Lead Financial Aid Advisor, Client Services

University of Georgia

Kentucky

On-site

USD 131,000 - 160,000

Full time

4 days ago

Be an early applicant

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a Lead Financial Aid Advisor, Client Services to provide leadership for the Office of Student Financial Aid and guide staff in delivering accurate aid processing. You will advise students and families on federal, state and institutional aid and ensure timely awards and compliance with regulations.

Responsibilities include supervising advisors, reviewing eligibility, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of aid policies.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience.

Responsibilities

Advise students and families on federal, state and institutional financial aid.
Assist with completing financial aid application processes.
Maintain knowledge of financial aid processing systems.
Maintain privacy and security of student records.
Ensure awards are calculated and revised per policy and procedures.
Lead reporting on eligibility and award changes.
Mentor and train staff on eligibility and award processes.

Skills

Excellent oral and written comms

Customer service

Public speaking

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Mentoring staff

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 5 years experience

Job description

Lead Financial Aid Advisor, Client Services

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15702P

Working Title: Lead Financial Aid Advisor, Client Services

Department: VPI-Student Financial Aid

About the University of Georgia. Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) manages and executes the financial aid operations, programs, and processes for the campus. OSFA oversees the administration of federal, state, and institutional aid provided to the UGA student body. With approximately 42 employees OSFA has responsibility for all financial aid received by the UGA student body in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work programs. OSFA annually administers in excess of $500 million in student financial aid for UGA students.

College/Unit/Department website: https://osfa.uga.edu/

Posting Type

External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm. Some evening or weekend hours may be needed. Some travel needed.

Advertised Salary

Up To $57,145

Posting Date

09/02/2026

Open until filled

Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date 10/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Position Information Classification

Title: Financial Aid Advisor III

FLSA Exempt

FTE: 1.0

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience working in Student Financial Aid.

Position Summary

Provides leadership to and routinely assists Financial Aid Advisors and support staff in accomplishing their daily responsibilities. Serves as authority for satisfactory academic progress appeals and manages reports on potential changes in student eligibility. Advises students and parents regarding federal, state and institutional aid in an accurate and efficient manner, and assists with related financial aid application processes. Awards, cancels and revises financial aid awards based on office policies and procedures, and in compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Remains current on federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Strong customer service and public speaking skills

Work effectively under pressure of deadlines and complex regulatory environment.

Acute attention to details and deadlines.

Multi-task with high levels of accuracy.

Mentor and train new or entry-level employees.

Physical Demands

Climb stairs.

Lift up to 30 pounds or more

Sitting for extended periods of time doing computer work.

Some evening and weekend work

Position Requirements

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Percentage of time: 30

Advise accurately and efficiently students and parents who call, visit, or email the office regarding financial aid information and processes throughout lifecycle of financial aid application through receipt of aid funds and after.

Provide assistance to students, families, and colleagues in completing financial aid application processes.

Maintain a current working knowledge of relevant student information and financial aid processing systems.

Maintain privacy and confidentiality of student and family data and information.

Maintain security of student records and related information.

Percentage of time: 20

Accurately awards and revises student financial aid in accordance with federal, state and university policies and procedures.

Remains current regarding federal, state and university regulations, policies and procedures concerning financial aid related matters.

Monitors relevant systems (e.g., BANNER and the National Student Loan Data System ( NSLDS )) for changes to students’ federal aid eligibility and revise or cancel financial aid awards.

Reconciles award discrepancies with Student Accounts and works with UGA departments as needed to resolve financial aid related issues.

Adhere to all statutory, regulatory, and policy guidance, including office policies and procedures.

Percentage of time: 35

Provides professional leadership to the office by assigning and monitoring the completion of designated reports in accordance with regulations, policies, and procedures; ensures all report procedures are created and kept current.

Monitors and assists colleagues in analyzing reports that identify student records that may require award or eligibility adjustments (e.g., not enrolled, enrolled less than half-time, change in graduation date, etc.).

Assists new or entry-level staff in accurately interpreting the necessary action required to work the reports and that they are worked in a timely manner. Serves as a mentor in training new employees with respect to student and program eligibility, award revisions, reports, clear documentation and complex advising circumstances.

Serves as office lead for Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals.

Routinely conducts random checks of worked reports for accuracy.

Percentage of time: 5

Collaborates with other employees and serves on office committees regarding policy, procedures, and training opportunities.

Participates in approved training and professional development activities in coordination with supervisor.

Assists with presentations and financial aid outreach events, delivering information and responding to questions accurately, timely, and professionally.

Assists in training new employees (permanent and temporary, including interns and graduate assistants).

Percentage of time: 5

Provides clear and accurate documentation of transactions, conversations, interactions, and edits to records affecting student eligibility and/or compliance with applicable regulations, statutes, and/or policies.