Financial Aid Functional Analyst

Job ID 1609

December 12, 2023

Department: Financial Aid

Employee Group: Meet & Confer

Schedule: Full Time, Exempt

Compensation: $59,000

Benefits: Full Time

Reports to: Senior Financial Aid Functional Analyst

Posting Closes: Open Until Filled with initial review the first week of January, 2024

SUMMARY

This position supports and maintains the daily processing of financial aid applications and awards. Under the general direction from the Senior Financial Aid Functional Analyst, this individual will facilitate financial aid-related processes by providing quality assurance, troubleshooting, and error resolution. This includes, but is not limited to, the automated processing of financial aid applications, award packaging, disbursement, and reconciliation of federal funds. This position will support Financial Aid customer service and processing staff in the use of PeopleSoft Campus Wide Information System and will strive to improve the efficiency and accuracy of financial aid operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Research, test, and implement new and modified financial aid CWISA functionality (PeopleSoft PUMs)
• Assist in the review and set up of processes for new award years, ensuring necessary changes are made to accommodate current federal financial aid regulations in order to stay in compliance with federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Routinely review the setup to ensure continued accuracy through internal audit queries.
• Ensure the daily and weekly processes are run related to the ISIR processes, verification, awarding, disbursement and file exchange with external partners.
• Ensure the daily download of files between GRCC and the Dept of Education using EdConnect software.
• Lead the process for weekly, monthly and yearly reconciliation of Pell, SEOG, and Direct Loans with the Dept of Education and the General Ledger.
• Assist the Senior Financial Aid Functional Analyst with Item Type set up and maintenance, maintenance of Jobs & Jobsets.
• Establish and monitor scheduled processes, including but not limited to Download process, Packaging and Repackaging.
• Assist Senior Financial Aid Functional Analyst with Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) mid and end of semester processes.
• Write ad hoc and regularly used queries to assist end users with data and processing needs.
• Run the weekly authorization & disbursement of financial aid funds. Troubleshoot and correct any issues that arise in disbursement.
• Ensure that GRCC is compliant with remedial coursework regulations, including running remedial coursework queries, adjust aid, and communicate with impacted students.
•  Create and update student data reports. Utilize PS queries and other tools in the retrieval, analysis and reporting of this data. 
• In coordination with the Senior Financial Aid Functional Analyst and IT, implement and maintain Oracle PeopleSoft 3Cs (Communications, Checklists, and Comments) for Financial Aid use.
• Provide technical support to Financial Aid processing and customer service staff and assist in troubleshooting processing issues.
• Develop end user process documentation and training materials in coordination with the Senior Financial Aid Functional Analyst. Train Financial Aid and Enrollment Management team members as needed.
• Attend professional development conferences, seminars, workshops, and webinars to stay abreast of current regulations, trends, and best practices in the student financial aid profession.
• Actively support and participate in the integrated Student Success service model.
• Assist Executive Director of Financial Aid, Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations, and Senior Financial Aid Functional Analyst with special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Advise and assist current and prospective students and their families by phone, in-person, and via email with all aspects of the financial aid application process.
• Actively participate in college committees representing financial aid as appointed.
• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education Credentials 

• Bachelor¿s degree required

Work Experience

• Three (3) years of Information Technology related experience required, within a higher education setting preferred
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to student institutional records and federal financial aid required
• Experience with financial aid-related web systems (SAIG, COD, NSLDS, Access) preferred
• Experience developing procedural documentation and training materials preferred
• Experience facilitating group and individual end user training for employees with varying technology skill levels preferred

Skills 

• Knowledge of Federal and State regulations pertaining to Federal Financial Aid 
• Proficiency with MS Office products and student information systems (preferably PeopleSoft Campus Wide Information Systems) 
• Strong analytical skills and statistical knowledge 
•  Analyzing and evaluating Information to determine compliance with standards
• Organizing, planning, and prioritizing work
• Decision making and problem solving
• Strong attention to detail

Physical Demands

• Sitting for extended period of time 

Mental Demands

• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with a high level of accuracy.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements.  Compliance information is available on our policies website.

NEXT STEPS / APPLICATION PROCESS

• Please fill out an application at https://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter and resume. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting. 
• Predictive Index Assessment (behavioral & cognitive) REQUIRED: In order to have your application considered, you must complete the assessments: https://assessment.predictiveindex.com/bo/8MMT/FinancialAidFunctionalAnalyst

HIRING PROCESS 

GRCC uses an Evidence Based Selection Process, where we make data driven hiring decisions to help mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in assessments (cognitive and behavioral), reference checks and interviews. 

Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT 

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics.  The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.