Financial Aid Advisor

Financial Aid Advisor – Program Administration

The Financial Aid Advisor – Program Administration administers assigned federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs with a primary focus on compliance, eligibility determination, accurate processing, and systems management. This position ensures adherence to Title IV regulations and institutional policies while supporting operational efficiency and program integrity.

In addition to primary program administration responsibilities, this position serves as a scheduled backup to the Financial Aid Advisor (front-facing) function several days per week. During assigned coverage periods, the Advisor provides direct student and family counseling through phone, email, and in-person interactions and may assist with orientations or presentations.

Responsibilities

Program Administration and Compliance (45%)

• Administer assigned federal, state, institutional, private, and scholarship aid programs in accordance with Title IV and other applicable regulations.
• Determine and document student eligibility; resolve conflicting information.
• Monitor compliance reports, reconcile discrepancies, and conduct professional judgment reviews.
• Ensure accurate awarding, adjustments, and disbursement processing.
• Maintain detailed documentation to support audit and program review readiness.
• Interpret regulatory guidance and institutional policy for operational implementation.

Systems, Reporting, and Operational Support (15%)

• Run and analyze system reports to monitor processing, eligibility, and compliance.
• Identify trends, system errors, or process gaps and recommend solutions.
• Participate in systems testing and implementation of regulatory or process changes.
• Assist with reconciliation activities and reporting requirements as assigned.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and reduce compliance risk.

Escalations and Case Resolution (10%)

• Manage complex student cases referred by front-line advisors.
• Provide technical expertise for professional judgment reviews, eligibility determinations, or regulatory interpretation.
• Research and resolve challenging scenarios requiring regulatory analysis.

Cross-Functional Collaboration (10%)

• Liaise with campus partners, agencies, and vendors regarding assigned programs.
• Serve as subject matter expert for designated aid programs.
• Assist in training staff on regulatory updates and program processes.
• Support quality control initiatives within the assigned team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Student Advising & Front-Line Backup Coverage (20%)

• Serve as scheduled backup to the Financial Aid Advisor (front-facing) role several days per week.
• Provide comprehensive advising to current and prospective students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, application processes, and funding options.
• Respond to student inquiries via phone, email, and in-person appointments.
• Interpret policies and explain complex financial aid regulations in clear, student-friendly language.
• Assist with presentations, orientations, and outreach events as assigned.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate must possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. A minimum of one year of professional experience in financial aid, student services, or related areas is required; however, a minimum of two years of demonstrated customer service experience may substitute for the entire one-year experience requirement.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.