Job Description / Duties

Reporting to the Financial Aid Manager, the Financial Aid Officer (FAO) 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 which require a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality  This requires an extensive knowledge of policies, procedures and guidelines as they relate to the government loan programs and an ability to exercise discretionary judgment, decision-making and problem solving skills with a high impact of error.  This position maintains effective ongoing communication within the unit, other departments and external agencies.
The demands and work volume associated with this position can be stressful, particularly during peak periods occurring throughout the year. The ideal candidate will embrace change and thrive in a dynamic team environment.  This position works 35 hours per week with limited expectation of overtime during evenings and weekends to support peak operational demands or campus initiatives and events
The Financial Aid Officer (FAO) works independently and as part of a team to facilitate the government loan processes including confirmation, compliance, amendments, refunds, returns, and reconciliation utilizing tools, resources, portals and technology associated with the loans program.  As a subject matter expert, the FAO remains up to date in knowledge of changes to government policies and procedures affecting the business of the office and related to the student lifecycle, and ensures the appropriate updates of knowledge is appropriately documented and shared with colleagues and advisors within the team.  The FAO will utilize tools, portals, systems and resources to troubleshoot and support student, staff and government inquiries related to all aspects of the government student loan process and lifecycle in support of a positive student experience.
Position Description
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Ensures 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
Promptly responds to all methods of student and stakeholder account queries. Forecast and plan proactive communication to student borrowers
Maintains and document changes to provincial and Federal loan policies, procedures and guidelines
Maintain inter-departmental communication, updates and reporting
Provide support for students receiving financial aid through the US Direct Loans program including entrance and exit counseling, eligibility and maintaining a communications plan to ensure student knowledge of and compliance with the program
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 working knowledge of colleague responsibilities (as appropriate) in order to cover for vacations, illness and peak workload periods

Qualifications / Required Skills

Qualifications / Requirements:
A minimum of a bachelors degree is required
Minimum of 2 years directly related experience in a student administrative post-secondary role.  Experience in student finance is an asset
Proficiency in utilizing business systems & technologies (Peoplesoft, Banner, etc) is required
Experience with Peoplesoft is considered an asset
Experience with provincial and federal loans portals is considered an asset
Computer expertise in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, etc)
Demonstrated independent time-management and organizational skills with high attention to detail
Proven ability as an independent self-starter who can prioritize and multi-task under the pressure of an often high-volume environment
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to handle difficult situations in a professional manner are required.

Contact Information

http://internal.careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/6968470-financial-aid-officer-enrolment-services-student-enrolment-services