Financial Aid Accounting Coordinator, Financial Aid and Scholarships

The Financial Aid Accounting Coordinator serves a critical role within the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. The coordinator is responsible for managing and reconciling a wide range of financial aid accounts – including institutional, endowed, federal, state, and local funds – while ensuring full compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations. 

 

• This position is responsible for the comprehensive accounting and budget reconciliation of all institutional, endowed, and external scholarship accounts, as well as major federal financial aid programs, including Direct Loans, Pell Grants, and TEACH Grants. With the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga administering nearly $96 million annually in need and merit-based aid, this role is essential in ensuring accurate reconciliation and compliance in collaboration with internal departments and external agencies. 

1. Reconciling financial aid accounts, including detailed analysis of income, interest earnings, and fun balances
2. Overseeing the reconciliation of more than $59 million in federal loan programs and over $16 million in federal grant programs
3. Serving as the primary liaison for monthly Direct Loan reconciliations with the UTC Finance Office, using SAS files and reports from the COD (Common Origination and Disbursement) system

 

• Additionally, the position is responsible for managing and monitoring scholarship balances in the Banner System and ensuring these balances are accurately reconciled with DASH (Oracle) for proper financial reporting to the UTC Finance Office. 

 

• This position is responsible for ensuring that all financial aid awarded to student-athletes complies with NCAA regulations, including limitations on the total amount of aid received from institutional and external sources. The incumbent will coordinate closely with the University's Athletics Compliance Office to verify student-athlete eligibility, confirm athletic scholarship rosters, and resolve any financial aid packaging issues related to athletic participation. Regular audits and reconciliations of athletic aid will be conducted to ensure alignment with both institutional and NCAA policies and to prevent over awards or ineligible disbursements. The position will maintain complete and accurate documentation of all athletic-related financial aid for audit and reporting purposes and will assist in the preparation and submission of required NCAA reports, including squad lists and annual financial aid summaries. Additionally, the incumbent will serve as a key resource for financial aid staff, coaches, and athletics personnel, providing training and guidance to ensure proper administration, adjustment, and reporting of athletic aid in full compliance with NCAA standards. 

 

• This position is responsible for the administration and oversight of financial aid processes related to dual enrollment programs, which allow high school students to earn college credit while completing their secondary education. The incumbent ensures that all dual enrollment aid is awarded, tracked, and reported in compliance with state regulations, institutional policies, and funding agency requirements. 

 

• Key responsibilities include verifying student eligibility for dual enrollment funding, awarding state-supported scholarships and grants (such as Tennessee’s Dual Enrollment Grant), and maintaining accurate financial records for all enrolled students. The position collaborates closely with the Registrar’s Office, academic departments, high school counselors, and state agencies to facilitate enrollment certification, schedule verification, and timely disbursement of funds. 

 

• The incumbent is also responsible for monitoring enrollment changes that may impact eligibility, initiating adjustments to awards as needed, and ensuring accurate and timely reconciliation of dual enrollment accounts. Regular reporting to state funding agencies and internal stakeholders is required to maintain compliance and transparency. 

 

• Additionally, the position provides guidance to students, parents, and school partners on the financial aid process for dual enrollment, serving as a resource for program rules, deadlines, and documentation requirements. 

 

• Assists the Associate Director with processing external scholarship checks and other projects as needed. Supervises 2 to 3 student workers. Provides training, coordinates projects and provides performance feedback to designated student workers. 

 

• Counsel students and parents regarding the financial aid process and their eligibility and availability for funding to help finance their educational expenses at UTC. 

 

 

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Proficient financial accounting and bookkeeping skills
• Ability to work with internal and external constituent groups
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Ability to analyze data and create comprehensive reports
• Ability to organize and disseminate information clearly
• Ability to determine whether practices comply with regulations and policies
• Knowledge of financial management systems and software
• Knowledge of software systems and University fiscal policy
• Knowledge of accounting theory and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Knowledge of budget development, grant, and contracts administration
• Knowledge of software systems and University fiscal policy

 

The review of applications will begin July 29, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. 

 

Minimum: Requires a high school diploma; four years of relevant bookkeeping or accounting related experience, utilizing financial spreadsheets and accounting related software; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 

 

Preferred: A bachelor’s degree; experience in a higher education institution; and experience within financial aid and scholarships is preferred.