Financial Aid Officer

OVERVIEW:
The purpose of the Financial Aid Officer is to guide students through the Financial Aid process and ensure they are properly funded. The Financial Aid Officer coordinates with admissions and academics to keep the students engaged and on-track.
Education, and Training:
At Southeastern College, a Financial Aid Officer assists prospective and current students in acquiring the necessary Financial Aid to help them attain their goal of higher education. A critical part of this endeavor is helping students understand the Financial Aid process and assist them in making the correct decisions. Thus, it is critical that the Financial Aid Officer has, at a minimum:
An Associates degree
Two to four years of Finance experience
Willingness to work with students
BUSINESS CONTRIBUTIONS:
The role of Financial Aid Officer is to ensure that students are properly funded, packaged, and prepared to start each semester. This is accomplished by making sure that:
Students are made aware of all available funding options
Students are properly vetted and appropriately packaged
Funds are posted in a timely manner
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Conducting Initial Overview with Student:
Provide basic overview of Financial Aid process
Assist with filling out FAFSA form
Explain forms and direct to web-sites for additional information
Provide checklist of documentation needed for second appointment
Provide Federal guide (requirement)
Conducting Financial Aid Review with Student:
Provide information and assess student financing needs
Review FAFSA for Title IV eligibility
Counsel on Financial Aid eligibility and financing options
Check Veteran's Affairs verifications/GI Bill
Discuss grants and scholarships
Review registration schedule
Create cost estimate and review with student
Breakdown expenses and fees
Discuss any balance and additional private financing options
Where applicable - review "parent for loan" option
Acquire necessary documents from lenders
Provide necessary documents to lenders
Enter student data into system
Set-up student financing package
Reviewing and Following-up on Initial Packaging:
Review ISIR
Review any C-flags or H-flags
If selected for Federal verification, get verification documents
Follow-up on private loan approvals
Scan to DRS
Submit to Director of Financial Aid for review and processing
Work with Bursar to post cash payments
Monitoring and Tracking Financial Aid Packages:
Review monthly start date reports
Review monthly account balance reports
Investigate account balance issues
Monitor for potential defaults
Follow-up on potential and actual defaults
Track Sally Mae, government/private scholarship, grant, and private loan postings
Track drops and academic dismissals
Re-package continuing students
Preparing Graduating and Exiting Students (graduating, dropped, and dismissed students):
Conduct exit interviews
Discuss payment responsibility
Discuss loan consolidation
Clear balance with Southeastern College
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands are those required in a professional office setting: sitting, working on a computer, using a telephone, communicating with coworkers and getting to and from appropriate campuses.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Professional office setting: moderate noise levels and controlled indoor climate.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
LOCATION:
This position is an onsite position located at your campus unless otherwise determined by the Executive Director and/or designee. Any changes must be reviewed by the Campus President and all final approvals must come from the Executive Director and/or designee.
Job Specification Financial Aid Officer
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
The Financial Aid Officer role is primarily focused on assisting students with securing the funding necessary to complete their education at Southeastern College. Thus, Financial Aid Officers engage in a heavy a heavy degree of interaction with prospective and current students. The role requires a consultative approach. In order to successfully engage students and gain their trust, Financial Aid Officers should have experience in working with clients and customers on financial issues. Financial Aid Officers must be organized and detailed in their approach to work.
Below is an inclusive but not exhaustive list of various knowledge, skills, and other characteristics that are necessary for effective performance in the Financial Aid Officer position.
-Knowledge:
Finance and accounting
Business planning - how to organize legal documents and financial package data; develop and follow a systematic approach; and organize time
-Skills:
Goal setting - set reasonable, yet high targets, and create a plan for attaining those targets
Interviewing - discuss and convey financial concepts with students, understand student needs and resources, provide actionable guidance based on needs
-Experience: Experience in finance and accounting is critical to success as a Financial Aid Officer. Although not exhaustive, work experience in the following areas is highly valued:
Financial Aid Services
Mortgage Broker
Financial Services/Lending