Financial Aid Advisor

Financial Aid Advisor

Location

Wentworth, NC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

00182

Division

Student Development

Opening Date

05/21/2026

• Description
• Benefits

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Advisor supports the mission of Rockingham Community College by helping students and their families understand and overcome financial barriers in order to reach their educational goals. This position provides counseling on financial aid options and assists in the administration of aid in accordance with College policies and applicable federal and state regulations. The Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for processing FAFSA applications, conducting verification, and reviewing supporting documentation such as tax returns, proof of citizenship, and special circumstance requests to determine student eligibility. The advisor evaluates Satisfactory Academic Progress and oversees the process for the College for federal programs, as well as state and the RCC Foundation scholarships and programs. The advisor awards grants and scholarships, monitors program budgets, and ensures that all programs meet eligibility requirements. The advisor interprets and applies federal and state regulations to maintain compliance while supporting student success.

Under the direction of the Director, the Financial Aid Advisor may supervise financial aid interns and/or work study students. As a Student Development professional, this position requires a strong service mindset with frequent interaction with students, families, and the community

Job Duties

• Processes financial aid applications, including FAFSA review and verification, and evaluates required documentation such as tax returns, proof of citizenship, and special circumstance requests to determine student eligibility. Reviews and resolves discrepancies, applies professional judgment when appropriate, and evaluates Satisfactory Academic Progress in accordance with federal and state regulations. Assesses and processes dependency override and special circumstance appeals to ensure compliance while supporting student success.
• Provides financial aid advising to students and their families, offering clear guidance on available programs and options. Communicates complex federal, state, and institutional aid regulations clearly through individual counseling, outreach events, and workshops, including off-campus and evening presentations.
• Administers and reconciles federal, state, institutional, and external financial aid programs totaling more than $5 million annually in awarded aid, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. Manages certification, disbursement, and reconciliation processes while identifying and resolving discrepancies that impact funding integrity and audit readiness.
• Administers and manages the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program, including student eligibility determination, fund awarding, expenditure monitoring, and compliance enforcement. Coordinates with Human Resources and departmental supervisors to support hiring, maintain accurate employment records, and prevent over-awards and funding violations.
• Performs advanced analysis of financial aid system data and reconciliation reports, including Colleague processes and deregistration activities. Evaluates data trends, identifies inconsistencies, and implements corrective actions to ensure accuracy, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance.
• Administers specialized aid programs such as the Child Care Grant Program, including eligibility determination, awarding, compliance monitoring, and reconciliation. Maintains complete and accurate program records in accordance with state and institutional requirements.
• Coordinates the institutional Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process, including monitoring student eligibility, evaluating appeals, and applying federal standards using professional judgment. Ensures accurate and timely communication to students regarding eligibility outcomes and appeal decisions.
• Oversees and executes the administration of institutional and RCC Foundation scholarships, including application review, eligibility analysis, and award coordination in collaboration with Financial Aid leadership.
• Maintains advanced working knowledge of federal Title IV regulations, state aid policies, and institutional procedures, ensuring accurate interpretation and application of evolving regulatory guidance. Serves as a subject matter expert within the Financial Aid Office.
• Provides front-line support as needed, including high-level advising and resolution of complex financial aid inquiries. Serves as a secondary resource for student-facing operations to ensure continuity of service.
• Oversees the integrity, organization, and audit readiness of financial aid records, including document imaging, file management systems, and compliance with federal recordkeeping requirements.
• Leads the development and maintenance of financial aid communications, including forms and publications. Ensures materials are accurate, compliant, and aligned with institutional goals for student access and success.
• Collaborates across departments (e.g., Academic Affairs, Business Office, Human Resources, Registrar, IT) to coordinate financial aid processes, ensure data accuracy, and support institutional operations.
• Identifies and implements process improvements to enhance efficiency, regulatory compliance, and student service outcomes within the Financial Aid Office.
• Performs additional duties as assigned, contributing to the strategic and operational goals of the Financial Aid Office.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

Associates Degree

PREFERRED:

Relevant experience in college financial aid operations with a working knowledge of basic Federal and State financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.

Experience working in a higher education setting. Community college experience highly beneficial.

Experience with Colleague.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Must be able to balance, stoop, kneel, and reach with hands/arms and work using a personal computer.

Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrated ability to provide high-quality, student-centered service, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain financial aid information to students and families. Ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in standard office software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

RCC offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits program:

State Health Plan

Eligible employees will have two health plan options, the Standard PPO Plan and Plus PPO Plan. (shpnc.gov)

Supplemental Benefits Plan

Supplemental benefits are voluntary, employee-paid benefits, and eligible employees have the opportunity to select the programs in which they wish to participate. Supplemental benefits include but are not limited to: dental, vision, group term life insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, dependent care accounts, cancer benefit, critical illness benefit, disability benefit, accident benefit, medical bridge, pet insurance, and telemedicine benefits. A preventative dental plan is offered at no cost (paid by RCC) to the employee only. Other benefits include an Employee Assistance program and Student Loan Assistance Program.

North Carolina Retirement System - State Retirement Plan

Full-time employees participate in the North Carolina Teachers and State Employees Retirement System. State retirement is deducted at the rate of six percent; the state contribution varies dependent on market conditions. Contributions are tax sheltered for federal and state income tax purposes. Short-term and Long-term Disability benefits are available to eligible employees.

NC Total Retirement Plans (Supplemental Retirement Plans)

The NC 401(k) Plan and the NC 457 Plan are defined contribution retirement plans offered as optional employment benefits to eligible employees.

Annual Leave (Staff Only), Sick Leave, Personal Observance Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Flex Day (Faculty Only)

Employer Rockingham Community College (NC)

Address 215 Wrenn Memorial Road

Wentworth, North Carolina, 27375

Phone (336) 342-4261

Website http://www.rockinghamcc.edu