Student Financial Aid Counselor, Senior

Company: Georgia State University
Location: Atlanta
Posted on: May 24, 2025

Job Description:

Description: Financial Aid Counselor, Senior
Financial Aid

A Senior Financial Aid Counselor provides in-depth counseling to students and parents on financial aid, oversees the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) program, and may lead a team of financial aid staff. This role involves evaluating financial aid applications, processing federal and state aid, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

WHAT MAKES THE Financial Aid Department A GREAT PLACE?

* A flexible work environment
* Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.
* A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with a variety of partners.
* Professional development opportunity and mentorship
* A rapidly growing center within an academic setting

HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL DO

SCOPE: Recognized subject matter expert who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field with limited oversight from managers. Independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; requires deep job knowledge of area typically obtained through higher education combined with experience. Managing large projects or processes and problems faced are difficult and often complex; analyzes problems/issues of diverse scopes and determining solutions. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources, functions with a high degree of autonomy. Influences others regarding policies, practices and procedures.


ABILITY TO: Establish and maintain effective relationships with local and campus communities, businesses, and employers; work independently with minimum supervision; ascertain and evaluate the qualifications of job applicants; codes, laws and policies and apply with good judgment; communicate effectively in English; give presentations to individuals and groups; monitor, track and compile statistical information; follow and give oral and written directions; train and direct the work of student assistants and short-term, noncontinuing employees; maintain cooperative working relationships; demonstrate sensitivity to, and respect for a diverse population; learn and interpret complex rules.


KEY AND ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES, BUT NO LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

* Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of financial aid at the federal, state and institutional levels
* Reviews student's eligibility for federal, state, and institutional programs and ensure students' files are accurate and completed in a timely manner
* Processes federal and state funding programs, including but not limited to awarding, application download and tracking, C-Flags, private loans, consortium agreements, HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships, HERO Scholarship, Federal Work Study, Return to Title IV, private scholarships, etc. and Consortium Agreements.
* Conducts verification file review, performs professional judgement review including Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals, and updates award packaging as required.
* Contacts outside entities to resolve student data conflicts, included but not limited to, servicers, state and federal agencies
* Ability to understand and research issues related to various federal and state systems including but not limited to: CPS, EDE, NSLDS, COD, CHECS, and Surfer
* Reviews and analysis of daily exception reports to resolve issues and complete student files
* Reviews and audits completed work to ensure accuracy and compliance, recommend changes based on workflow and productivity issues
* Participate in annual training and professional development
* Provide excellent customer service to students and parents via phone, e-mail, walk-in, and other forms of engagement regarding all financial aid matters
* Monitors/maintains application statuses within the student information system
* Access federal and state systems (COD, NSLDS, GAP Access, FSA, etc.) to verify student aid eligibility
* Works closely with GSU Student Financial Management Center, Registration and Records, Student Account and Office of Revenue, Receivable & Cashiering Services to ensure student aid eligibility is accurate and changes are recorded in a timely manner.
* Collaborate with campus partners to provide a holistic approach to service
* Performs other duties as required to maintain efficient financial aid operations. Disclaimer: This job requisition provides a high-level job definition. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive or exclusive list of job duties. As such, job duties and/or responsibilities within the context of this job requisition may change at the discretion the employee's direct supervisor. Qualifications: Minimum Hiring Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and two years of financial aid or counseling or student personnel experience; or a combination of education and related experience.
Preferred Hiring Qualifications:
A Master's degree may be preferred, and strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Previous experience in problem solving and following up until resolution is found.
* Demonstrated knowledge of Federal and State regulations for Federal and State Financial aid programs. College/Business Unit: Enrollment Management Department: Financial Aid Location: Atlanta Campus Shift: M-F 8:30 AM - 5:15 PM Salary : $45,000 Pay Grade: 13 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Job Type: Full Time (Benefits Eligible) Job Posting: 05/07/25, 9:16:19 PM Closing Date: 06/07/25, 3:59:00 AM Special Instructions: The final candidates must provide the name and contact of three professional references. Georgia State University Values: COMMUNITY: Fostering a distinctive shared identity and common purpose across our multi-campus university, IDENTITY, PLACEMAKING & BELONGING: Respecting the dignity and value of all people and perspectives through honorable conduct based on engagement, fairness, access, and civility, TRANSFORMATION: Intentionally pursuing knowledge, practice, and scholarly rigor to inspire lifelong learning, and to make our community and the world a better placeINTEGRITY: Adhering to our values, mission, and the truth through respectful cooperation and effective stewardship of resources, EXCELLENCE: Achieving the highest standards and distinction in teaching, research, and service, STRATEGIC INNOVATION: Embracing invention and creativity in the pursuit of meaningful discovery using our collective talents USG Core Value Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653. Equal Employment Opportunity: Georgia State prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy),, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions., This prohibition applies to faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia State community, including affiliates, invitees, and guests.Further, Georgia State prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law,, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract. Background Check: Successful candidate must be able to pass a comprehensive criminal background investigation and other background searches as applicable to the job such as credit check and Motor Vehicle Record. Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime: Georgia State University is committed to its students' and employees' safety and security.It complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) to provide information on certain crimes on campus. This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority, ensuring that reported crimes are routed to the appropriate University office. Please note, Georgia State University's career board updates daily and requisitions are subject to be removed without prior notice or before the posting expires. Georgia State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Keywords: Georgia State University, East Point , Student Financial Aid Counselor, Senior, Accounting, Auditing , Atlanta, Georgia