Financial Aid Quality Assurance Specialist

Compensation Range:

: $0.00 - $0.00

Position Summary

The Financial Aid Quality Assurance Specialist is accountable for conducting thorough internal reviews aimed at monitoring University controls for adherence to both internal guidelines and external regulations. These reviews specifically focus on areas of Federal Financial Aid (Title IV) compliance, Veterans Funding, Student Advising, and overall University operations. The scope of review subjects may vary, contingent on ongoing University projects and changes in regulatory requirements.

As a crucial member of the team, the Specialist plays a pivotal role in articulating findings and identifying trends to University stakeholders. Additionally, they may actively contribute to essential regulatory tasks, including the annual audit, reconciliation, reporting, and participation in special projects as required. To ensure continuous compliance, the Specialist stays informed about regulatory modifications by monitoring communications and releases from external agencies such as the Department of Education, Veteran Affairs, and Accreditors.

In order to enhance understanding across the University community, the Specialist interprets regulations and produces compliance and policy memos, offering expertise on matters related to regulations and University processes. Furthermore, they collaborate in external audits by preparing requested documentation, conducting individual file reviews, and delivering constructive feedback based on these reviews. The Specialist also lends support to University projects that align with new initiatives, processes, and organizational goals.

Essential Functions:

• Monitor internal controls as they pertain to the administration of Title IV Federal Student Assistance and R2T4.
• Perform comprehensive internal reviews of University controls to assess compliance with internal guidelines and external regulations.
• Identify error trends during internal audits, synthesize the results and present them to University stakeholders.
• Build collaborative and transparent relationships across University constituencies.
• Collect, compile, and present audit outcomes to varied audiences.
• Interpret, summarize, and communicate complex regulations and policies related to financial aid.
• Compose and disseminate  compliance and policy memos to provide guidance and understanding to relevant stakeholders.
• Responsible for the preparation, review, and organization of data and records for annual compliance audits and interim audits, as needed.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on issues related to regulations, financial aid processes, and University compliance requirements.
• Identify opportunities for process and training improvement and contribute to the development and implementation of enhanced procedures to strengthen overall compliance.
• Provide guidance and support to University staff, faculty, and administrators on compliance matters.
• Ensure accurate and organized documentation of review processes, compliance memos, and audit-related materials.
• Monitor and interpret regulatory changes and industry best practices, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment.
• Uphold and enforce the highest standards of confidentiality and data security, safeguarding sensitive information with rigorous protocols.
• Collaborate with leaders across the university to understand student records issues and impact.
• Participate in ongoing department projects, or other special projects, as needed. 
• Champion and cultivate a culture of excellence and inclusivity by leading team activities, driving initiatives, and promoting open communication.Reasonable and consistent attendance to fulfill requirements of the position. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:  N/A

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of financial aid, advising, training, or auditing.
• Experience in higher education required.
• 3 years experience administering financial aid for non-term programs required.
• 2 years of R2T4 identification and calculation experience desired.
• Knowledge of internal policy and procedures.
• Current knowledge of financial aid programs and regulations required.
• Regulatory analysis and interpretation experience preferred.
• Experience with data processing and automated records maintenance systems preferred.
• Experience working in a technology-driv