Specialist, Student Financial Assistance

Northern Kentucky University; United States; On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Kentucky University is seeking a Processing Specialist in the Office of Student Financial Assistance to support student-facing services. The role involves processing transactions, maintaining records, and collaborating with campus partners to ensure accurate, timely service.

The position emphasizes data integrity, confidentiality under FERPA, and opportunities to contribute to process improvements while supporting a seamless student experience. Posted Salary: $16.74 per hour.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 1–2 years of college coursework preferred.
• 1–2 years of administrative, customer service, or data-processing experience.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage high-volume transactions accurately.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Discretion and professionalism; ability to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide front-line or tiered support to students and families via in-person, phone, and electronic channels.
• Collaborate with One Stop, Registrar, Student Account Services, and Admissions to ensure accurate service delivery.
• Process student-related transactions and records in line with policies and regulations (financial aid, billing, registration).
• Review documentation for completeness and accuracy; resolve discrepancies with students or partners.
• Maintain data integrity by entering, updating, and auditing information across systems.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records in FERPA compliance; support process improvements.

Skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

1–2 years college coursework

Tools

Data entry

Job description

Position Title: Specialist, Student Financial Assistance

Position Type: Regular

About the Role

Northern Kentucky University invites applications for a Processing Specialist within the Office of Student Financial Assistance. This position serves as a key operational role supporting student-facing services by processing a variety of transactions and maintaining accurate student records across multiple functional areas, including student accounts, and registration-related services.

The Processing Specialist works collaboratively with campus partners to ensure efficient, accurate, and timely processing while supporting a seamless student experience.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide front-line or tiered support to students and families by responding to inquiries via in-person, phone, and electronic communication channels
• Collaborate with functional areas (One Stop, Registrar, Student Account Services, Admissions) to ensure consistent and accurate service delivery
• Process student-related transactions and records in accordance with university policies and federal/state regulations (e.g., financial aid, billing, registration support, and general student services)
• Review documentation for completeness and accuracy; resolve discrepancies and follow up with students or campus partners as needed
• Maintain data integrity across university systems by entering, updating, and auditing information
• Maintain confidentiality of student records in compliance with FERPA and university policies
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying process inefficiencies and recommending enhancements

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; post-secondary education (1–2 years of college or equivalent coursework) preferred
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in an administrative, customer service, or data-processing environment
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage high-volume transactional work accurately
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities
• High level of accuracy, discretion, and professionalism
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Why Join NKU

Northern Kentucky University is a student-ready, regionally focused institution committed to delivering high-quality, student-centered services. The Office of Student Financial Assistance plays a critical role in simplifying processes and improving the student experience.

Posted Salary: $16.74 per hour

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Why Work at Northern Kentucky University At NKU, our work revolves around three things: opening doors, helping people finish what they start, and connecting learning to real life. Those pillars-Access, Completion, and Career & Community Engagement-aren't just strategic-plan wallpaper. They shape how we hire, how we serve students, and how we show up for the region. If you want your work to matter-NKU is a place where you can see your impact every day. Introduce yourself and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match.

About NKU

Northern Kentucky University is a public, student-centered institution located just minutes from downtown Cincinnati. Our vision is clear: to be nationally recognized as a student-ready, regionally-engaged university that empowers diverse learners for economic and social mobility. We focus on opening doors, supporting students through graduation, and connecting learning to real opportunity in our region. NKU offers the reach of a comprehensive university with the feel of a close, collaborative campus.