Financial Aid Systems Analyst

College of Western Idaho; Nampa (ID); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium healthcare plans

11%+ employer retirement contributions

Tuition discounts

Generous personal leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

College of Western Idaho is seeking a Financial Aid Systems Analyst to provide systems expertise, data reporting, and technical leadership for the technology tools that support Financial Aid operations. The role partners with Financial Aid, IT, and institutional stakeholders to ensure compliant, efficient, and student-centered systems.

The position emphasizes data integrity, reporting, and process improvements, with opportunities to lead system enhancements, testing, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and/or three years of experience in a college/university Financial Aid office.
• Experience with technology systems and software applications supporting business operations.
• Experience implementing, configuring, troubleshooting, or supporting enterprise systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate complex business requirements into functional and technical specifications.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual configuration and setup of financial aid systems and modules for each academic year.
• Research, evaluate, test, and implement enhancements and system functionality that support Financial Aid operations and regulatory compliance.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues and coordinate resolution efforts with IT, software vendors, and external partners.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, system enhancements, and best practices related to financial aid administration.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Financial Aid staff and IT, report-writing teams, and technical support personnel.
• Develop and maintain user acceptance testing plans, scripts, and documentation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Technical systems knowledge

Enterprise systems experience

NASFAA credentials

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Support Financial Aid Technology and Data Excellence as a Financial Aid Systems Analyst at CWI!

Are you passionate about technology, data, and improving the student experience? The College of Western Idaho (CWI) is seeking a Financial Aid Systems Analyst to provide systems expertise, reporting support, and technical leadership for the technology tools that support Financial Aid operations.

In this role, you'll serve as a key partner between Financial Aid, Information Technology, and institutional stakeholders to ensure systems are configured, maintained, and optimized to support compliance, operational efficiency, and student success.

Why Join CWI?

At CWI, Financial Aid plays a critical role in helping students access educational opportunities. As a Financial Aid Systems Analyst, you'll help ensure the systems that support financial aid administration are accurate, reliable, and responsive to changing regulations and student needs. This position offers an opportunity to blend technical expertise, data analysis, problem-solving, and collaboration in a mission-driven environment.

Benefits

• Premium healthcare plans
• 11%+ employer retirement contributions
• Tuition discounts
• Generous personal leave
• Professional development opportunities

Financial Aid Systems Administration & Support

• Lead the annual configuration and setup of financial aid systems and modules for each academic year
• Research, evaluate, test, and implement enhancements and system functionality that support Financial Aid operations and regulatory compliance
• Troubleshoot complex system issues and coordinate resolution efforts with Information Technology, software vendors, and external partners
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, system enhancements, and best practices related to financial aid administration

Systems Analysis & Technical Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between Financial Aid staff and IT, report-writing teams, and technical support personnel
• Translate business needs and operational requirements into detailed functional specifications
• Support system modifications, configuration updates, and process improvements
• Develop and maintain user acceptance testing plans, scripts, and documentation
• Coordinate testing and validation of software upgrades, patches, releases, and system enhancements

Data Management, Reporting & Compliance

• Query, analyze, and validate data across internal and external systems to ensure data integrity and accuracy
• Support reporting requirements and assist in the preparation of required federal, state, and institutional reports
• Partner with Financial Aid leadership to prepare annual reporting submissions to the U.S. Department of Education
• Coordinate reconciliation reporting, research, and issue resolution related to federal financial aid funds
• Ensure accurate reporting and compliance with applicable regulations and reporting standards

Student Information Systems & Data Stewardship

• Serve as a data steward for student and institutional records related to Financial Aid
• Audit and monitor security roles and system access to ensure compliance with Title IV, state, and institutional requirements
• Support the integrity, confidentiality, and appropriate use of student information
• Promote best practices for data governance, security, and system utilization

User Experience & Continuous Improvement

• Apply user experience and usability principles when evaluating and implementing system functionality
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and enhance the student experience
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders to streamline processes and improve service delivery
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that support institutional effectiveness
• Perform other duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and/or three (3) years of experience in a college or university Financial Aid office, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience working with technology systems and software applications supporting business operations
• Demonstrated experience implementing, configuring, troubleshooting, or supporting enterprise systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to translate complex business requirements into functional and technical specifications
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and represent the college professionally
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and compliance
• NASFAA Credentials preferred

Additional Instructions for Applicants

Most positions at CWI are in-person and based on campus. While some roles may allow up to two remote workdays per week, eligibility for remote work is determined on a case‑by‑case basis at the hiring manager's discretion. All candidates must reside within, or be willing to relocate to, a reasonable commuting distance from CWI. Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other applicable legally protected status.