Financial Aid & Student Success Advisor

Montana State University Billings; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University Billings seeks a dedicated Financial Aid Representative to serve as the primary contact at the university and City College campus. You will review eligibility, deliver funding information, and ensure accurate award processing while maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations.

Ideal candidates bring strong customer service, written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure, coordinating with admissions, advising, and campus

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to student success with excellent customer service and active listening skills.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies, regulations, and packaging principles.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data within Banner and related university systems.
• Excellent written, verbal, and group presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing within a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• To serve as the primary financial aid representative at the University campus or City College campus and provide outstanding customer service.
• Review and evaluate financial aid eligibility; deliver accurate information, services and funding to students.
• Post awards, track for accuracy, and correct over-award status when needed.
• Notify students of academic progress issues and impact on eligibility.
• Assist in data entry within Banner and prepare required reports.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/finance

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Banner system

Job description

• To serve as the primary financial aid representative at the University campus or at the City College campus. This position requires exemplary customer service skills, a willingness to listen carefully, above average written and verbal communication skills, the ability to understand complex institutional processes (financial aid, admissions and advising), and be able to work well under pressure.
• To support prospective and continuing students by reviewing and evaluating financial aid eligibility; providing efficient and timely delivery of accurate information, services and funding to all students; and ensuring the quality control, application tracking and verification of student files.
• To serve as the liaison for the financial aid office and other campus partners, which requires the individual to maintain working relationship with students, staff and faculty. Additionally, this role may provide financial literacy services aimed at educating students and the campus community about healthy financial practices, student loan debt management, repayment options and cohort default rates.Customer Service:
• Assists with the administration of assigned financial aid programs and processes.
• May post awards to student accounts, track those awards for accuracy and correct over-award status when needed.
• Assists with the review of documentation for accuracy and contacts students, if necessary, to obtain corrections or additional documentation.
• Maintains a good understanding of program regulations and the overall operation of the Financial Aid Office in order to ensure internal compliance with federal and state rules and regulations.
• May assist in notifying students of their failure to meet academic progress and the impact to eligibility for financial aid programs.
• Analyze client requests to determine the appropriate form, application, or documentation to be provided based on customers’ request and circumstances involved.
• Assists the supervisor in gathering data for the completion of reports as required.
• Performs other site and position specific responsibilities as assigned.
• Available for University campus and City College events such as orientation, new student registration and occasionally for evening hours.Document Processing and Communication:
• Review all applications, forms, and documents received for accuracy, completion, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines and refers specialized questions/concerns to appropriate office/staff member in Financial Aid or at City College.
• Track student, staff or faculty requests and prepare written correspondence including preparing packets of material based on those requests.
• Generate emails, paper letters, or ROAMESG notifications to students regarding missing information, awards, revisions, SAP, etc.
• Provide financial aid and literacy counseling in person, by phone, and email for students, parents, and departments on campus.
• Data-entry within Banner system
• Work closely with other Financial Aid staff, Enrollment Management teams and faculty.Required Qualifications:QUALITIES:
• Strong commitment to student success with excellent customer service and active listening skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal, written, and group presentation skills.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies, regulations, and packaging principles.
• Thorough understanding of financial aid eligibility, verification requirements, and FERPA regulations.
• Ability to accurately analyze and interpret data within Banner and related university systems.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, calculations, and document review.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, internet resources, and other technology tools.
• Knowledge of personal finance topics, including budgeting, borrowing, debt management, and repayment.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Familiarity with university programs, services, and community resources, with the ability to make appropriate referrals.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse populations.Education Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or related discipline or any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.Preferred Qualifications:Education Preferred:
• Master’s degree in Business, finance, economics, or related fieldExperience Preferred:
• one to three years of financial aid office experience