Financial Aid Specialist

Community Care College; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Community HigherEd is seeking a detail-oriented Financial Aid Specialist to guide students through applications, review files for accuracy, determine eligibility, and ensure timely processing of aid. You will collaborate with Admissions, Student Records, and the Business Office while maintaining regulatory compliance and safeguarding confidential information.

The role emphasizes clear communication of aid options, meticulous record-keeping, and ongoing participation in training and audits to

Qualifications

• Experience in financial aid or related finance roles is a plus.
• Strong mathematical and data-accuracy skills are essential.
• Ability to explain complex financial aid concepts clearly to students.

Responsibilities

• Guide students through financial aid applications, required documentation, and loan processes.
• Review financial aid files for accuracy and completeness, following up on missing information.
• Determine eligibility and package financial aid per procedures and regulations.
• Explain programs, eligibility, awards, and responsibilities to students in clear terms.
• Monitor financial aid status and communicate changes affecting eligibility or awards.
• Maintain accurate records and protect confidential student information.

Skills

Accounting

Bookkeeping

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Associate’s degree or higher

Job description

Help students move confidently toward their future.

At Community HigherEd, supporting students means helping them understand the resources available to pursue their education. We’re seeking an organized, detail-oriented Financial Aid Specialist who combines financial accuracy with a commitment to student service.

In this role, you will guide prospective and current students through the financial aid process, review documentation, determine eligibility, and support the accurate and timely processing of student aid. You will work closely with students and departments across the institution to make detailed financial processes clear and manageable while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations and institutional procedures.

What You’ll Do

• Guide students through financial aid applications, required documentation, and loan processes.
• Review financial aid files for accuracy and completeness, following up on missing or additional information.
• Determine eligibility and package financial aid according to established procedures and applicable regulations.
• Explain financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, awards, and student responsibilities in clear, understandable terms.
• Monitor students’ financial aid status and communicate changes that may affect eligibility or awards.
• Maintain accurate records and protect confidential student information.
• Apply federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies and stay current on regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Student Records, the Business Office, and other departments to support timely processing.
• Assist with reports, reconciliations, audits, program reviews, and other compliance activities.
• Identify discrepancies or potential compliance concerns and elevate them to Financial Aid leadership.
• Participate in training, professional development, institutional meetings, and graduation ceremonies as required.
• Demonstrate our CARES values: Collaborative, Adaptable, Resilient, Empowered, and Student-Focused.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in accounting, bookkeeping, banking, financial services, or another finance-related occupation.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Confidence working with numbers, financial documentation, and detailed records.
• Strong communication and customer service skills, including the ability to explain complex processes clearly.
• Sound judgment when handling confidential information, researching discrepancies, and seeking guidance.
• The ability to learn and apply financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.
• A collaborative approach to working with students, faculty, staff, and other departments.
• Proficiency with computers and the ability to learn financial aid and student information systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher.
• Previous financial aid and/or Title IV experience. This experience is preferred but not required.
• Bring your financial experience to a student-focused mission.