid
• Provides comprehensive financial counseling to parents and students
• Implements all necessary processes to support financial aid application, awarding and delivery cycles
• Oversees the coordination of financial aid activities with those of other College and University offices
• Implements and maintains web based services
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: Financial Aid Manager

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Associate

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary Range: $113,745 - $122,202. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

CLOSING DATE

November 21, 2026

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID: 32779

Location: City College of New York

Job Type: Full-Time