Financial Aid Compliance Specialist

Description

The Financial Aid Compliance Specialist provides financial aid advising, program administration, and regulatory compliance support to promote student access and success. The position collaborates with students, staff, and external partners to administer aid programs, provide outreach and training, and support institutional compliance initiatives.

Description of Essential Functions (critical tasks)

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of Federal and State student aid programs, including eligibility requirements, processes, rules, and regulations.
• Provide guidance and support to students, parents, and staff on all aspects of student financial aid, including application procedures, special circumstances, alternative funding options, eligibility requirements, financial literacy, and budgeting.
• Gather and analyze complex data while handling highly confidential records and sensitive situations. Apply detailed regulatory guidance when determining financial aid awards and processes, summarize findings in relevant reports, and provide precise and accurate responses in communications.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of financial aid policies and procedures.
• Conduct financial aid outreach to high schools and the community, presenting information and providing counsel to students and parents at local Financial Aid events
• Collaborate with financial aid staff to provide student financial aid advising, delivering accurate and timely guidance through walk-in appointments, phone inquiries, and email communications to support student understanding and access to financial aid.
• Provide training and support to students and staff in navigating online financial aid systems, applications, and resources to promote self-sufficiency and accuracy.
• Engage in training and professional development to stay up-to-date with federal, state, and institutional regulations and processes.
• Collaborate with the Financial Aid Accountant to monitor and resolve outstanding financial aid transactions, including uncashed checks, and support the administration and reconciliation of state financial aid programs in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Coordinate the oversight of cross-functional regulations, including, but not limited to Consumer Information, Gainful Employment, and Workforce PELL.
• Assess academic programs, both proposing and existing, for compliance with federal student aid regulations amidst evolving standards to ensure alignment of program structure and workforce readiness. Serve on Curriculum Committee and manage E-application updates.
• Maintain relationships with other college offices to coordinate technical activities, software enhancements, program eligibility, registration and billing processes.
• Serve as a backup School Certifying Official for Veterans Affairs education benefits, ensuring timely and accurate certification of student enrollment, maintenance of compliance with VA regulations, and appropriate communication with students and the VA as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Services.

Specific Functional Job Requirements

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required. Master's Degree in Student Personnel preferred.

• Related experience in a college setting preferred; community college experience preferred;

• Knowledge of community college environment, including financial aid regulations and guidelines and the utilization of technology.

• Excellent customer service and organizational skills; Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; ability to work critically; detail-oriented; ability to comprehend and communicate Federal/State regulations and guidelines regarding financial aid; ability to work with numerous interruptions;

• Cultural consciousness and support for all students; Ability to work effectively with administration, faculty and staff of the college, high school principals and guidance counselors, students and parents; ability to work efficiently with extreme attention to detail; ability to work independently and as a team member.