Location: Kerrville,TX, USA
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for the administration and maintenance of all Title IV, state, federal and institutional financial aid programs as well as the overall operation of student accounts. The Director of Financial Aid and Student Accounts works under the direction of the Vice President for Enrollment Management and serves as primary liaison to the external audit team and to governmental and compliance agencies, responding to information requests and ensuring timely and accurate completion of all matters related to financial aid. In addition, the Director oversees the student account functions for the University including monitoring outstanding balances, determining students who are cleared to enroll, issuing refunds, and ensuring funds from all sources are processed and disbursed in a timely manner.
This position will work closely with other Directors reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management but also must maintain a clear line of communication and collaboration with the Controller as a primarily function impacts the business operations of the university with student accounts. In addition, each year the Controller leads the annual institutional and federal audit procedures and requires action by the Director to ensure compliance standards are met.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
* Supervise personnel in accordance with university policies and applicable federal laws.
* Develop, implement and revise policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations and college policies related to financial aid and scholarships.
* Prepare financial aid reports to include (but not limited to) those required by:
* U.S. Department of Education (ED)
* Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)
* Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT)
* National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
* National Student Loan Disbursement System (NSLDS)
* Monitor, approve, and/or revise all financial aid packaging for all qualified applicants in accordance with federal, state, institutional, and other policies and procedures for new, returning, and persisting students.
* Manage all Title IV, state, federal and institutional grant, scholarship, loan and work-study programs to ensure compliance with regulations and spending within budgetary limits.
* Consult with and advise the Controller, Vice President for Planning and Finance, and President on matters requiring attention by responding to a wide variety of special projects and reporting requests with complete, accurate, and timely work.
* Implement technology supported systems to fully coordinate all components concerning processing, record maintenance and electronic transmission of financial data.
* Work with the Director of Admissions, Director of Residence Life, and Registrar to ensure accurate and timely exchange of information and awards between school information systems.
* Facilitate the process to ensure student accounts are clear in advance of the start of each semester.
* Counsel students and families regarding financial aid regulations and financing options.
* Develop a financial literacy program for prospective and current students as well as alumni in an effort to address Title IV requirements and the Federal Default Rate for the University.
* Provide information to auditors during the annual A-133 audit and write the management response to audit findings.
* Reconcile student financial aid programs periodically during the year and at year-end to show uniformity between Financial Services and funding sources.
* Implement and maintain U.S. Department of Education electronic processes in order to meet the administrative capability requirement for participation in the Title IV Student Financial Assistance Programs.
* Develop, design, revise, and update al publications (website, college catalog, and other media) relating to financial aid, such as financial aid applications, forms used for tracking applications, correspondence forms, and brochures. Provide training and materials to staff regarding the financial aid process.
* Attend professional development conferences, seminars and workshops in order to stay abreast of current regulations in the student financial aid industry.
* Develop, recommend, and implement student financial aid and student academic progress policy.
* Oversee operation of all financial aid counselors to ensure timeliness and accuracy of all processes.
* Conduct workshops and presentations on financial aid programs to staff, students, parents and high school counselors.
* Implement NCAA Division III policies regarding recruitment and financial aid.
* Aid and adhere to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
* Assume additional projects and assignments as assigned.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED
* Bachelor's Degree; Master's Degree preferred.
* Minimum of 5 years of direct supervision.
* University student financial aid experience of at least 10 years; private university preferred.
* Understanding of discount rates within the awarding spectrum.
* Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
* Ability to relate to students, parents, faculty, staff and external groups.
* Excellent quantitative and budget management skills.
* Effective oral and written communication skills.
* Knowledge and ability to learn software package and other software packages, including PowerFaids, Jenzabar, and Microsoft Office.
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