Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*.
The Financial Aid Department invites applications for a Withdrawal and Reconciliation Specialist.Under the direction of the Associate Director of Financial Aid Systems and Operations, this position will serve as the financial aid representative who conducts the withdrawal counseling, processes Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculations (repayment of federal aid) when students lose eligibility, and Direct Loan and Pell Grant Reconciliations. The Financial Aid Withdrawal and Reconciliation Specialist researches, examines, analyzes, interprets and implements institutional, state and federal policies and regulations as related to financial aid administration, particularly those students who are considering or have withdrawn from the university, as well as required monthly and annual reconciliation of the Federal Direct Loan and Pell Grant programs. This individual will provide quality information, service and complete financial options to make the college enrollment process as efficient, accessible and student centered as possible, including serving as Financial Aid representative and liaison for various ad-hoc committees, boards, etc.. Evaluates files, which includes verification of applicant data, determining grade level, analyzing need, awarding or revising aid and using professional judgment to identify discrepant information and make adjustments in response to special circumstances and appeals.
The role ensures that the Financial Aid Office meets standards set forth by the Department of Education for the administration of federal Title IV and state aid programs, particularly those related to the withdrawal counseling, R2T4 calculations and reconciliation processes. This role assesses existing practices and controls and makes needed workflow and/or policy changes as required by federal and state regulations for those processes. This position also provides guidance and training to the financial aid office staff members on aid processes and policies for R2T4, withdrawal and reconciliation. Additionally, this role ensures consistency and quality in the administration of financial aid programs in these process areas as well.
Required Skills
- Ability to understand and effectively communicate complex policies to clientele and staff.
- Must have good mathematic/accounting skills and have great attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to adjust quickly to changing job demands.
- Ability to collaborate and coordinate with other team and department members.
- Comfortable using multiple software/database applications.
- Knowledge of Financial Aid regulations, policies and procedures (Title IV, State and Institutional) and be able to effectively conduct web-based research.
- Demonstrated ability in analytical and organizational skills.
- Ability to be granted access to federal aid databases, meaning cannot be in default on any federal loans.
Minimum Required Experience
- High school diploma or HiSET/GED and five (5) years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Five (5) years of experience in financial aid administration with a demonstrated progression of responsibility.
About the Financial Aid Department and UM
The staff of the financial aid office, in order to support the educational goals of students, equitably distribute financial resources to an economically diverse population within the bounds of imposed regulations, providing a depth of service corresponding to the needs of our community.
We strive to build the reputation of the university by being courteous, knowledgeable and approachable to all. We endeavor to effectively use technology and continually seek to improve our communication and processes. We embrace each staff member’s strengths, creating a positive environment where all can thrive.
The University of Montana is flagship, research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.
The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.
Position Details
Position Title: Withdrawal and Reconciliation Specialist (Compliance Specialist)
Position Number: 009800
Department: Financial Aid
Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year.
Salary: $22.416/hr.
Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE
Probationary Period: Six months minimum
Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).
Must be eligible to work in the United State upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: Sunday, March 31, 2024by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)
Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via "New Resume/CV" button below.
Step 5 "Attachments" in the online application process is where you may upload additional materials. Up to five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.
*Please note, only five (5) attachments allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.
A complete application Includes:
*Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application. Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above.
**Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.
Missoula, Montana, United States