Financial Aid Quality Assurance Specialist

Position Summary

The Financial Aid Quality Assurance Specialist is accountable for conducting thorough internal reviews aimed at monitoring University controls for adherence to both internal guidelines and external regulations. These reviews specifically focus on areas of Federal Financial Aid (Title IV) compliance, Veterans Funding, Student Advising, and overall University operations. The scope of review subjects may vary, contingent on ongoing University projects and changes in regulatory requirements.

As a crucial member of the team, the Specialist plays a pivotal role in articulating findings and identifying trends to University stakeholders. Additionally, they may actively contribute to essential regulatory tasks, including the annual audit, reconciliation, reporting, and participation in special projects as required. To ensure continuous compliance, the Specialist stays informed about regulatory modifications by monitoring communications and releases from external agencies such as the Department of Education, Veteran Affairs, and Accreditors.

In order to enhance understanding across the University community, the Specialist interprets regulations and produces compliance and policy memos, offering expertise on matters related to regulations and University processes. Furthermore, they collaborate in external audits by preparing requested documentation, conducting individual file reviews, and delivering constructive feedback based on these reviews. The Specialist also lends support to University projects that align with new initiatives, processes, and organizational goals.

Essential Functions:

• Monitor internal controls as they pertain to the administration of Title IV Federal Student Assistance and R2T4.
• Perform comprehensive internal reviews of University controls to assess compliance with internal guidelines and external regulations.
• Identify error trends during internal audits, synthesize the results and present them to University stakeholders.
• Build collaborative and transparent relationships across University constituencies.
• Collect, compile, and present audit outcomes to varied audiences.
• Interpret, summarize, and communicate complex regulations and policies related to financial aid.
• Compose and disseminate compliance and policy memos to provide guidance and understanding to relevant stakeholders.
• Responsible for the preparation, review, and organization of data and records for annual compliance audits and interim audits, as needed.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on issues related to regulations, financial aid processes, and University compliance requirements.
• Identify opportunities for process and training improvement and contribute to the development and implementation of enhanced procedures to strengthen overall compliance.
• Provide guidance and support to University staff, faculty, and administrators on compliance matters.
• Ensure accurate and organized documentation of review processes, compliance memos, and audit-related materials.
• Monitor and interpret regulatory changes and industry best practices, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment.
• Uphold and enforce the highest standards of confidentiality and data security, safeguarding sensitive information with rigorous protocols.
• Collaborate with leaders across the university to understand student records issues and impact.
• Participate in ongoing department projects, or other special projects, as needed. 
• Champion and cultivate a culture of excellence and inclusivity by leading team activities, driving initiatives, and promoting open communication.Reasonable and consistent attendance to fulfill requirements of the position. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:  N/A

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of financial aid, advising, training, or auditing.
• Experience in higher education required.
• 3 years experience administering financial aid for non-term programs required.
• 2 years of R2T4 identification and calculation experience desired.
• Knowledge of internal policy and procedures.
• Current knowledge of financial aid programs and regulations required.
• Regulatory analysis and interpretation experience preferred.
• Experience with data processing and automated records maintenance systems preferred.
• Experience working in a technology-driven enterprise preferred.
• All skills, abilities and education will be considered for minimum qualifications.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills:

• Knowledge of available private, state, and federal financial aid programs.
• Knowledge of non-term financial aid requirements.
• Knowledge of academic and business workings of a higher education institution.
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures.
• Skill in operating equipment, such as personal computer and phone system.
• Knowledge of ED Express & PeopleSoft software. Experience with Anthology a plus.
• Skill in oral and written communication with the ability to prepare letters, reports, and business correspondence.
• Ability to use and facilitate online communications using email and/or other technology-based communication media.
• Ability to identify and solve problems.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and strong time management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to provide financial aid services to learners in an online environment.
• Be self-motivated and able to work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced work environment.

Location: Remote

Travel: No Travel Required

Candidate receiving offers will be offered a salary/pay rate commensurate with experience that vary based on a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and competencies. Absent exceptional circumstances, candidates will be offered a salary within this range for this position. The minimum salary will be offered based on the minimum exemption threshold based on state of residency. Base pay is one component of National University’s total rewards package, as we are dedicated to supporting the needs of the “whole you” with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family. For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit benefits.nu.edu. For Part-time benefits, please click here.

Compensation Range:

Hourly: $20.00 - $25.77

National University is committed to maintaining a high-quality, diverse workforce representative of the populations we serve. National University employs more than 5,000 faculty and staff and serves over 41,000 students. We are united in our mission to meet the global education demands of the 21st Century and are dedicated to creating a supportive academic and work environment that allows students, faculty and staff to develop their interests and talents while experiencing a sense of community and a commitment to diversity. With programs available both online and at our many campus locations, National University is a leader in creating innovative solutions to education and meeting the needs of our diverse student population, including adult learners and working professionals.

National University offers an opportunity to work in an innovative environment that supports diversity.

National University (NU) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant per applicable federal, state and local laws. At NU, a diverse mix of highly talented, innovative and creative people come together to make the impact of a lifetime for each of our student learners. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment, education, and admission at National University. We are focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, color, ancestry, age, family care status, veteran status, marital status, creed, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and other legally protected group status.