Financial Aid Advisor

Job Summary and Objective

The Financial Services Advisor is responsible for providing excellent customer service and guidance to financial aid applicants and their families throughout the financial services process. The advisor advises prospective and current students and their families about the financial aid process and provides information on available programs and procedures. He or she follows up in support of the completion of financial aid applications and determines eligibility within the parameters of institutional, state, and federal requirements.

A successful candidate will understand financial aid processing, articulate financial options, and demonstrate a high degree of accuracy to ensure compliance. The advisor must have strong communication and customer service skills and a commitment to providing exceptional service while following the law and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

• Provide advising throughout the financial aid process to prospective and current students and their families
• Complete financial aid processing, including Title IV
• Keep adequate and timely records
• Ensure financial aid records are processed in accordance with federal and state regulations and prepare departmental reports
• Follow up on all prospective and current students in a timely manner
• Keep up to date with compliance requirements, including federal and state regulations, deadlines, and school policies as they apply to student aid and cash management
• Attend and actively participate in school functions and professional financial aid training sessions
• Ensure timely turnaround for all financial aid applications
• Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA regulations
• Perform any other duties or special projects as assigned

• Maintains current knowledge of changes and updates to financial aid rules and regulations, including Title IV
• Has strong interpersonal skills
• Interprets and communicates complex financial aid regulations effectively
• Proficiently uses Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Performs simple accounting procedures
• Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing
• Possesses record‑keeping and maintenance skills
• Processes computer data and generates reports
• Applies customer service standards and procedures
• Makes administrative and procedural decisions and judgments
• Completes moderately complex administrative paperwork
• Self‑starter who can work independently

• Two or more years of experience in financial aid roles or equivalent transferable experience
• Associate’s degree required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred

Department:
Financial Services
Primary Supervisor:
Financial Services Leader

Location:

1008 Meeting St, West Columbia, SC 29169 (not eligible for remote work)
Employment Status:
Full time
Hours of Employment: 40 hours/week (M, W, F 8:30 am–5 pm; T, TH 10:30 am–7 pm)

Performance requires walking, standing, and moving about while communicating orally and operating technology for extended periods, including during administrative tasks, file access, and school functions. The role may involve lifting and moving up to 30 pounds and requires good vision for computer work. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Paul Mitchell the School Columbia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

• Associate or higher (Required)

In person