Financial Aid Systems & Operations Specialist

Get Set for Cumberlands!

Join our team of student-focused individuals working together in order to encourage intellectual and spiritual growth leadership and service.

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The Financial Aid Systems & Operations Specialist is responsible for administering optimizing and supporting financial aid systems and operational processes. This role ensures accurate and compliant delivery of financial aid through system configuration data integrity and cross-functional collaboration. The specialist serves as a key liaison between Financial Aid Information Technology and institutional stakeholders to drive efficiency automation and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain financial aid systems (e.g. Workday Student) including configuration testing and upgrades
• Configure and maintain system setup for federal state and institutional aid programs (packaging need analysis fund management disbursement rules)
• Monitor and maintain data integrity across systems including reconciliation with COD NSLDS and other federal/state systems
• Develop document and enhance operational processes and workflows to improve efficiency and compliance
• Lead or support system implementations enhancements and integrations with campus systems
• Perform quality assurance testing for system patches updates and regulatory changes
• Generate analyze and validate reports related to awarding disbursement and compliance
• Support audits and reporting requirements (e.g. FISAP IPEDS) by maintaining accurate documentation and system records
• Provide technical support and training to financial aid staff on systems and processes
• Partner with IT and vendors to troubleshoot issues and implement solutions
• Maintain compliance with federal (Title IV) state and institutional regulations
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 35 years of experience in financial aid administration systems or operations
• Experience working with financial aid systems (e.g. Banner PeopleSoft PowerFAIDS Workday)
• Strong knowledge of Title IV regulations and the financial aid lifecycle
• Experience with data analysis reporting and reconciliation
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Workday Student (strongly preferred)
• Knowledge of SQL reporting tools or data visualization platforms
• Experience with automation tools or process improvement methodologies
• NASFAA credentials or other financial aid certifications

Key Competencies

• Systems thinking and technical proficiency
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making
• Process improvement and project management
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration
• Regulatory compliance and attention to detail

Cumberlands is different by design. Our employees exemplify our motto in the pursuit of a

life-more-abundant.