Financial Aid Systems and Compliance Specialist

Search Number: S22-005
Rank: Administrator IV
Job Posted: October 20, 2022

Position Summary

This position serves as the internal auditor, provides system and process compliance oversight, and oversees technical support and resolutions for the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Collaboratively works with office staff to maintain system integrity in the use of software and hardware used in processing financial aid. Assists the Director with all matters related to compliance monitoring, responses and implementation of process adjustments.  

Position Responsibilities

Serves as the Financial Aid systems functional lead for the Financial Aid office by setting up and monitoring the systems for accuracy and timeliness, determining and implementing methods to gain efficiencies with the software by working collaboratively with office staff; Enrollment Management directors and ERP Specialist; Student Accounts; other campus units and external financial aid professionals. Serves as the Financial Aid auditor.  Responsible for reviewing sample files and processes to make sure the financial aid staff are meeting federal and state guidelines.  Serve as the liaison for the federal, state, and system auditors.
Maintains in-depth knowledge and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and requirements. Requires working with various student services areas, academic and IT departments, other institutions and the CSCU System’s office for all technical and process implementations affecting or affected by financial aid data and/or processes.  

Provide oversight of electronic file submissions to and from the Department of Education, National Student Loan Data Systems and private student loan entities, providing resolution of programmatic issues, and researching database information to assist with report creation.  Represents the office in the absence of the Director for regulatory and systems issues and other issues as needed. 

Supervises, trains, hires and evaluates staff, and leads the Financial Aid electronic staff in the implementation of processes to enhance service delivery and improve customer satisfaction.  

Oversee/Administer SAIG mailbox including daily ISIR imports/exports, exception reports, Duplicate aid reports, Pell LEU reports, and General ED notifications. 

Analyzes the need for various system-generated reports, create, schedule and run cyclical and ad-hoc reports as requested by University leadership, as necessary.  

Oversees the maintenance and update of electronic consumer information, including the financial aid web site, e-mail, or other electronic contact protocol. Monitor office direct e-mail and phone workload to periodically assess response times and prioritize work in collaboration with the Director.

Performs other duties and responsibilities related to those enumerated above which do not alter the basic level of responsibility of the position.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and four years’ financial aid or related experience required. Broad knowledge of federal financial aid programs and federal and state regulatory agencies. General knowledge of accounting practices, data processing and business operations. Able to work independently to meet deadlines. Expert knowledge of ERP and Financial Aid Systems (particularly Ellucian’s Banner), ELM, NSLDS, all EDE programs and processes. Strong interpersonal writing, oral, and presentation skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, vendors and the public are required.

Preferred Qualifications:
SQL query design and development experience and a working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite particularly Excel and Access.  Working knowledge of relational database reporting tools.   Experience developing test plans. Demonstrable project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, communicate project status and provide leadership and direction to others. Proficient understanding of entire development and implementation process, including specification, documentation, and quality assurance. Strong problem solving skills.

These qualifications may be waived for individuals with appropriate alternate experience.

Application

For full consideration, please submit a letter of application, resume, and 3 professional references with contact information to [email protected]  by Friday, November 11, 2022. Review of applications will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled.

Southern Connecticut State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University seeks to enhance the diversity of its faculty and staff. People of color, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.