Financial Aid Advisor

Financial Aid AdvisorThe 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 ResponsibilitiesTitle IV Administration & Student FinancingAdminister Federal Direct Loan and Pell Grant programs in accordance with Department of Education regulationsMeet with prospective and enrolled students to review financial aid options and determine eligibilityPrepare and award financial aid packagesRequest and disburse Direct Loans and Pell GrantsCross-check disbursements entered into student ledgers for accuracyCompile daily tuition deposits and monitor weekly tuition paymentsManage collections process and follow up on outstanding balancesProcess student drops and enrollment changesConduct exit interviews for withdrawing students and ensure completion of required Exit Loan CounselingComplete R2T4 (Return to Title IV) worksheets for students who withdrawMonitor and review failed Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) evaluationsReporting & Regulatory ComplianceMaintain compliance with current Department of Education regulations and Title IV requirementsComplete quarterly and annual federal government reportsPrepare and submit IPEDS reportingComplete Campus Crime Annual ReportProcess and issue 1098-T forms to students and the IRSPrepare Gainful Employment reportsMaintain NSLDS updates and enrollment reportingEnsure compliance with SAM.gov requirementsSupport default management trackingAssist with Cost of Attendance (COA) surveys and institutional budgetsParticipate in internal and external auditsRequired QualificationsExperience administering Direct Loans and Pell Grants in a post-secondary institutionStrong working knowledge of Title IV Student Financial Aid regulationsExperience with clock-hour programsKnowledge of current Department of Education regulations to ensure proper handling of fundsExperience completing R2T4 calculationsAbility to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentStrong organizational and time management skillsDetail-oriented, responsible, and team-orientedProficiency in Microsoft Office SuitePreferred QualificationsExperience in medical, dental, or vocational educationExperience with federal financial aid auditsFamiliarity with student information systems