Financial Services Specialist Senior

* Provides higher-level processing functions to support regulatory review and team lead responsibilities. Conducts student need analysis and provides financial aid counseling.

Major Duties

* Advises and counsels students, parents, and prospective students experiencing immediate emergencies that threaten financial obligations and offers alternative solutions.

* Advises on University policy and procedures affecting billing accounts, disbursement, or repayment of financial aid. Provides counseling to students regarding account balances and payment options utilizing budget and debt management techniques.

* Conducts advanced-level regulatory review. Reviews over-award and disbursement error reports, including quality control processes. Leads policy and procedure work groups to support policy and procedure manual updates. May assist in the development and implementation of training practices.

* Advises on federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and guidelines. Implements proper awarding, disbursement, and billing of financial aid. Understands institution information systems and federal government-supported systems.

* Functions as a team member of enrollment management. Works closely with other campus departments and special departments for extensive programming.

* Collaborates with other departments to create and deliver outreach activities through workshops, presentations, and special events, on and off-campus about financial aid-related concepts. Assists in developing and revising financial aid information materials.

* Oversees higher education financial aid software processing and uses professional judgment related to system navigation and use.

Minimum Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution.

* One to three years' relevant experience.

* Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

* Public speaking experience.

* Familiarity with state and federal regulations pertaining to financial aid programs.

* Ability to apply analytical and problem-solving skills to a wide variety of financial situations.

* Advanced office software skills, including word-processing and spreadsheets.

* Proficiency using and querying databases.

* Solid teamwork skills.

* Customer service skills.

Desired Qualifications

* Advanced knowledge and experience in processing of Return of Title IV Funds, Verification, and Professional Judgement.

Special Instructions to Applicants

* External applicants should use the WMU - Application.

* Internal applicants should use the WMU - Internal Application.

Additional Position Information

* Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

* Staff Compensation System pay grades and rates are available at: .

Physical requirements and working conditions

* Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.

* Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.