Financial Aid Counselor - System Specialist

Financial Aid Counselor - System Specialist

Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, this position exists to provide high quality services to students and their families, and to educate them in financial opportunities available so they may achieve their academic goals. The position works with other campus departments to help recruit and retain students. The Office of Financial Aid distributes federal, state, institutional and private funds to all students who meet program eligibility requirements.

This position is one of a team of people who work to provide aid funds in a timely manner, but is specifically responsible for working with the OFA Associate Director within the Banner SIS to ensure that processing and compliance is accurate and timely, oversees the processing and reconciliation of Pell grant aid programs, and works the exception reports. This position, has general knowledge of most financial aid processes and a high level expertise within the Banner, Campus Logic and COD system to resolve issues related to the aid process.

The practice of empathy, community building, civility, recognition and exceptional customer service are key components of this position. The position, at times, will advise students, prospective students and parents concerning all forms of aid and the application process.

Job Duties:

Banner System Updates, Testing, and Problem Solving - 65% Essential Function

• Work with the Associate Director of Systems to update Banner for year roll, awarding and other system related items.
• Work with the Associate Director of Systems to test Banner releases and patches.
• Understand the Banner system to be able to resolve Banner related problems and issues.
• Look for and implement efficiencies within Banner for the betterment of the department.
• Create/update procedures related to the Banner roll, packaging, App Worx runs, and other back end system processes.

Pell Grant Expert, Processing and Compliance – 10% Essential Function

• Working with the Associate Director to be a resource and expert in regard to Pell Grants and the on-going processes within the Banner System, Campus Logic and COD.
• Problem solve issues and questions in regard to the Pell Grant program.
• Reconciliation of Pell grant funds throughout the year.
• Works as liaison with Accounting staff for monitoring and finalizing reconciliation of accounts.
• Review and share with Directors/Staff changes and upcoming regulations in regard to Pell Grant.

Reports Monitoring for Accuracy and Quality Assurance – 15% Essential Function

• Work Insight and Banner reports related to ISIR loads and awarding. This includes over awards, exceptions to standard practices/processes, and other miscellaneous abnormalities.
• Look for patterns in which items may be either moved to a batch process or a current batch process can be manipulated to reduce the exceptions.

Office Leadership – 10% Essential Function

• Provide leadership to senior staff and counselor level positions within the office in order to maintain the highest standard of work ethic, customer service, dependability, accountability, and moral in the delivery of financial aid as it translates into a Student's First focus.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• At least three years of professional experience in financial aid or related student service.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least three years of Student Information System (SIS) experience with preference given to candidates who also have one year of experience with Banner and/or Campus Logic.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret policies, resolve discrepancies, and manage complex processes requiring accuracy and sound judgment.
• Ability to analyze data and processes to look for ways to improve current processes within the financial aid office and be able to verbalize recommended efficiencies.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively with others to achieve shared goals, contribute to a positive team environment.
• Demonstrated detail orientation with little or no errors on documents provided with excellent communication skills.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a resume and cover letter that address their qualifications and interest in the role.

Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%.

These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

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