FINANCIAL AID ADVISOR SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Mar 24, 2025 - The Financial Aid Advisor excels in need analysis and financial aid packaging for students. Demonstrates expertise in counseling and communication, skillfully managing sensitive interactions with students and families. Exhibits a strong understanding of university policies and federal regulations, ensuring detailed compliance and exceptional organizational skills in a demanding environment.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Financial Aid Advisor Resume
  • Policy Interpretation
  • Procedure Development
  • Financial Reconciliation
  • System Development
  • Eligibility Determination
  • Financial Assessment
  • FAFSA Assistance
  • Report Submission
  • Fund Management
  • Audit Compliance
  • Communication
  • Advising
  • Relationship Building
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Advisory Skills
  • Academic Counseling
  • Financial Planning
  • Process Guidance
  • Outreach Coordination
  • Financial Aid Counseling

Summary of Financial Aid Advisor Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Finance with 5 Years of Experience

  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook and skilled in telephone etiquette. 
  • Must be able to concentrate on work projects during numerous interruptions by a heavy volume of telephone calls and visitors. 
  • Accurate data entry and/or typing skills with familiarity with computer systems. 
  • Possess excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to communicate with a diverse population. 
  • Works regularly with confidential information requiring discretion and integrity.
  • Must be a self-starter able to work under pressure, coordinate daily operations and meet established deadlines.
  • Experience with federal and student financial aid, or experience with federal and student aid.
  • Customer service, problem-solving approach to work.
  • Effective communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
  • Ability to make small group presentations as well as skill in interacting as an individual contributor.
  • The ability to multi-task, work independently, and make decisions based on guidelines.

2. BA in Public Administration with 5 Years of Experience

  • General Knowledge of financial aid processes, guidelines, and procedure
  • Demonstrated skills in conflict resolution, verbal and written communication, time management, and human relations
  • Proficiency with standard MS Office software applications
  • Knowledge of Banner or similar financial aid software
  • Expertise in federal and institutional need analysis, the ability to interpret and analyze income and assets, and knowledge of professional judgment techniques
  • Ability to resolve data integrity issues and discrepancies within Banner 
  • Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations
  • Experience administering Direct Loans, PELL, and Title IV in a college setting
  • Experience in customer service, call center, or office environment 
  • Solutions and detail-oriented

3. BA in Social Work with 2 Years of Experience

  • Experience in need analysis and packaging of student financial aid.
  • Excellent customer service, communication skills, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to exercise tact and discretion when dealing with students, families, and staff.
  • Expertise in counseling and working with students individually, ability to provide excellent customer service in difficult situations.
  • Demonstrated understanding and ability to explain University policy to others, detailed knowledge of federal financial aid regulations.
  • Demonstrated understanding of graduate and undergraduate student aid delivery process, including federal and state statutes and regulations.
  • Demonstrated ability to set priorities, manage time and workflow, manage multiple, concurrent high-priority projects in a time-pressured environment, and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Excellent analytical, quantitative, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Proven success in following through and completing projects.
  • Strong orientation towards taking initiative and ownership of projects and assignments and being proactive with projects, assignments, and process improvements.

4. BA in Business Administration with 4 Years of Experience

  • Ability to independently research matters, resolve matters, and present data if necessary in a clear and persuasive manner.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and effectively handle highly sensitive and confidential information with sound judgment, tact, and discretion.
  • Ability to function well in a busy work environment, working independently and as part of a team.
  • Competence with and commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
  • Ability to establish effective working relationships, and professional rapport, and effectively accomplish work within a University setting that includes a wide array of individuals, groups, policies, and processes.
  • Effective ability to use and learn computers, technology, software, and applications at level of sophistication required for the duties of the position, including, without limitation, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), the internet, and computerized maintenance management systems

5. BA in Economics with 3 Years of Experience

  • Demonstrated understanding of federal campus-based work-study financial aid program requirements, including common elements, and funding processes
  • Excellent written communications skills, as demonstrated by application materials submitted
  • A personal or professional commitment to diversity as demonstrated by persistent learning effort, active planning, allocation of resources and/or accountability for diversity outcomes
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment subject to frequent change
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to provide services to a diverse student population
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment
  • Proficiency in using standard office software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite)
  • Familiarity working with school-based record/data systems/software (e.g., Banner)
  • Ability to apply moderately complex rules, regulations, and procedures
  • Experience working in a Financial Aid Office with direct experience performing verification and awarding student financial aid with specific Title IV programs (i.e., Pell Grants, FWS, or state aid such as MHEC)
  • Knowledge of NSLDS (National Student Loan Data Systems), COD (Common Origination and Disbursement Systems), Imaging System (Or comparable Image & workflow software)

6. BA in Public Administration with 2 Years of Experience

  • Knowledge of Title IV, Direct Loans program, and other financial aid regulations
  • Familiarity with Campus Vue
  • Strong communication, customer service and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and without close supervision
  • Technical skills sufficient to use relevant software and websites
  • Desire to learn and detail-oriented
  • Strong teamwork skills
  • Ability to work with diverse populations
  • Experience in Financial Aid or related Student Services area
  • Ability to perform sedentary work
  • Ability to operate office equipment including computers, printers, and phone
Relevant Information
Financial Management Associate Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
Financial Management Specialist Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
Financial Data Analyst Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
Financial Accounting Analyst Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements