Financial Aid Compliance Coordinator

Job Details

Type of Position: Professional Staff - Academic Affairs

Job Type: Regular

Institution Name: University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

Department: Financial Aid Operations

Summary of Job Duties: The Financial Aid Compliance Coordinator works under general supervision and provides functional leadership and guidance for developing strategies to ensure the institution adheres to all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies related to student financial aid. This role is responsible for managing policies, procedures, and compliance in the administration of federal student aid, as well as developing and executing compliance strategies, internal controls, and audits. Provides guidance to faculty, staff and other stakeholders to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. The position reports to the Associate Director Financial Aid Operations & Technology.

Qualifications

Required Education and/or Work Experience: Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in financial aid, higher education student services, compliance, or closely related work.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience: Five or more years’ experience working with Title IV federal student aid compliance. Experience with Workday Student.

Summary of Job Duties

• 25% – Policy and Procedure Development and Management: Leads the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the university’s financial aid policies and procedures in alignment with federal Title IV, state, and institutional requirements.
• 20% – Internal Compliance Auditing and File Review: Reviews Workday Student financial aid processes, reports, and configuration impacts to identify compliance risks, processing gaps, and needed procedural updates.
• 10% – Return of Title IV (R2T4) Processing: Performs timely and accurate Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculations for all official and unofficial withdrawals in accordance with federal regulations.
• 10% – Regulatory Implementation and Staff Training: Collaborates with Financial Aid leadership to interpret new and revised regulations and integrate requirements into business processes and systems.
• 10% – Regulatory Monitoring and Analysis: Actively monitors communications from the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, NASFAA, AASFAA, ADHE, and other governing bodies.
• 10% – Customer Service and Secondary Responsibilities: Supports the broader Financial Aid and Veteran Benefits Office by contributing to a team-based service model and assisting students in person, virtually, by phone, and via email.
• 5% – Consumer Information Compliance: Serves as a member of the university’s Consumer Information committee, ensuring financial aid-related disclosures are accurate, complete, and compliant with federal requirements.
• 5% – Institutional Compliance Reporting: Prepares and provides required financial aid policies, procedures, and compliance documentation to the Office of the President in support of the university’s annual Compliance Calendar.
• 5% – Collaboration and Professional Accountability: Works collaboratively with campus stakeholders and department colleagues to support a positive, student-centered work environment.

Salary Information: $45,000 - $48,000

Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Recruitment Contact Information: HR, 479-788-7080

Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check