FINANCIAL AID SPECIALIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS
Published: Mar 24, 2025 - The Financial Aid Specialist ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, utilizing software to manage student aid. Builds and maintains strong relationships with students, parents, and faculty while providing supportive counseling. Applies problem-solving and analytical skills to resolve administrative issues and enhance customer service for both financial aid and veterans assistance.
Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Financial Aid Specialist Resume
- Regulatory Compliance
- Data Analysis
- Eligibility Assessment
- Financial Management
- Verification Processing
- System Proficiency
- Fund Calculation
- Report Preparation
- Document Management
- Award Adjustment
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Problem Resolution
- Leadership Ability
- Training Development
- Cross-Department Collaboration
- Conflict Resolution
- Relationship Building
- Professionalism
- Presentation
Summary of Financial Aid Specialist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume
1. BA in Business Administration with 3 years of Experience
- Solid team player and ability to synthesize
- Diplomatic and strong organizational skills
- Ability to multitask on several projects at the same time
- Proven leadership skills and a strong ability to communicate, influence others and negotiate.
- Ability to structure and lead meetings with internal and external, multidisciplinary and multi-level stakeholders
- Ability to make informed and well-thought-out decisions based on experience and judgment.
- Excellent knowledge of government financial aid
- Excellent knowledge of the energy and greenhouse gas markets
- Knowledge of the industrial sector
- Experience in consulting engineering
2. BA in Accounting with 2 years of Experience
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended, related interpretations, rules and regulations associated with this Act helpful
- Experience using PeopleSoft or similar software is desirable.
- Experience with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, One Note and Outlook are used on a regular basis.
- Direct experience in Financial Aid in higher education.
- Experience with Banner ERP or similar ERP
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work both independently and, in a team-oriented environment.
- Possess strong attention to detail, analytical, and organizational skills
- Ability to follow policies and procedures.
- Ability to learn and navigate multiple databases required for processing financial aid.
3. BA in Business Administration with 3 years of Experience
- Ability to read, comprehend, and comply with complex federal and state laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to the administration of student financial aid.
- Strong basic computer software skills, as well as, exposure to more concentrated financial aid software programs.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff and the public.
- Ability to identify, develop and implement programs and activities that will benefit the campus community.
- Ability to provide supportive counseling regarding financial aid availability and resources.
- Ability to supervise and evaluate personnel.
- Superior organizational and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to apply analytical and problem-solving techniques to investigate, evaluate and resolve administrative and/or operational situations affecting the department is critical.
- Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively with the internal and external customers of both financial aid and veterans assistance are strongly
- Knowledge and skill in the use of computer software and integrated student system databases.