Financial Systems & Data Support Analyst

Position Summary

Dillard University is seeking a highly analytical and technology-savvy Financial Systems & Data Support Analyst to support the Office of Student Financial Aid and the Bursar's Office. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of financial aid and student accounts data through advanced system support, data mining, reporting, and electronic data exchange processes.

Serving in a dual-support capacity, the Financial Systems & Data Support Analyst works closely with functional leadership and the Office of Business and Finance to support compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, strengthen reconciliation and reporting processes, and enhance data-driven decision-making. The position requires a strong understanding of administrative systems (such as Jenzabar), data structures, and cross-departmental financial workflows.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Systems & Technical Support

• Provide technical support and maintenance for financial aid and student accounts systems, including Jenzabar and related modules.
• Troubleshoot system issues, resolve data discrepancies, and coordinate solutions with Information Technology and external vendors as needed.
• Participate in testing, implementation, and validation of system upgrades, patches, and new functionalities.
• Serve as a functional systems resource for both the Financial Aid and Bursar's Offices.

Data Management, Data Mining & Query Development

• Perform data mining and develop complex queries to support operational, compliance, and analytical needs.
• Maintain data integrity across shared systems supporting financial aid awarding, billing, disbursement, refunds, and reconciliation.
• Analyze trends, identify discrepancies, and recommend improvements to data-related business processes.
• Support leadership with data analysis for planning, forecasting, and operational decision-making.

Reporting & Regulatory Support

• Design, generate, and maintain routine and ad hoc reports for Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and senior leadership.
• Prepare and support required institutional, state, and federal reports, including FISAP, IPEDS, audit schedules, and internal finance reports.
• Assist with audit requests, program reviews, and compliance monitoring for financial aid and student accounts functions.
• Ensure reporting aligns with Department of Education, institutional, and audit standards.

Upload, Download & Data Exchange Processes

• Manage and monitor electronic data exchanges between internal systems and external agencies, including:

• ISIR data loads

• Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) imports and exports

• Third-party servicer and payment system interfaces

• Validate data before and after transmission to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.

• Investigate and resolve data transmission errors and exceptions in collaboration with functional offices.

Financial Aid Operational Support

• Support the financial aid lifecycle, including awarding, verification processing, revisions, and disbursements.
• Assist in coordinating system updates required by Title IV regulatory changes.
• Support award letter processing to ensure accuracy and consistency of student communications.

Student Accounts / Bursar Support

• Support student billing, refunds, adjustments, and financial aid posting to student accounts.
• Assist with reconciliation of financial aid disbursements and student receivable balances.
• Provide data analysis related to accounts receivable, aging reports, and refund activity.

Training, Documentation & Collaboration

• Provide training and technical guidance to Financial Aid and Bursar staff on systems, reports, and data processes.
• Develop and maintain documentation for data queries, upload/download procedures, and system workflows.
• Collaborate with the Director of Financial Aid, the Bursar, the CFO, Information Technology, and other campus partners on system enhancements and data initiatives.

Other Duties

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education, Certifications, and/or Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Business, Finance, Data Analytics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience providing technical, systems, or data support in a higher education, financial services, or administrative systems environment.
• Demonstrated experience in data querying, reporting, and analysis.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience working with ERP or student information systems (Jenzabar preferred).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Preferred

• Experience supporting Financial Aid and/or Student Accounts operations.
• Knowledge of Title IV financial aid processes and federal reporting requirements.
• Experience supporting audit, compliance, or regulatory reporting functions.

Core Competencies

• Microsoft SQL Server
• SQL (T‑SQL)
• Cognos
• Power BI
• Advanced data analysis and reporting skills
• ERP systems fluency (Jenzabar preferred)
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• Regulatory compliance awareness
• Ability to manage multiple priorities across functional areas
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Other Specifications

• Knowledge of higher education administrative systems and data governance principles.
• Working knowledge of U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid guidelines.
• High ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality and data security.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and professionalism required to work in a highly collaborative, service-oriented environment.