Financial Aid & Student Accounts Specialist

Position Purpose

The Financial Aid Officer serves as a primary point of contact for students throughout the financial services process in a higher education environment. This position guides and supports students with financial aid, funding requirements, tuition and fees, account balances, and payment arrangements.

The Student Finance Officer ensures financial requirements are completed accurately and on time while providing students with clear, responsive support and maintaining compliance with applicable federal, state, institutional, and funding source requirements.

Key Duties

• Guide students through the financial aid and funding process, clearly explaining requirements, available options, and individual responsibilities.
• Review and process financial aid documentation while ensuring student files are accurate, complete, and compliant with applicable requirements.
• Monitor student accounts to identify incomplete requirements, funding gaps, outstanding balances, and other issues requiring follow-up.
• Work directly with students to resolve financial concerns, establish appropriate payment arrangements, and help them meet their educational financial obligations.
• Provide a high level of student service while navigating sensitive financial conversations with professionalism and empathy.
• Partner with campus and Student Financial Services teams to resolve issues and support students throughout their enrollment.

Job Responsibilities

• Meet with incoming students to explain financial requirements, available funding options, student responsibilities, and required documentation.
• Guide students through required financial aid applications, forms, and documentation necessary to determine eligibility and secure educational funding.
• Process and maintain documentation for applicable funding sources, including Title IV federal student aid, VA Education Benefits, Military Tuition Assistance (TA), scholarships, cash payment plans, and alternative funding sources.
• Monitor FAFSA submissions and receipt of Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs), resolving verification requirements, conflicting information, C-Codes, and other outstanding items.
• Monitor completion of required student and parent documentation, including Master Promissory Notes (MPNs), as applicable.
• Conduct required entrance and exit loan counseling individually or in group settings.
• Regularly review student financial aid and account information to identify incomplete requirements, funding gaps, outstanding balances, or other issues requiring action.
• Work with students to address outstanding financial requirements and develop appropriate solutions for meeting their financial obligations.
• Clearly explain tuition, fees, account balances, payment expectations, and available payment options.
• Establish payment arrangements in accordance with institutional policies and monitor student accounts for timely payment.
• Conduct timely outreach and follow-up regarding outstanding balances, missed payments, incomplete financial requirements, and other account-related matters.
• Maintain accurate and complete student financial records and ensure required information is updated in applicable systems.
• Prepare weekly deposits and month-end deposits and submit required documentation to Corporate Accounting.
• Maintain current knowledge of financial aid, student account, VA, Military Tuition Assistance, and institutional requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Serve as a trained VA School Certifying Official, as assigned.
• Attend required campus meetings, Home Office training, professional development activities, conferences, and seminars.
• Participate in the formal and informal mentoring of new employees to support onboarding, training, and a positive work environment.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent on-the-job experience.
• Must not be in default on Federal Student Loans.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to review financial information, identify discrepancies, and resolve account-related issues.
• Strong understanding of financial aid and student account processes, with the ability to learn, interpret, and apply applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, compliance-focused environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain financial information, requirements, and options clearly.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to build rapport with students and professionally navigate sensitive or difficult financial conversations.
• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, integrity, discretion, and accountability when handling confidential student and financial information.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Student Financial Services, campus teams, and other departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Ability and willingness to work outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, as business or student needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in student financial services, financial aid, student accounts/bursar operations, or a related financial services role.
• Experience within a proprietary or career education environment.
• Experience with Anthology or another student information system.

What We Offer

• 401(k) and Matching: Secure your future with our competitive retirement savings plan.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Enjoy Health, Dental, and Vision insurance to support you and your family.
• Life Insurance: Peace of mind with life insurance options.
• Parental Leave: Support for new parents during important life transitions.
• Paid Time Off: Recharge with paid time off to promote work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources for personal and professional support.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Invest in your future with financial support for further education.

We are committed to providing a rewarding compensation package that supports both your professional growth and personal well-being.