Columbia College · 2 months ago
Financial Aid Specialist
Columbia, MO
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$19/hr - $19/hr
1+ years expColumbia College is seeking a Financial Aid Specialist to join their team in Columbia, MO. The role involves assisting students with the financial aid application process, determining eligibility for aid, and awarding financial aid packages while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Perform job duties in accordance with Columbia College’s vision, mission and values, and contributes to the development of the Financial Aid Department
Review and award financial aid while complying with federal, state and institutional policy
Understands the compliance requirements of aid processing and ensures compliance and accuracy in work performed
Analyze student and parent circumstances and determines aid eligibility within the confines of federal, state and local regulations
Correspond with students through various methods of communication including but not limited to email, phone and in person. Must be able to explain problem and provide resolution and eligibility status
Makes decisions to award funds to students eligible for scholarships, grants and college work study. Determines amount of borrowing eligibility, evaluates academic progress, student budgets, grade level eligibility, length of program, family contribution to certify aid. Performs need analysis, determines tolerance level, student budget, and family contribution to determine financial need
Responsible for auditing and reconciling financial aid accounts and packaging financial aid awards
Manages conflicting information reviews
Assists in the administration of the financial aid programs
Interprets and implements current regulations
Assist in documenting policies and procedures pertaining to financial aid
Participate in financial aid events on and off campus
Processing volume must consistently meet accuracy and quantity expectations
Prioritize tasks based on an understanding of critical enrollment dates, daily priorities, student needs, and institutional initiatives
Provide support in projects, such as testing and development of improvement projects within the office
Provides training support on areas of staff person’s expertise
Understand and respond to escalated student situations regarding complex financial aid situations
Provides support for cross-departmental/divisional activities such as phone and IM support
Practice superior customer service
Fulfill Additional Responsibilities As Assigned
Display respect and civility to all constituencies in all communications
Attend work timely and on a regular basis during the established hours of operation; work additional hours as business necessitates
Qualification
Required
Experience in financial aid administration
Strong understanding of federal and state financial aid programs
Ability to fluently read, write, and understand the English language
Proficiency with active listening, speaking, writing, critical thinking, judgment and decision making, monitoring, reading comprehension, time management, coordination, and management of personnel resources
Proficiency for using a variety of computer and technology-related software and equipment, including Microsoft Office products and database systems
Proficiency in using web-based technologies, including database systems
Ability to work independently and in a team environment, with or without direct supervision
Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality and effectively work in a multi-tasked environment with a variety of individuals
Ability to meet deadlines and manage details efficiently
Ability to adapt to a changing and growing environment
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Valid Driver's License and ability to pass the Driver's background check
Preferred
One to three years financial aid experience in higher education
Knowledge of Title IV regulations for federal student aid
Company
Columbia College
Columbia College, Columbia, MO is a school in Columbia.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Columbia College has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (4)
2024 (5)
2023 (10)
2022 (2)
2021 (1)
2020 (6)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Bruce Boyer
Chief Financial Officer
Jodi Johnson
Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase