Job Description / Duties

Reporting to the Manager, Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Officer works independently and as part of a team to facilitate the government student loans process for UCalgary students. The financial aid office processes and confirms over $140M in government student loan and grant funding annually for undergraduate, graduate and professional students in addition to providing advice and information to internal stakeholders, students and loan agencies on complex and sensitive issues. This position works 35 hours per week with limited expectation of overtime during evenings and weekends to support peak operational demands or campus initiatives, presentations and events.

Ensure timely processing and adherence to financial controls, processes and reporting systems to facilitate appropriate confirmation of funds received from government loan agencies including provincial and both Canadian and American federal governments
Interpret and troubleshoot student accounts, PeopleSoft screens and lender portals as related to loans
Provide detailed and accurate advising to students in a courteous and professional manner related to financial aid through multiple mediums including e-mail, phone and in-person in accordance with University confidentiality policies
Provide detailed information to staff and students regarding confirmation of enrolment and interest free status related to financial aid pertaining to but not limited to processing timelines, the assessment, government policies & procedures, amends, loan maximums, payment
Utilize system expertise to troubleshoot batch loan processes, and work with internal systems experts to propose changes or enhancements to ensure alignment of processes with government regulation
Promptly respond to all methods of student and stakeholder account queries; forecast and plan proactive communication to student borrowers
Maintain and document changes to Provincial and Federal loan policies, procedures and guidelines and communicates these changes to advisors and inter-departmental stakeholders
Maintain inter-departmental communication, updates and reporting; serve as a liaison between departments and provincial and federal lenders
Provide support for US students receiving financial aid through the US Direct Loans program, Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan Program, and Veteran Affairs GI bill benefits and maintain a communications plan to ensure student knowledge of and compliance with the program
Facilitate the United States loan application process; assess eligibility in compliance with regulatory guidelines; approve and originate funding; and advise students on any additional processes related to their US funding eligibility and compliance
Monitor and reconcile transactions in the financial reporting system, particularly as related to the United States Direct Loan program
Process emergency funding applications in accordance with outlined policies and guidelines in collaboration with on-campus student support offices
As a member of the Enrolment Services team, you will provide cross training and support for other members of the advising team; maintain job aids and working knowledge of colleague responsibilities (as appropriate) in order to cover for vacations, illness and peak workload periods
Create and provide presentation seminars to departments of the university that require additional support in the student loan process or for campus events (i.e. Cumming School of Medicine, Centre for International Students and Study Abroad) ensuring that the information provided pertains to the specific group; occasionally outside of regular work hours

Qualifications / Required Skills

A bachelor's degree (or higher) in a related field
Minimum of 4 years directly related experience in an advisory role; must demonstrate examples of utilizing judgment within the capacity of the role
Minimum of 1 year experience working in a registrar's office or student financial aid office; preference will be given to candidates who have experience in Student Financial Aid
Experience utilizing and upholding calendar regulation, loan regulation & policy as it relates to student/client inquiries
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding working with PeopleSoft (student administration), Banner or similar student administration systems is required
Demonstrated experience working in an environment with peak periods and a high volume of inquiries
Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Microsoft Outlook, internet browsers and web-based portals; ability to readily learn & adapt to new technologies is required
Demonstrated personal coping strategies, including the ability to manage stress levels that are moderate to high based on volume & demand
Independent critical thinker with the ability to troubleshoot and problem solve utilizing critical thinking skills
Demonstrated independent time-management and organizational skills with high attention to detail
Proven ability as an independent self-starter who can navigate competing priorities
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to handle difficult situations in a professional manner and public speaking are required
Demonstrated experience in preparing and delivering presentations would be considered an asset

Additional Information

Application deadline extended to October 7, 2019.

Contact Information

Abhinav K. Khanna
Manager – Financial Aid & ES Operations
Phone: 403.210.7925
Email: abhinav.khanna@ucalgary.ca

Employer Profile

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.