Financial Aid Manager, Compliance & Training

Job Title:

Financial Aid Manager, Compliance & Training

Job Summary:

Position Summary:

The Financial Aid Manager of Compliance and Training reports to the Director of Financial aid and has a direct responsibility in ensuring our institution’s compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while fostering a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence.

In addition to overseeing compliance and staff training, the Financial Aid Manager of Compliance and Training serves as the lead staff member responsible for Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations and Federal Pell Grant reconciliation and reporting, and financial aid quality assurance (QA) oversight. This individual ensures accuracy, timeliness, and full regulatory compliance in these critical federal aid processes. Other responsibilities include conducting student need analysis, performing federal verifications and packaging of student aid, certifying federal loan eligibility, making professional judgment decisions regarding student aid eligibility, and facilitating problem solving with students and parents while ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

Full Job Description:

Responsibilities:

• Monitor and interpret changes in federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
• Assist the Director of Financial Aid in developing and maintaining internal policies and procedures to ensure full regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate and support external and internal audits, reviews, and risk assessments.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting for federal and state financial aid programs.
• Design, implement, and evaluate training programs for financial aid staff related to policies, regulations, and software systems.
• Conduct regular workshops, refreshers, and onboarding sessions to enhance team proficiency.
• Maintain a training calendar and related documentation to ensure continuous staff development.
• Develop reference materials, training manuals, and job aids for internal use.
• Serve as the lead staff member for all Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations, ensuring compliance with federal requirements and timely processing of refunds and adjustments.
• Oversee Federal Pell Grant reconciliation and reporting, including monthly reconciliation with the U.S. Department of Education and year-end closeout processes.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of student records and data integrity related to R2T4 and Pell Grant transactions.
• Lead the office’s Quality Assurance (QA) initiatives, including regular review of financial aid files, award accuracy, and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to staff on complex compliance issues.
• Assist students/families in all aspects of the financial aid process by delivering accurate information in a polite and professional manner, including financial aid interviews, on-campus appointments, and inquiries from prospective and continuing students and their families.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid, with at least 1 years in a compliance or training role.
• In-depth knowledge of federal financial aid regulations (including Title IV, R2T4, Pell Grant policies).
• Demonstrated experience with R2T4 calculations and Pell Grant reconciliation.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience creating and delivering training programs.
• Experience using financial aid software systems (e.g., Ellucian, Banner, CampusLogic).
• Ability to spend extended periods of productive time conducting business on the telephone and/or utilizing a computer keyboard while viewing the computer screen.
• Public presentation skills, and willingness to utilize such skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with an ability to advise students.
• Detail and goal oriented with excellent organizational skills that enable one to organize and prioritize multiple complex projects and tasks simultaneously.

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full time

Pay Rate:

Salary

Salary Range :

$70,000 - 74,500 annualized; commensurate with experience