Financial Aid Advisor

Financial Aid Advisor

The Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for administering Title IV federal student aid programs while ensuring strict compliance with current U.S. Department of Education regulations. This role manages the full financial aid lifecycle, including eligibility determination, awarding, disbursement, withdrawal processing, reconciliation, reporting, and audit support.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with Direct Loan and Pell Grant administration in a post-secondary institution, within a clock-hour academic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Title IV Administration & Student Financing
• Administer Federal Direct Loan and Pell Grant programs in accordance with Department of Education regulations
• Meet with prospective and enrolled students to review financial aid options and determine eligibility
• Prepare and award financial aid packages
• Request and disburse Direct Loans and Pell Grants
• Cross-check disbursements entered into student ledgers for accuracy
• Compile daily tuition deposits and monitor weekly tuition payments
• Manage collections process and follow up on outstanding balances
• Process student drops and enrollment changes
• Conduct exit interviews for withdrawing students and ensure completion of required Exit Loan Counseling
• Complete R2T4 (Return to Title IV) worksheets for students who withdraw
• Monitor and review failed Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) evaluations

Reporting & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain compliance with current Department of Education regulations and Title IV requirements
• Complete quarterly and annual federal government reports
• Prepare and submit IPEDS reporting
• Complete Campus Crime Annual Report
• Process and issue 1098-T forms to students and the IRS
• Prepare Gainful Employment reports
• Maintain NSLDS updates and enrollment reporting
• Ensure compliance with SAM.gov requirements
• Support default management tracking
• Assist with Cost of Attendance (COA) surveys and institutional budgets
• Participate in internal and external audits

Required Qualifications

• Experience administering Direct Loans and Pell Grants in a post-secondary institution
• Strong working knowledge of Title IV Student Financial Aid regulations
• Experience with clock-hour programs
• Knowledge of current Department of Education regulations to ensure proper handling of funds
• Experience completing R2T4 calculations
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Detail-oriented, responsible, and team-oriented
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in medical, dental, or vocational education
• Experience with federal financial aid audits
• Familiarity with student information systems