Financial Aid Coordinator

Description

Work from Home (WFH) - Remote work must be performed while residing in California, New Mexico, or Florida

CIAT Location: San Diego, CA and Albuquerque, NM

Reports to: Financial Aid Coordinator Manager

Status: Non-exempt

Employment Type: Full-time

Summary

Evaluates, review’s unpaid aid to students in accordance with federal, state, and school regulations, policies, and operating guidelines. Helps assist with the collection of documentation as needed. Responsible for overseeing all financial aid reporting, Title IV packaging, VA certifications, unpaid disbursements, NSLDS reporting, and ensuring timely processing of any required financial aid adjustments.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes and evaluates financial viability of student’s accounts
• Reviews unpaid aid collects any missing documents and assists in clearance of C-Codes and Verifications
• Complete any necessary training with VA and Department of Education
• Maintains historic documents and data regarding financial aid files according to federal guidelines
• Adheres to and is knowledgeable on appropriate guidelines relating to FERPA and CIAT policy on the release of records and information to a third party
• Reviews and assesses eligibility of applications for financial aid; exercises professional judgment to determine whether adjustments should be made
• Reviews for accuracy and provides signature approval/disapproval of loan applications, promissory notes, and other financial documents
• Conducts exit interviews, in accordance with school, state, federal, and other agency guidelines
• Monitor, approve, and/or revise all financial aid packaging for all qualified applicants in accordance with federal, state, institutional and other policies and procedures
• Provide information on the telephone, and through electronic chat, to students, prospective and current students, and families regarding student financial aid, and account balance
• Utilize the student management system to record all student account information
• Review Finance section in ASER and ensure documentation for all standards is complete, accurate and well written
• Ensure a student’s finance status is up to date by working with Student Services Department on any student status changes
• Place a financial hold/lock when there are outstanding balance and work with the student to collect payment plans and/or missing document to clear the issue
• Identify areas of deficiency and bring creative solutions
• Work to financially clear all student files for repacks by collecting documents to clear verifications/c-codes
• Upload documents and work with FAS (third party agency) to ensure all files are cleared and ready to be disbursed
• Prepare and submit all required reports to FAS in a timely and accurate manner
• Ensure student accounting/ledger information is accurate and up to date in student database
• Adhere to finance policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Title IV and accreditation approval
• Compile documents and files for accreditations and internal/external audits
• Adhere to CIAT’s compliance requirements to ensure all Federal, State, accreditation, and institutional policies and procedures are being met
• Follow communication guidelines to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and professionalism
• Embody CIAT’s mission, vision, purpose and values

Requirements

• Preferred bachelor’s or associate degree and four years related experience; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above duties
• Broad knowledge of federal financial aid programs and recordkeeping requirements
• Knowledge of higher education processes, supervisory and personnel practices, communication techniques and computer software
• General knowledge of accounting practices, data processing and computer applications
• Detail oriented, outstanding research and analytical skills
• Ability to multitask
• Works with a sense of urgency, while engaging and listening to experts
• Exhibits a high degree of flexibility in adapting to a rapidly changing environment
• Problem solve rapidly and effectively
• Strong organizational skills with the proven ability to prioritize
• Process tasks in a timely manner
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Capability to handle confidential and sensitive information, following confidentiality guidelines
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively convey information and interact with students, colleagues, and others
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with other team members
• Team players with a positive, can-do attitude
• Proficient in the use of standard Microsoft Office software products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project and ability to learn additional software products
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic, dedicated to quality, quantity, results and timeliness
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
• Excellent analytical skills, problem resolution skills and general business acumen
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, academic departments, and administration to support student success, achieve institutional goals and contribute to a positive and inclusive culture
• Position may require work responsibilities outside of normal business hours to accommodate business needs and deadlines
• Flexible to work longer hours to meet deadlines, if needed
• Able to handle sensitive information with a high degree of confidentiality
• May require occasional travel to conduct CIAT business
• The employee will be required to compute simple mathematical calculations as a normal part of this role
• Possess high ethical standards, being an example of professionalism to others
• Must be able to embody CIAT’s mission, vision, purpose and values

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Occasional weekend and evening hours may be required.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Location
This is a remote position. Work must be conducted in locations that have been approved by the company. Company authorization is necessary for relocation or work from other locations, even if temporarily.

Values

Values such as integrity, excellence, customer service, teamwork and mutual respect are some of those that remain constant, regardless of changes in our company. When identifying company values, it is important that those values are being demonstrated in the course of business each day. Our values set expectations for how employees and managers interact with every person while representing the company.

• We are passionate about education and student success
• We value integrity and excellence in our employees and students
• We treat ourselves and our students with dignity and respect
• We believe in and encourage innovation at our school to better help our students succeed
• We have a customer centric focus, and we want people highly committed to achieving goals, where our success equals student’s success
• We are accountable for our actions, and if errors occur, we focus on preventing future errors and moving forward
• We have a growth mindset, always looking for ways to improve, with a sincere belief that every student can do better and achieve their goals
• We expect every employee to be an example of conduct and professionalism, being a role model to students and colleagues
• We commit to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that respects the diversity of students' backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives
• We foster lifelong learning and professional development

Physical Demands

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions:

• Essential functions of this role require sitting for extended periods of time
• May require occasional travel to conduct CIAT business
• The employee will be required to compute simple mathematical calculations as a normal part of this role
• Ability to type, use a computer to search for information and input information while speaking on the phone is required
• The employee will frequently be required to use the computer, mouse and telephone to conduct the regular tasks of this role
• The employee will be required to compute simple to simple mathematical calculations as a normal part of this role

Work Environment

While performing the responsibilities of this remote position, the job holder will work in a home office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people w