Financial Aid Administrator

JOB TITLE: Financial Aid Administrator                                                                                    DIVISION: Enrollment Management

SUPERVISOR’S TITLE: Director of Financial Aid & Scholarship                               DEPARTMENT: Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships, the Financial Aid Administrator is responsible for a variety of activities which include performing Federal Verification, managing and administering Federal Grant and Federal Direct Loan Programs, and assisting with Title IV refund calculations. This position requires extensive knowledge of federal, state, and institutional policies; fiscal integrity and stewardship.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITY

• Assist in the administration, awarding and coordination of financial aid programs while adhering to federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures.
• Counsel students concerning financial aid issues
• Reviews documentation on files selected for the Verification process and resolves discrepancies Interpret and implement federal, state and institutional regulations as they relate to packaging, budgets and disbursements of funds.
• Assists with document data entry into the PowerFAIDS System
• Administer and supervise the implementation of all the institution’s financial aid policies, office procedures and funding programs
• Ensure financial aid compliance with internal and external guidelines.
• Perfo1m Title IV refund calculations for students who withdraw from their program of study and returns funds as necessary
• Troubleshoots and resolves all issues related to the technical application of processes
• Provide advising throughout the financial aid process to prospective, new and current students, their families and graduates. Must have a thorough knowledge of available types of financial aid, scholarships and general student eligibility criteria.
• In conjunction with the Director, confirm student eligibility for aid awards prior to disbursement and processes disbursement of all aid awards to the Student Accounts Office
• Assists with periodic audits of the PowerFAIDS system to identify and fix errors in order to maintain data standards
• Keep abreast of federal and state regulatory changes
• Interpret and implement federal, state and institutional regulations as they relate to packaging, budgets and disbursements of funds
• Works collaboratively with staff and other departments to resolve programmatic issues, implementation of PowerFAIDS & Jenzabar system enhancements, and establish training schedules
• Assists with the completion of annual reports and surveys when necessary.
• Ensure security, confidentiality, and safety of financial aid records, promissory notes, etc.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Understanding of federal, state, institutional and private sources of financial aid. Knowledge of federal regulations and Title IV programs
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, prospective students, Benedict faculty and staff, and local community members
• Must be able to obtain clearance for NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System), COD (Common Origination and Disbursement) and CPS (Central Processing System) access within 60 days of employment
• A demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team-based environment, manage conflicting priorities and work under deadlines.
• Comfortable applying judgment and working both independently and in a team. Writes quickly and clearly in language understood by students & parents

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• At least 2 years of professional experience in business, accounting, or related experience.
• Experience with and knowledge of automated student information systems; excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills