Financial Aid Specialist

Community HigherEd; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Community HigherEd is seeking a Financial Aid Specialist to manage packaging and disbursement of funds for students at the Tulsa campus. You will ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while maintaining accurate aid records and preparing required reports.

You will collaborate with Admissions and Student Records, advise students on aid options, and contribute to process improvements. A strong emphasis on accuracy, customer service, and timely communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or higher preferred; finance experience required.
• Financial aid and/or Title IV experience is a plus.
• Organized, detail-oriented, able to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Above-average computer skills required.

Responsibilities

• Package Financial Aid for prospective students and deliver funds.
• Assist with accounting operations, budget prep, and regulatory reports.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Advise students regarding financial aid options and eligibility.
• Prepare Financial Aid program-related reports and correspondence.
• Interact with prospective students, staff, and faculty professionally.
• Participate in college committees and staff development.

Skills

Accounting basics

Customer service

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

Problem solving

Education

Associates degree or higher preferred

Tools

Data systems

Job description

Main ResponsibilitiesDirects and coordinates the delivery of student financial aid and the maintenance of student financial aid records.Recommends, interprets, and updates financial aid policies, ensuring compliance with pertinent federal, state, and local laws and contractual regulations.Prepares applications and/or proposals for federal, state, and local funds; develops, directs, and implements budgetary controls for funds; and prepares department budget proposals.Coordinates financial aid operations with other appropriate departments, including Admissions and student records.Researches, analyzes, develops, and recommends departmental processes and procedures to increase and improve operational efficiency and to ensure proper controls and regulatory compliance.Assists with the Financial Aid office response to program reviews and audits.Conducts need analysis and determines individual student eligibility for various aid programs.Verifies documents and maintains student-generated information used to determine eligibility for financial aid awards.Maintains liaison with Federal, state, county, and other agencies to answer questions, resolve problems, provide data, and interpret and apply changes in rules and regulations concerning financial aid.Advises students regarding academic career objectives in relation to financial aid; reviews student's status to determine continuance or increase/decrease of aid.Develops updates and presents financial aid information as needed.Manages the student loan collection activities and, in collaboration with administration, develops and directs a loan default prevention program.Prepares a variety of Financial Aid program-related reports and correspondence as needed.Serves on college committees as required or assigned.Attends and participates in professional groups, seminars, and/or courses that provide Financial Aid staff development.Interact in a positive manner with prospectives, students, staff, and facultyModel the CARES philosophy (Collaboration, Adaptable, Resilient, Empowered, Student-focused)Attend graduation ceremoniesPerforms related duties as required or assigned.JOB DESCRIPTIONFinancial Aid SpecialistMinimum Requirements: Associates degree or higher preferred. Experience in accounting, bookkeeping, banking or other finance related occupations required. Financial Aid and or Title IV experience is a plus. Must be organized, numbers-oriented, able to meet deadlines, possess excellent communication skills, attention to detail, stellar customer service, and above-average computer skills.General Function: The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for packaging Financial Aid for prospective students and the delivery of funds and services to students, including assisting current and prospective students with their loan applications. Assist with accounting operations, budget preparation, preparation of federal, state and district reports, maintenance of federal fund budgetary controls and regulatory compliance. Learn state and federal regulations; maintain compliance with all federal, state and local regulations governing student aid programs.Knowledge and AbilitiesKnowledge of Federal, local, and state programs that provide financial assistance to students; the principles of individual appraisal, including interviewing and advisement techniques; pertinent laws, rules and regulations; systems control auditing processes; and working knowledge of data systems.