OVERVIEW:

The purpose of the Financial Aid Officer is to guide students through the financial aid process and ensure they are properly funded. The Financial Aid Officer coordinates with admissions and academics to keep the students engaged and on-track.

BUSINESS CONTRIBUTIONS:

The role of Financial Aid Officer is to ensure that students are properly funded, packaged, and prepared to start each semester. This is accomplished by making sure that:

Students are made aware of all available funding options

Students are properly vetted and appropriately packaged

Funds are posted in a timely manner

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Conducting Initial Overview with Student:

Provide basic overview of financial aid process

Assist with filling out FAFSA form

Explain forms and direct to web-sites for additional information

Provide checklist of documentation needed for second appointment

Provide Federal guide (requirement)

Conducting Financial Aid Review with Student:

Provide information and assess student financing needs

Review FAFSA for Title IV eligibility

Counsel on financial aid eligibility and financing options

Check Veteran’s Affairs verifications/GI Bill

Discuss grants and scholarships

Review registration schedule

Create cost estimate and review with student

Breakdown expenses and fees

Discuss any balance and additional private financing options

Where applicable – review “parent for loan” option

Acquire necessary documents from lenders

Provide necessary documents to lenders

Enter student data into system

Set-up student financing package

Reviewing and Following-up on Initial Packaging:

Review ISIR

Review any C-flags or H-flags

If selected for Federal verification, get verification documents

Follow-up on private loan approvals

Scan to DRS

Submit to Director of Financial Aid for review and processing

Work with Bursar to post cash payments

Monitoring and Tracking Financial Aid Packages:

Review monthly start date reports

Review monthly account balance reports

Investigate account balance issues

Monitor for potential defaults

Follow-up on potential and actual defaults

Track Sally Mae, government/private scholarship, grant, and private loan postings

Track drops and academic dismissals

Re-package continuing students

Preparing Graduating and Exiting Students (graduating, dropped, and dismissed students):

Conduct exit interviews

Discuss payment responsibility

Discuss loan consolidation

Clear balance with Southeastern College

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands are those required in a professional office setting: sitting, working on a computer, using a telephone, communicating with coworkers and getting to and from appropriate campuses.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Professional office setting: moderate noise levels and controlled indoor climate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

LOCATION:

This position is an onsite position located at your campus unless otherwise determined by the Executive Director and/or designee. Any changes must be reviewed by the Campus President and all final approvals must come from the Executive Director and/or designee.

Job Specification Financial Aid Officer

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

The Financial Aid Officer role is primarily focused on assisting students with securing the funding necessary to complete their education at Southeastern College. Thus, Financial Aid Officers engage in a heavy a heavy degree of interaction with prospective and current students. The role requires a consultative approach. In order to successfully engage students and gain their trust, Financial Aid Officers should have experience in working with clients and customers on financial issues. Financial Aid Officers must be organized and detailed in their approach to work.

Below is an inclusive but not exhaustive list of various knowledge, skills, and other characteristics that are necessary for effective performance in the Financial Aid Officer position.

-Knowledge:

Finance and accounting

Business planning – how to organize legal documents and financial package data; develop and follow a systematic approach; and organize time

-Skills:

Goal setting – set reasonable, yet high targets, and create a plan for attaining those targets

Interviewing – discuss and convey financial concepts with students, understand student needs and resources, provide actionable guidance based on needs

-Experience: Experience in finance and accounting is critical to success as a Financial Aid Officer. Although not exhaustive, work experience in the following areas is highly valued:

Financial Aid Services

Mortgage Broker

Financial Services/Lending

Education, Experience, and Training:

At Southeastern College, Financial Aid Officers assist prospective and current students in acquiring the necessary financial aid to help them attain their goal of higher education. A critical part of this endeavor is helping students understand the financial aid process and assist them in making the correct decisions. Thus, it is critical that Financial Aid Officers have, at a minimum, an Associate’s degree but an Bachelor’s degree is preferred and at least 2 to 4 years of finance experience and the willingness to work with students.

For consideration, only online applications will be accepted. For further information, you may contact your local campus. Campus contact information listed on our website at www.sec.edu

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