Financial Aid Systems Analyst

College of Western Idaho; Nampa (ID); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

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. You will work closely with Financial Aid, Information Technology, and institutional stakeholders to ensure compliant, efficient, and student-centered systems.

The role emphasizes data accuracy, system improvements, and collaboration to enhance the student experience within a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required.
• Experience with technology systems and software supporting business operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary liaison between Financial Aid, IT, reporting teams, and technical support.
• Translate business needs into functional specifications and support system configuration updates.
• Develop and maintain testing plans, scripts, and documentation for system upgrades and enhancements.
• Query, analyze, and validate data across systems to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Support reporting requirements and assist in federal, state, and institutional reporting submissions.
• Promote data governance, security, and appropriate use of student information.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Technical documentation

Communication

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Get started on your future at CWI, and join us in empowering lives and our community.

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.

CWI offers one of the most affordable and comprehensive benefits packages in higher education, including:

11%+ employer retirement contributions

Generous personal leave

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

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.