Financial Aid Counselor, Financial Aid

Cover Letter and Supporting Documents:

• Navigate to the "My Experience" application page.
• Locate the "Resume/CV" document upload section at the bottom of the page.
• Use the "Select Files" button to upload your cover letter, resume, and any other required supporting documents. You can select multiple files.

Important Note: The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission.

Current Employees:

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A cover letter is required for all positions; optional for facilities, campus services, and hospitality roles unless otherwise specified.

Job Description Summary

The Financial Aid Counselor provides counseling, needs analysis, and packaging for a designated caseload of students. In addition to direct counseling responsibilities, the counselor assumes functional responsibility within the Office of Student Financial Aid for designated programmatic, operational, or reporting areas. The role requires sound judgment in the interpretation and application of federal and institutional policies and active collaboration across campus partners to support student success. The Financial Aid Counselor will also stay up to date with evolving Title IV federal and state regulations through active participation in professional development networks (e.g., NASFAA, SASFAA).

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Counsel a dedicated caseload of students and families, performing need analysis, verification, and packaging of federal, state, and institutional aid in accordance with applicable regulations and university policy.
• Explains complex financial aid concepts, including FAFSA, CSS Profile, federal student loans, cost of attendance, and repayment options, clearly and empathetically to all students, parents and guardians of applicants.
• Perform federal verification, resolving conflicting data points, analyzing tax transcripts, and adjusting FAFSA records in compliance with Department of Education regulations.
• Reviews and resolves complex student files involving unusual circumstances, conflicting information, or regulatory interpretation, determining appropriate next steps consistent with policy.
• Assumes functional responsibility within the Office of Student Financial Aid for designated programmatic, operational, or reporting areas, including monitoring compliance and coordinating related processes across campus partners.
• Provide crisis-management and conflict resolutions for students and families experiencing unexpected financial hardships
• Reconcile financial aid accounts and run regular quality assurance reports to identify and correct discrepancies before funds are disbursed. Analyzes system-generated reports and data to support timely awarding, disbursement, reconciliation, and adherence to federal and institutional requirements.
• Provide outreach and programming support with presentations and workshops (such as FAFSA completion nights) on and off campus to prospective students, parents, and community partners.
• Protect PII and CUI in all instances.
• Share front desk coverage to assist students who visit the financial aid office.
• Understand services and resources available for students across campus.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Admissions Office, Registrar’s Office, Student Financial Services, Academic Advising, and Dean’s Office to meet students’ needs and support campus-wide recruitment and retention goals.
• Maintain student records documenting contacts and communications.
• Attend seminars, conferences, and department training to remain current with federal regulations, university policy, and FAFSA updates.
• Assist with loan default prevention efforts, when necessary.
• Make recommendations and referrals to other institutional personnel to support the student experience.
• Support financial aid staff with time-sensitive and complex projects as assigned.
• Perform related duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Degrees in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Education, or a related field preferred.
• 0-3 years’ experience in higher education; financial aid experience in federal and institutional methodology preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team-based environment, manage conflicting priorities and work under deadlines.
• Strong mathematical computation ability.
• Knowledge of basic accounting concepts and competence in Excel.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite of software applications.
• Detail-oriented with good organizational skills.
• Able to manage projects within deadlines.
• Able to demonstrate critical thinking, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Able to practice effective cross-cultural communication skills both in person and in writing.
• Willingness and ability to take initiative.
• Able to manage sensitive information in a confidential manner.
• Able to work well with all levels of employees, be flexible in nature, have sound judgment with an open and collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.

Accountabilities:

Responsible for own work only.

Physical Requirements:

Sedentary work primarily involves sitting/standing; communicating with others to exchange information; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers; and assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Environmental Conditions:

No environmental conditions.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement: Full time

Note to Applicant:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.