Financial Aid Quality Assurance Specialist

Compensation Range:

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.
• Maintain collaborative and transparent relationships across University constituencies.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 or equivlanet combination of experience.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of financial aid, advising, training, or auditing.
• 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 in higher education required.
• Experience with data processing and automated records maintenance systems preferred.
• Experience working in a technology-driven enterprise preferred.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills:

• Knowledge of available private, state, and federal financial aid programs and regulations.
• Knowledge of non-term financial aid requirements.
• Knowledge of academic and business workings of a higher education institution in an online environment.
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures, including policy updates.
• Skill in operating equipment, such as personal computers and phone system.
• Knowledge of ED Express & PeopleSoft software. Experience with Anthology a plus, with demonstrated agility across various financial aid technical systems.
• 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 multi-task, prioritize, and problem-solve.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Detail-oriented, highly 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.
• Must be able to consistently display the highest level of integrity.
• Strong understanding of the University mission, vision, values, goals, and strategies.

Location: Remote, USA

Travel: Travel seldom required

#LI-Remote

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.

National University is committed to maintaining a high-quality workforce representative of the populations we serve. National University employs more than 4,500 faculty and staff and serves over 45,000 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. 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 student population, including adult learners and working professionals.

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 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.