Financial Aid Specialist

The Financial Aid Specialist will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and regulatory compliance of the financial aid process. This individual will monitor data and documentation for irregularities and collaborate with relevant departments to resolve any discrepancies, reporting findings in accordance with established policies and federal regulations. This individual will work closely with others to provide detailed compliance training and participate in reviews of institutional policies and procedures. This position will play a crucial role in the administration and oversight of the College's Return to Title IV (R2T4) process, in conjunction with the System Manager of Financial Aid.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough reviews of financial aid applications and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance, in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Assist in the administration and oversight of R2T4 process for all campuses, including processing and peer reviews to ensure accuracy in completion.
• Monitor and investigate suspicious activities or irregularities, collaborating with internal departments to resolve discrepancies and ensure accurate financial aid processing. Report any suspicious activity in accordance with institutional policies and federal regulations.
• Collaborate with colleagues on the development and delivery of training to staff on fraud prevention, detection strategies, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Maintain detailed records of investigations and outcomes, supporting audit and regulatory review processes as required.

Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Key Competencies and Skills:

• Telephone skills
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Listening skills
• Problem analysis and problem solving
• Customer service orientation
• Organizational skills
• Goal oriented
• Attention to detail
• Judgment
• Adaptability
• Teamwork
• Stress tolerance
• Resilience

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or higher
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Financial Aid with experience in R2T4 processing and compliance
• Internet savvy with knowledge of Microsoft Office product, including Outlook
• Phone Skills: Demonstrated customer service over the phone
• Cannot be in default of Title IV Loans

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree in relevant field

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Position requires standing or sitting in a stationary position as well as the occasional need to lift, carry, push, and/or move objects up to 10 pounds.
• Position also requires the use of computer technology/equipment.
• Position requires the ability to receive information in person and over the telephone.
• Position requires the ability to convey detailed and important instructions or ideas.

Position Status: Exempt

Work Hours: Mon-Fri. Ability to work some evenings and Saturdays; Secondary holidays may be a scheduled work day.

Reports To: System Manager of Financial Aid

Location: Orchard Park, NY

Background Check: This position requires a background check.

Starting Salary Range: $65,000 - 75,000 per year.

Please note that the compensation information is a good faith estimate of the base pay for this position. The selected candidate's actual base pay for this role will take into account a wide range of non-discriminatory factors including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate may not have been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Bryant & Stratton College, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Information about the total compensation package for this position will be provided during the interview process.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law. Bryant & Stratton College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.