California State University, Northridge seeks a Financial Aid Counselor to provide high-quality service and guidance to students and families throughout the financial aid application and awarding process. You will determine student eligibility in accordance with institutional, state, and federal regulations, exercising independent judgment in the administration of financial aid operations.
What You'll Do
- Review and analyze financial aid applications for accuracy, revise awards, and review change of circumstance appeals.
- Coordinate with other campus offices and report to the US Department of Education and the California Student Aid Commission.
- Certify student loans and correct information using CMS Peoplesoft and the Common Origination and Disbursement system.
- Provide financial aid advising in the One-Stop at Perry’s Nest at least once a week, including virtual appointments.
- Support and coach the financial aid customer service team and advise students and parents.
- Review awards after add/drop to adjust aid based on student unit loads.
- Assist with responding to department emails, phone calls, and text messages.
- Train and mentor Federal Work Study students and Student Ambassadors on federal and state aid programs.
- Calculate Return of Title IV Funds.
- Review and interpret federal and state regulations, develop documentation, and train colleagues on new policies.
- Serve as the primary lead and in-house expert for a specific student aid program.
- Design efficient and compliant procedures to deliver financial aid services to targeted populations.
- Manage all processes for a federal, state, or campus-based aid program, including reconciling and reviewing weekly/monthly reports.
- Work directly with external entities like the California Student Aid Commission and the Department of Education.
- Complete end-of-semester and year-end reconciliation to confirm awards and fund receipt.
- Create and maintain documentation for business process guides, policies, and job aids.
- Create, maintain, and deliver training to the client services team as needed.
- Represent the Financial Aid and Scholarships office at on- and off-campus events, delivering presentations and workshops.
- Work collaboratively across departments to ensure services meet the needs of diverse student populations.
- Counsel and assist with complex, sensitive, and emotionally charged situations.
- Represent the office on committees with professionalism, integrity, and creativity.
What We're Looking For
- The equivalent of two (2) years of professional experience in student services or a related field.
- Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a behavioral science, public/business administration, or a job-related field.
Nice to Have
- Ability to quickly grasp Federal, State, and Institutional Regulations.
- Understanding of FERPA and maintaining confidentiality.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to conduct financial aid workshops and presentations.
- Professional demeanor and empathy for students.
- Ability to work independently in scheduling ongoing training opportunities.
- Attends workshops sponsored by the Department of Education and State affiliates.
- Proficient in MS Excel, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint.
- Experience with PeopleSoft Student Information System.
- Experience with CampusLogic.
- Proficiency in another modern language.
- Experience in Financial Aid Administration.
- Customer Service Experience with the ability to provide advice on difficult issues.
Technical Stack
- CMS Peoplesoft
- Common Origination and Disbursement
- MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint
- PeopleSoft Student Information System
- CampusLogic
Team & Environment
Maintains working knowledge of policies and procedures across related campus departments—including the Registrar, Student Accounts, Human Resources, and Athletics.
Benefits & Compensation
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- Retirement (CalPERS)
- 401k, 457, 403(b) plans
- Dependent and health care reimbursement accounts
- Life insurance
- Vacation and sick leave
- 14 paid holidays
- One personal holiday
- Tuition fee waiver
- Compensation: $5,083.00 to $7,228.00 per month. Anticipated starting range $5,083.00 to $6,155.00 per month.
Work Mode
This role is onsite in Hayward, CA.
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, California State University, East Bay provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.
