Financial Aid Specialist

Posting Details

Posting Details


Job #
043067


Department Code
23623-1009


Department
Office of Financial Aid


Job Title
Financial Aid Specialist


Location
Syracuse, NY


Campus
Syracuse, NY


Commitment to On-Campus Experience


Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range
22.12/Hour


Pay Determination


Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate's education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university's strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level
S4


FLSA Status
Non-exempt


Hours


Standard University business hours

8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am - 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type
Full-time


Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable


Job Description


The Financial Aid Services (FAS) team is charged with analyzing prospective and enrolled students financial aid applications to resolve student eligibility issues and ensure an equitable distribution of aid. Specialists review applications and a large variety of documents necessary to perform needs analysis to determine federal and institutional eligibility.

Specialists work in a high-volume and fast-paced environment to apply knowledge of swiftly changing federal regulations and institutional requirements to each application they review. They also provide excellent customer service by advising applicants and their families on the promptest resolution to application or eligibility issues.

As a member of The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs, the individual will represent the office during on campus events and also participate in community events.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience Required; Bachelor's degree, Preferred.
• 2-5 years of experience working in Financial Aid (FM & IM needs analysis, CSS Profile review, tax review, Federal Verification & Federal Match.)

Skills and Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of regulations in interpreting and administering of federal Title IV, state and university financial aid programs to ensure compliance. In depth knowledge of and experience with federal tax forms and requirements/tax law. Proven ability to research, interpret and apply complex rules and laws.
• Strong communication skills. Ability to write and present concise findings with recommended course of action.
• Ability to analyze families in diverse populations and situations objectively and communicate with professionalism and compassion.
• Must possess a flexible attitude and be able to function well as a team member in a high-volume, fast paced environment while paying close attention to detail and prioritizing workload to meet numerous deadlines crucial to meeting the University enrollment goals.
• Must take initiative and be able to prioritize workload with little guidance.
• Maintain a strong commitment to the mission of the university and its students.
• Experience with and knowledge of PeopleSoft or other student information systems, OnBase or other imaging systems, and Microsoft software products.
• Overtime may be required during peak award season to provide the best possible customer service.

Responsibilities

• Perform federal & institutional tax verification: adjust and verify parent and student income and assets to ensure compliance with federal and institutional regulations. Identify tax discrepancies and determine appropriate course of action for the family.
• Evaluate and verify PROFILE and FAFSA application information and research/analyze supporting documentation in order to resolve conflicting information as directed by the Department of Education. This may include but is not limited to tax and legal documents, business, real estate or other asset information.
• Review institutional reports to resolve student eligibility issues and ensure an equitable distribution of aid within federal regulations. Review all subsequent ISIR transactions. Troubleshoot issues such as unofficial SAIs and ISIR rejects to ensure timely disbursement of aid.
• Apply established needs analysis procedures to determine federal need and use professional judgment as appropriate to determine financial aid eligibility.
• Collaborate with colleagues to evaluate complex circumstances that require a number of proficiencies to resolve. Work with other FAS team members and the Assistant Director in determining acceptable documentation for resolving discrepancies. Create and update communications used to clarify those requirements and intended for swift resolution. Act as a resource for other financial aid staff with federal regulatory and needs analysis questions.
• Communicate with families using tact, discretion, and diplomacy regarding complex and delicate family situations to clarify aid eligibility. This often consists of expertly asking questions about and discussing potentially volatile marital and custody situations, living situations, complex business situations and activity, federal tax filing requirements, and citizenship/residency statuses.
• Represent the office during campus events and participate in community events. Participate in a variety of professional development activities including attendance at professional conferences, webinars, training peers and colleagues on changes in financial aid regulations both on campus and off, etc. Participation in professional development activities is critical to stay current with changes to federal and state regulations as well as institutional policies regarding the awarding of financial aid.
• Assist IT with testing PeopleSoft updates and corrections. Troubleshoot when there are issues, alerting IT and tracking / testing until it can be resolved.

Physical Requirements


Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment


Not Applicable

Application Instructions


In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University


Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University's 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit

About the Syracuse area


Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement


Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans


Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University's contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community


Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link




Job Posting Date
08/31/2026


Application Deadline

Full Consideration By

Job Category
Staff


Message to Applicants