Sr. Financial Aid Advisor (Higher Education)

The Senior Financial Aid Advisor works closely with students and their families, to ensure student is properly funded for their education. Advises student about the different types of funding methods available, and provides information regarding all the procedures and requirements of a financial aid program. Makes an accurate assessment of a student’s financial aid need, and presents a financial aid plan to meet those needs. Tracks and monitors all financial aid package activity through completion. Accurate records are maintained in a timely manner, in accordance with regulations, statutes, and company policies. Depending on campus operational structure, the Senior Financial Aid Advisor will serve as the primary point of contact for student tuition payment planning and related account inquires. Additionally, this role serves as a School Certifying Official (SCO) for Veterans Educational Benefits.

Senior Financial Aid Advisor Key Relationships:

• I. Campus Director and Financial Services - Group

• II. SAE Institute local and Group staff

• III. SAE Institute Students

Senior Financial Aid Advisor Duties and Accountabilities:

• Builds rapport and effectively communicates with enrolled and prospective students (and their families) about financial aid and other alternative methods of funding.

• Determines a student’s Title IV eligibility and awards federal, state, institutional, and private sources of financial aid to students within appropriate guidelines and regulations.

• Utilizes electronic data exchange software to send and retrieve information from the Department of Education.

• Monitors financial aid advising to ensure program, audit, and regulatory compliance.

• Maintains institutional regulatory compliance in all federal and state student assistance programs.

• Submits reports to federal and state agencies.

• Maintains files and databases; certifies student loan applications; maintains and utilizes computer-assisted financial aid management systems.

• Makes adjustments to over-under awards by determining the amount of aid to be canceled or repaid while ensuring accuracy in system data entry and processing, and contacting students regarding possible alternatives.

• Assists in the certification of Veterans Education benefits.

• Works with the Regional Director of Financial Services and Assistant Bursar to coordinate on-campus tuition payment collection priorities.

• Works with on-campus Financial Service staff to prepare for the weekly stitch meeting

• Coordinates with the Regional Director of Financial Services to determine workflow priorities on students re-entering the program or beginning a new academic year.

• Assist with cash receipting of student tuition payments.

• Interviews and advises students in regard to educational financial planning.

• Maintains confidentiality of information exposed to in the course of business

• Performs other duties as assigned by Management.

Senior Financial Aid Advisor Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, or related field and two years experience in higher education (Financial Aid preferred) environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience;

• Requires excellent computer skills. Working knowledge of automated higher education management systems; proficiency with Microsoft Office, Windows XP, Word, Excel for MAC

• In-depth knowledge of financial aid and/or prior financial aid experience

• Experience with financial aid reporting systems, including but not limited to NSLDS, Gemcor, and Anthology

• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state regulations and guidelines

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

• Excellent customer service skills

• Excellent time management skills

• Ability to multi-task

• Ability to maintain confidential information

Competencies:

• Communicates effectively with people at all levels.

• Works collaboratively with people throughout the organization.

• Continuously look for ways to simplify and improve work processes to achieve better results.

• Applies skills to work on assignments of moderate to complex scope. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.

• Demonstrates ability to coordinate workflow activities within and across departments.

• Develops plans for accomplishing objectives. Works to improve own efficiency and performance.

• Understands formal structure/hierarchy, positional responsibilities, and standard operating procedures

• Follows through on commitments made to internal and external customers

• Presents ideas and facts clearly and effectively in an oral or written manner.

Additional Information:

This is a full time, campus based position. Sitting for long periods. Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper, occasional lifting of items weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds such as files, stacks of paper, reference and other materials. Moving from place to place within the organization, minimal reaching for items above and below desk level. Strength, dexterity, coordination and vision to use keyboard and video display terminal for prolonged periods.