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About the Role

The Student Financial Services Specialist is the primary contact for students and families, providing essential information and support for financial aid, student accounts, billing, and payments. This role involves processing financial aid and student accounts, maintaining accurate student data, responding to inquiries, and ensuring daily operations align with federal, state, and College requirements. The Specialist utilizes student information systems to manage transactions and support timely service delivery.

Responsibilities

Serve as an initial resource for students, families, and campus partners, explaining financial aid programs, application procedures, eligibility, billing, payment deadlines, tuition rates, loans, and related Student Financial Services information.
Assess individual questions and circumstances, provide appropriate information and forms, resolve routine issues, and refer complex concerns to appropriate staff.
Respond to phone, email, and in-person inquiries; schedule appointments; provide clear written and verbal communication; and document interactions in the student information system.
Maintain knowledge of services provided by other campus offices to connect students and families with appropriate resources.
Receive and review financial aid applications and supporting documentation for completeness, identify and resolve missing information, and prepare records for verification and packaging.
Enter and maintain financial aid application and award information, scan and organize documentation, and maintain accurate records in applicable systems.
Maintain current knowledge of financial aid program eligibility standards, federal and state regulations, College policies, and aid programs.
Process student account transactions, including various payment methods for deposits, tuition, fees, payment plans, and other receivables.
Prepare receipts, post transactions, balance cash drawers, and reconcile daily activity.
Support collections, billing, payment posting, and disbursement activity during high-volume processing cycles.
Receive and process forms and mail, route items requiring follow-up, and support accurate processing within established schedules.
Administer employee and graduate student payroll deduction payment arrangements, including assisting with forms, posting credits, and monitoring reconciliations.
Use student information systems, databases, and applications to review and maintain student records and document service activity.
Prepare reports, letters, and correspondence; use reporting tools to develop reports as needed.
Maintain proficiency with Student Financial Services systems and applications and learn new tools and processes as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and one to three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Relevant experience may include work in a college or university student service area, including financial aid or bursar functions; significant interaction with students and families; student employment or work-study experience; or customer service work with a financial focus such as banking, loan processing, accounting or bookkeeping support, or debt collection.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally and provide respectful, responsive service to students, families, colleagues, and other constituents.
Experience using common office applications, including word processing and spreadsheets, with the ability to learn new systems and applications.
Ability to organize and prioritize work, maintain accurate information, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
Ability to handle detailed and sensitive information with accuracy and appropriate confidentiality.
Must be adaptable, collaborative, inclusive, respectful, responsive, results driven, and sustainable.
Must communicate effectively, demonstrate leadership, exhibit professional integrity and ethics, take initiative, value personal and professional development, and engage in the college.
This position is subject to a criminal background check.

Skills

Financial aid processing
Student account operations
Customer service
Data entry
Record keeping
Communication (written and verbal)
Problem-solving
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
Student information systems
Reporting tools

Location

Ithaca, NY

Work Type

Full-time
Onsite

Experience Level

1-3 years

Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Salary/Compensations

$20.00 per hour

Benefits

Healthcare including vision and dental
Generous Paid Time Off Policies
403B Retirement Savings Plan with Matching Employer Contribution
EAP
Flexible Work Plans
Educational Benefits
Career-Enhancing Trainings

About the Company

Ithaca College is a comprehensive residential campus community of approximately 5,000 students, striving to be at the forefront of higher education.
The college offers a distinct integrative learning experience preparing students for personal, professional, and global challenges.
They seek candidates who embrace integrative learning and foster creative collaboration and innovation.
The college is inclusive of individuals with a wide range of cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds, talents, and skills.
The campus is a vibrant and rewarding community where diverse minds can learn, succeed, and excel.
Nestled in the heart of New York State’s scenic Finger Lakes region, Ithaca College sits atop South Hill overlooking picturesque Cayuga Lake and is just minutes away from the city center.
The thriving and culturally diverse city of Ithaca has been rated by Kiplinger’s as one of the top 10 places to live in the United States.

Equal Opportunity

Ithaca College is committed to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive community. Employees are expected to treat others with dignity, value diverse perspectives, and contribute to a culture of belonging and collaboration.
Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply.
Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.
Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.
If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact our ADA Coordinator, Linda Koenig, at lkoenig@ithaca.edu or 607-274-7761. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.