Under the general direction of the Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Systems Analyst assists in the planning, organization and supervision of the Financial Aid Office, with primary responsibility of oversight of all software applications and processes used by the financial aid staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Financial Aid Systems Analyst is specifically responsible for researching, planning, and making recommendations for system enhancements to improve efficiency and productivity in the delivery of financial aid to students. This is an advanced technical position. It is expected that the individual will develop best practices for managing the extensive and complex financial aid data within the Financial Aid Services Office.

• Remains current regarding all federal and state regulations pertaining to financial aid programs.
• Is responsible for disbursement and reconciliation (R2T4) of fourteen programs to include: BOGG A/B/C, CISIR BOGG, PELL, SEOG, Federal Work Study, Scholarships, EOPS CARE/ EOPS Grants/ EOPS Book loans, CAL Grant B, CAL Grant C, Direct Subsidized loan, Direct Unsubsidized loan, and CHAFEE Grants, resulting in approximately 20 Million dollars each school year.
• Required training attend conferences; via phone, Web and in person to keep abreast of pending changes in federal and state regulations for the financial aid program each new school year. CISOA and BANNER training for system changes and enhancements.
• Performs needs analysis of financial aid processes by reviewing, analyzing, and creating detailed documentation of financial aid systems, process flows, staff and student needs. This is required each school year as federal and state regulations change.
• Researches, troubleshoots, and advises on software interfaces with the Banner administrative system. Defines business needs and analyzes system upgrades and patch release guides documentation that directly affect the Financial aid program.
• Makes recommendations on installations, timing, and training.
• Analyzes impact of system (Common Origination & Disbursement (COD), EdConnect, Banner, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS, Higher One, XAP; and FATV upgrades to existing financial aid processes to determine the potential impact to process flow.
• Performs tasks at the operational level and customer service communication level associated with the administration of student financial aid. Adheres to federal and state policies, procedures and guidelines as well as those of the College and campus financial aid programs.
• Troubleshoots issues that arise regarding students accounts in Banner and Higher One that may affect student financial aid payments.
• Transmits and requests electronic data from the Department of Education and Common Origination and Disbursement (COD).
• Transmits information regarding new Dream Act procedures from WebGrants (CSAC) in order to stay in compliance with the new AB540 students receiving BOGG fee waivers.
• Coordinates the loading of Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) into the Banner system, as well as, packaging of federal, state and institutional aid. Writes Adhoc reports using the College report writing system.
• Organizes and prepares a variety of technical reports, including creating and running population selections (POPSEL) in Banner. Locates and extracts data from a variety of information sources (Banner, COD, EdConnect, Evisions, Higher One, CSAC etc.).
• Develops regular training materials and presents training procedures to Financial Aid staff incorporating changes in regulations, software and office procedures.
• Serves as the primary technical liaison between IT programmers as well as other institutional offices to develop technical solutions in support of institutional strategic initiatives.
• Works in partnership with the Fiscal Services Department to ensure students funds are disbursed on a bi-weekly basis throughout the semester, and reconciliation is processed monthly.
• Runs weekly procedures for all financial aid programs to ensure proper disbursements and implementation of the various Financial Aid programs, including PELL, SEOG, EOPS, CARE, CAL Grants, Chafee Grants and scholarships.
• Works closely with representatives from Higher One and FATV to learn and manage products via phone, Web, and in person effective communication.
• Consistently responsible for meeting extremely important deadlines required by the Department of Education.
• Responsible for providing data to Research and IT departments for MIS and IPEDS reporting requirements.
• Responsible for training Analysts, Advisors/Specialist and Student Services Assistant II's in processes and procedures staying current with all Title IV programs as well as state and federal regulations.
• Assists Director in overseeing day-to-day operations for the efficient functioning of the Financial Aid Office.
• Assists the Director of Financial Aid in developing and generating statistical reports and yearly comparisons.
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Graduation from high school, supplemented by college course work AND
• Three years direct and progressive experience in financial aid, including extensive working knowledge of Banner System, possesses understanding in the areas of applications, database, and system design, or a combination thereof; combination of education and skills must indicate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in this position.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

• Day-to-day operations and activities of financial aid programs and services.
• Recruitment, interviewing, and advising techniques.
• Special needs, problems, and concerns of the program participants.
• Principles of training and providing work direction.
• Recordkeeping and filing techniques.
• District organization, operations, policies and objectives.
• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, policies and guidelines.
• Advanced knowledge and familiarity with various Department of Education software, word processing, spreadsheets, databases and financial aid systems (i.e., Banner).
• Basic principles of data communication and high level of skill in operating computer systems and related equipment.
• Strong analytical abilities and problem solving skills.
• Fundamentals of accounting and fiscal reporting procedures.
• Organize, coordinate, and oversee the activities and daily operations.
• Provide specialized information and assistance to financial aid students.
• Communicate clearly about complex issues, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain abreast of trends, technological advances and changes in regulations applicable to assigned area.
• Maintain comprehensive records and files according to legal guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality of information and records.
• Prepare statistical reports for regulatory agencies.
• Work effectively and simultaneously meet project deadlines with frequent interruptions.
• Work independently to complete complex tasks with minimum supervision.
• Plan and organize time and work effectively.
• Relate sensitively to students with special needs.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Operate office equipment, such as mainframe and microcomputers and printer, calculator, copier, automated telephone system, and facsimile machine.
• Use word processing, spreadsheet, and data base management computer software effectively.
• Perform assigned work with speed and accuracy.
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others.
• Demonstrate a sensitivity to relate to persons with diverse socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, including the disabled.

• Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain laws, rules, guidelines, curriculum, schedules, policies and procedures affecting assigned area of student services.
• Ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain program requirements and restrictions.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to common inquiries or complaints from students, staff and the general public.

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
• Ability to perform these operations using units of American money

• Ability to interpret and apply state and federal laws, rules, and guidelines and community college curriculum, schedule, policies and procedures affecting assigned area of student services.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

• Valid California driver's license.

• While performing the duties outlined in this classification, employees in this classification are regularly required to stand and sit for long periods of time, walk short distances on a regular basis, use hands and fingers to operate an electronic keyboard or other office machines, reach with hands and arms, stoop or kneel or crouch to file, speak clearly and distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; hear and understand voices over telephone and in person. Employees in this classification are frequently required to attend meetings or conduct work at other campus locations.
• All employees assigned to this classification must regularly lift, carry and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required for positions assigned to this classification include close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).

• The work assigned to this classification is typically performed in an office environment. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee regularly is exposed to extensive contact with students, continual interruptions and the risks of computer-generated video radiation. The work environment is moderately noisy.