What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Financial Services Advisor position at Kentucky State University?
TITLE: Student Financial Services Advisor
DEPARTMENT: Financial Aid
REPORTS TO: Director of Financial Aid
CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months
EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week
LOCATION: On-Site Main Campus
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
JOB SUMMARY:
The Student Financial Services Advisor serves as the liaison between the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of the Bursar to support the coordinated and accurate delivery of student financial services. This position advises students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, billing, payment options, refunds, and account reconciliation while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations. The Advisor works collaboratively with Financial Aid, the Bursar, Enrollment Management, and other University offices to resolve account discrepancies, process student financial transactions, and provide accurate financial information and guidance.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Serve as the primary liaison between the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of the Bursar to coordinate financial aid disbursement, billing, and student account reconciliation.
- Advise students and families regarding financial aid programs, student billing, payment options, refunds, account balances, and institutional financial policies.
- Assist students with completing financial aid documentation and understanding eligibility requirements, award processes, and responsibilities related to federal financial aid programs.
- Review and ensure the accurate posting and application of financial aid awards to student accounts.
- Process student refunds, including Title IV credit balance refunds, in accordance with applicable federal regulations and institutional procedures.
- Monitor and reconcile discrepancies between financial aid awards, tuition and fee charges, and student account activity.
- Research and resolve account shortages, overpayments, outstanding balances, and other payment discrepancies.
- Support student account operations by processing payments, maintaining financial documentation, preparing reports, and assisting with collections activities as assigned.
- Prepare and review reports related to student accounts, financial aid disbursements, reconciliations, and collections activities.
- Maintain accurate and confidential student records in Banner and other University financial systems.
- Assist with compliance monitoring related to federal Title IV regulations, state requirements, institutional policies, and audit activities.
- Provide presentations and informational sessions regarding financial aid processes, billing procedures, payment options, and financial literacy.
- Collaborate with Accounting, Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, and other University departments to promote efficient and accurate student financial services.
- Provide professional customer service while communicating financial information clearly, accurately, and respectfully.
- Maintain confidentiality of student educational and financial records in accordance with FERPA and applicable laws and regulations.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid regulations and student financial services operations.
- Knowledge of student account management, billing, refund, and reconciliation procedures.
- Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and institutional financial policies and regulations.
- Ability to analyze financial data and reconcile complex student accounts.
- Knowledge of cash management principles and collections practices.
- Proficiency with Banner or comparable student information systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to explain financial policies and procedures clearly to students, families, faculty, and staff.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across multiple University departments.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive information appropriately.
- Ability to organize multiple priorities while meeting established deadlines.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- This position does not have supervisory responsibility.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental and University operations.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Higher Education Administration, or a related field is required.
- One (1) to three (3) years of professional experience in financial aid, student financial services, enrollment management, bursar operations, accounting, or a related field is required.
- Experience interpreting and applying federal Title IV financial aid regulations is preferred.
- Experience using Banner or comparable student information systems is preferred.
- An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.
Licensing and Certifications: NA
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is normally performed in a typical interior office environment.
No or very limited physical effort is required.
No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.