Financial Aid Assistant

Department Statement

Colgate University supports access to quality education for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds by meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need. The Financial Aid Assistant is part of a collaborative team focused on compliance, customer services, and professionalism to ensure students receive accurate, timely, and empathetic guidance on financial aid opportunities.

Accountabilities

The Financial Aid Assistant is responsible for providing support in the general operation of the Financial Aid Office. The person in this role is accountable for first level, basic support and resolution of financial aid issues and questions. This position assists the department in meeting regulatory compliance and operational efficiency through accurate and timely data entry, attention to detail, producing standard reports, and reconciling data within internal reports. This role requires a blend of customer service, student financial aid functional knowledge, basic accounting skills, and analytical problem-solving skills.

Responsible for maintaining a high degree of confidentiality, judgement and discretion in providing assistance to students and parents in understanding the financial aid process.

Accountable for effective verbal and written communication with internal and external constituent populations, greeting visitors and managing phone calls and email.

Responsible for responding to administrative inquiries pertaining to the department and, when appropriate, referring to other Colgate resources.

Responsible for monitoring inventory, ordering office supplies, and paying invoices for the department.

Accountable for managing calendars, contacts and email correspondence for own self and, at times, for departmental staff.

Ability to respond to supervisor feedback.

Accountable for familiarity with and compliance to Federal Student Aid regulations and NCAA recruiting rules.

All other duties as assigned.

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

• One year of administrative experience is required, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable skills are attained.
• Excellent written communication, proof reading, grammar, and spelling skills are required.
• Proficiency in computer applications including MS Office and Google applications are required.
• Must be capable of working collegially and effectively with a diverse group of visitors, students, parents, and staff on a daily basis.
• Excellent customer service and verbal communication skills are critical in order to effectively assist, guide, and counsel students on financial aid processes and program requirements.
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem solving skills required.
• Must possess exceptional organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, manage projects with independence, respond to a high volume of questions, and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have prior work experience in a university setting.
• Prior experience in a financial aid office is preferred.
• Basic accounting skills are preferred.
• Familiarity with federal tax returns is beneficial.

Education

Associate’s degree or combination of education and experience from which comparable experience is attained is required. An Associate’s degree or higher is preferred.

Job Open Date
10/04/2024

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions Summary

EEO Statement

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws or Executive Orders.
For more information, click the "How to Apply" button.