Financial Aid Counselor - System Specialist

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counselor – System Specialist ensures high‑quality services to students and families while educating them on available financial opportunities. This role collaborates with campus departments to recruit and retain students, distributes federal, state, institutional, and private aid, and works within the Banner SIS to process and reconcile Pell Grant aid programs.

The position requires expertise in Banner, Campus Logic, and COD, and a strong focus on empathy, community building, civility, and exceptional customer service.

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.
• Test Banner releases and patches.
• Resolve Banner‑related problems and issues.
• Identify and implement efficiencies within Banner.
• Create and update procedures for Banner roll, packaging, App Worx runs, and other back‑end processes.

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

• Serve as a resource and expert in Pell Grants and related Banner, Campus Logic, and COD processes.
• Problem‑solve issues related to the Pell Grant program.
• Reconciling Pell Grant funds throughout the year.
• Collaborate with Accounting staff to monitor and finalize reconciliation.
• Review and communicate changes and upcoming regulations concerning Pell Grants.

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

• Analyze Insight and Banner reports related to ISIR loads and awarding, identify over awards and exceptions.
• Identify patterns to streamline batch processes and reduce exceptions.

Office Leadership – 10% Essential Function

• Provide leadership to senior staff and counselor‑level positions, maintaining high standards of work ethic, customer service, dependability, accountability, and moral conduct.

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

• At least three years of Student Information System experience, with preference for candidates who also have one year of experience with Banner and/or Campus Logic.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving skills, interpreting policies and resolving discrepancies.
• Ability to analyze data and processes to recommend efficiencies.
• Effective teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Excellent detail orientation, minimal errors, and strong communication skills.

Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance, several defined‑contribution retirement plans, sick leave, and tuition waiver benefits for eligible employees. Dependents and spouses may qualify for dental and vision benefits, and under‑graduates may receive tuition grants of up to 50% for in‑state tuition.

The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNC community. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.

Retaliation against persons who oppose discriminatory practices, file a charge of discrimination, or participate in an investigation is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. All departments, employees, and students are responsible for ensuring UNC’s compliance with this policy.