Senior Compliance Officer, Financial Aid

SUMMARY

In support of the university’s mission and objectives, the Senior Compliance Officer provides oversight on all federal, state, and institutional regulations and requirements, as well as the implementation of the highest level of customer service. This role has primary responsibility to ensure compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations for the University.

• Ensures compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations during the review of financial aid applications.
• Exercises judgment in interpreting federal and state regulations for specific student situations.
• Manages the Return to Title IV process to ensure adherence to federal guidelines.
• Provides direct oversight of the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Professional Judgment processes, including supervision and program management for accurate and timely processing of appeals.
• Compiles and coordinates data related to SAP, Professional Judgment, and other institutional appeals.
• Serves as the Financial Aid Compliance Liaison for Athletics/NCAA.
• Processes all state-required audits, reconciliations, and reports by semester and annually.
• Provides oversight of audits and establishes best practices for handling conflicting information.
• Participates in the development of institutional financial aid procedures to enhance efficiency and service quality.

Customer Service and Student Support

• Ensures high-level customer service performance by communicating and providing families with strategies for meeting college costs.
• Provides accurate and appropriate information to prospective and continuing students, as well as parents, regarding educational costs, financial aid resources, program eligibility, and the financial aid application process.
• Facilitates clear communication of financial aid decisions and appeal outcomes to students and families.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Compiles, manages, and analyzes data related to SAP, Professional Judgment, and institutional appeals.
• Processes and ensures the accuracy of state-required reports and reconciliations.
• Oversees the preparation and submission of audit reports to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Assists in preparing special projects and reports as requested by leadership.
• Establishes and revises business processes for efficient aid program management.

Professional Development and Operational Support

• Regularly reads professional publications, articles, and handbooks to support continuous improvement in staff and departmental processing of aid.
• Provides support to the Director by communicating progress toward defined goals and compliance standards as required by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Florida Department of Education (FLDOE).
• Manages purchase order (PO) transactions and departmental supply orders.
• Assists with the training and development of staff, sharing updated practices and knowledge to ensure operational effectiveness.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, mathematics education, or related field required; a minor in communications or education preferred. Professional NASFAA Credentials preferred, FAAC Designation preferred.

EXPERIENCE

1 years’ of progressive experience in financial aid administration. Mastery in financial aid procedures, regulations, and practices, required. Knowledge in PowerFaids and Jenzabar is preferred.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 

• Customer Service Orientation – Keeps internal and/or external key stakeholder(s), students, parents, faculty, staff and community partners in mind at all times. 
• Professionalism – Displays a high level of professionalism, e.g. timeliness, reliability, communication, and work ethic.
• Christ-first Faith – Provides spiritual support to community members, including students, on their Christian faith journey.
• Analytical Thinking & Decision Making – Identifies and understands trends and/or issues, connects data points through analysis and logical conclusions/actionable strategies.
• Attention to Detail – Ability to efficiently and accurately focus on a specific task or number of tasks. Reviews details with a critical eye.
• Confidentiality – Maintains the necessary confidentiality and discretion required for the position.
• Effective Communication – Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated messaging across a wide variety of audiences.
• Establishes Trust – Gains the confidence of others by actions and words that promote being honest, forthcoming, and vulnerable.
• Results Orientation & Accountability – Takes accountability and identifies, executes and drives actions to consistently achieve desired results.
• Technology – Strong aptitude to learn new technologies as department processes evolve.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work non-routine hours during certain times of the year.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to traverse campus and stairs.