"Financial Aid Specialist"

Job Description

The Financial Aid Services (FAS) team is charged with analyzing prospective and enrolled students financial aid applications to resolve student eligibility issues and ensure an equitable distribution of aid. Specialists review applications and a large variety of documents necessary to perform needs analysis to determine federal and institutional eligibility. Specialists work in a high-volume and fast-paced environment to apply knowledge of swiftly changing federal regulations and institutional requirements to each application they review. They also provide excellent customer service by advising applicants and their families on the promptest resolution to application or eligibility issues. As a member of The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs, the individual will represent the office during on campus events and also participate in community events.

Education and Experience

Associates degree and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required. Bachelors degree preferred. Two (2) plus years of experience working in Financial Aid (FM & IM needs analysis, CSS Profile review, tax review, Federal Verification & Federal Match.)

Skills and Knowledge

In-depth knowledge of regulations in interpreting and administering of federal Title IV, state and university financial aid programs to ensure compliance. In depth knowledge of and experience with federal tax forms and requirements/tax law. Proven ability to research, interpret and apply complex rules and laws. Strong communication skills. Ability to write and present concise findings with recommended course of action. Ability to analyze families in diverse populations and situations objectively and communicate with professionalism and compassion. Must possess a flexible attitude and be able to function well as a team member in a high-volume, fast paced environment while paying close attention to detail and prioritizing workload to meet numerous deadlines crucial to meeting the University enrollment goals. Must take initiative and be able to prioritize workload with little guidance. Maintain a strong commitment to the mission of the university and its students. Experience with and knowledge of PeopleSoft or other student information systems, OnBase or other imaging systems, and Microsoft software products. Overtime may be required during peak award season to provide the best possible customer service.

Responsibilities

Perform federal & institutional tax verification: adjust and verify parent and student income and assets to ensure compliance with federal and institutional regulations. Identify tax discrepancies and determine appropriate course of action for the family. Evaluate and verify PROFILE and FAFSA application information and research/analyze supporting documentation in order to resolve conflicting information as directed by the Department of Education. This may include but is not limited to tax and legal documents, business, real estate or other asset information. Review institutional reports to resolve student eligibility issues and ensure an equitable distribution of aid within federal regulations. Review all subsequent ISIR transactions. Troubleshoot issues such as unofficial SAIs and ISIR rejects to ensure timely disbursement of aid. Apply established needs analysis procedures to determine federal need and use professional judgment as appropriate to determine financial aid eligibility. Collaborate with colleagues to evaluate complex circumstances that require a number of proficiencies to resolve. Work with other FAS team members and the Assistant Director in determining acceptable documentation for resolving discrepancies. Create and update communications used to clarify those requirements and intended for swift resolution. Act as a resource for other financial aid staff with federal regulatory and needs analysis questions. Communicate with families using tact, discretion, and diplomacy regarding complex and delicate family situations to clarify aid eligibility. This often consists of expertly asking questions about and discussing potentially volatile marital and custody situations, living situations, complex business situations and activity, federal tax filing requirements, and citizenship/residency statuses. Represent the office during campus events and participate in community events. Participate in a variety of professional development activities including attendance at professional conferences, webinars, training peers and colleagues on changes in financial aid regulations both on campus and off, etc. Participation in professional development activities is critical to stay current with changes to federal and state regulations as well as institutional policies regarding the awarding of financial aid. Assist IT with testing PeopleSoft updates and corrections. Troubleshoot when there are issues, alerting IT and tracking / testing until it can be resolved.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the Universitys 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.