"Financial Aid Compliance Specialist"

Financial Aid Compliance Specialist

Company: Clinton College

Job Location:

Category: Financial Aid

Type: Full-Time

Email: humanresources@clintoncollege.edu

DEPARTMENT: Enrollment Management

CLASSIFICATION:

SHIFT: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm

SUMMARY: The Financial Aid Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring institutional compliance with federal and state financial aid regulations through oversight of reporting, reconciliation, audits, and program approvals. This role manages complex regulatory processes including IPEDS reporting, VA education benefit reapprovals, Program Participation Agreement (PPA) recertification, FISAP reporting, and Pell Grant and Direct Loan reconciliation. The Compliance Specialist serves as a key resource for federal and state audits, program reviews, and policy interpretation, working collaboratively with campus partners to maintain regulatory integrity, mitigate risk, and support the effective administration of financial aid programs.

REPORTS TO: Director of Financial Aid

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but are not limited to):

• Ensure institutional compliance with all federal and state financial aid regulations, policies, and reporting requirements.
• Manage and coordinate complex regulatory processes, including IPEDS reporting, VA education benefit reapprovals, Program Participation Agreement (PPA) recertification, and FISAP reporting.
• Oversee Pell Grant and Direct Loan reconciliation, including monthly and annual reconciliation through the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system.
• Serve as the primary resource for federal and state audits, program reviews, and monitoring activities; prepare documentation, respond to findings, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Monitor and maintain accurate Cost of Attendance (COA) components, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines and institutional policy.
• Review, interpret, and implement changes in federal and state financial aid regulations, providing guidance and training to financial aid staff and campus partners.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts, Institutional Research, Veterans Affairs, and other offices to ensure accurate data reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain institutional eligibility for Title IV and state aid programs through ongoing monitoring and timely submission of required approvals and reports.
• Develop, document, and update financial aid compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on compliance-related issues, providing technical assistance and policy interpretation to leadership and staff.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in higher education administration, finance, accounting, public administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in financial aid administration with a strong focus on compliance, reporting, or regulatory oversight.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Title IV regulations, federal and state financial aid programs, and compliance requirements.
• Hands-on experience with IPEDS, FISAP, Pell Grant and Direct Loan reconciliation, COD, and audit/program review processes.
• Experience supporting or leading PPA recertification and VA education benefit approvals or reapprovals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and communicate requirements clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with financial aid management systems, student information systems, and standard reporting tools.

Additional Information: Proficient in Campus Café or Colleague.

Employment at Clinton College is contingent upon a background check that is satisfactory to the College. Failure to provide written authorization for a background check will nullify the offer of employment.

Application Instructions:

Applications should include a cover letter and resume and must be sent, preferably in PDF format, to humanresources@clintoncollege.edu. The subject line of the email should read "Financial Aid Specialist." The process will continue until the position is filled.