# MANHATTAN SCHOOL OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY (MSCT)
**Training That Moves You Forward**

# Job Description: Financial Aid Officer

**Department:*
* Financial Aid
**Location:*
* 931 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11230
**Reports To:*
* Financial Aid Manager
**Employment Type:*
* Full-Time
**Classification:*
* Non-Exempt (subject to HR review)
**Work Schedule:*
* As assigned based on institutional operational needs

## Position Summary

Manhattan School of Computer Technology (MSCT) is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and student-focused **Financial Aid Officer*
* to support the administration of federal, state, institutional, and alternative financial aid programs.

The Financial Aid Officer is responsible for assisting prospective and enrolled students throughout the financial aid process, ensuring timely FAFSA completion, determining eligibility, preparing financial aid estimates, coordinating student packaging, maintaining accurate records, and supporting compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong knowledge of Title IV financial aid regulations, exceptional customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple student files while meeting institutional deadlines.

The Financial Aid Officer plays a critical role in supporting student enrollment, retention, financial literacy, and the overall success of MSCT.

## Key Responsibilities

### 1. Student Financial Aid Advising

- Conduct individual financial aid appointments with prospective and enrolled students.
- Guide students and families through the FAFSA application and financial aid process.
- Explain financial aid eligibility, Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and other available funding options.
- Provide accurate financial aid estimates based on available student information.
- Clearly communicate estimated out-of-pocket expenses, payment obligations, and available financing options.
- Educate students about loan responsibilities, repayment obligations, and financial aid requirements.
- Follow up with students to obtain missing information and resolve outstanding financial aid requirements.
- Maintain professional, confidential, and supportive communication throughout the enrollment process.

### 2. FAFSA Processing and Eligibility Determination

- Assist students with completing and submitting FAFSA applications.
- Review Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) and Student Aid Index (SAI) information.
- Identify and resolve FAFSA errors, rejected applications, conflicting information, and verification requirements.
- Review eligibility requirements, including citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, enrollment status, and other applicable Title IV criteria.
- Coordinate the collection of required documentation in accordance with federal regulations.
- Ensure financial aid estimates and awards are based on accurate, documented information.
- Monitor outstanding ISIRs and unresolved eligibility issues to prevent unnecessary delays.

### 3. Financial Aid Packaging and Student File Management

- Prepare and maintain student financial aid files for review and processing.
- Complete financial aid packaging accurately and within established institutional timelines.
- Verify required documentation before submitting files for processing.
- Coordinate with MSCT's third-party financial aid servicer, Global Financial Aid Services, as applicable.
- Monitor packaging status and follow up on incomplete or pending student files.
- Ensure students understand their final financial aid awards and any remaining financial obligations.
- Update financial aid statuses and student records in institutional systems.
- Work toward established departmental packaging and processing goals.

### 4. Title IV Compliance and Regulatory Responsibilities

- Maintain compliance with applicable U.S. Department of Education Title IV regulations.
- Follow institutional policies, procedures, and applicable requirements established by NYSED BPSS and ACCET.
- Support compliance with verification, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4), and other applicable requirements.
- Identify and promptly escalate potential compliance concerns to the Financial Aid Manager.
- Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready student financial aid records.
- Protect student information in accordance with FERPA and applicable privacy and data-security requirements.
- Participate in internal audits, file reviews, compliance training, and regulatory monitoring activities.
- Stay informed of changes in federal and state financial aid policies.

### 5. Financial Aid Systems and Data Accuracy

- Maintain accurate student financial aid information in Orbund and other approved institutional systems.
- Update financial aid appointment outcomes, estimates, packaging statuses, and required follow-up activities in LeadSquared or designated tracking systems.
- Ensure consistency between student records, financial aid documentation, and processing information.
- Identify discrepancies and coordinate corrections with the appropriate departments.
- Maintain accurate notes documenting student interactions, financial aid decisions, and outstanding requirements.
- Utilize Microsoft Excel and other reporting tools to monitor financial aid progress and productivity.

### 6. Disbursement Coordination and Financial Responsibility

- Coordinate with the Financial Aid Manager, Bursar, Registrar, and third-party servicer to support timely and accurate disbursement processing.
- Review student financial aid files for completeness before submission.
- Assist in identifying missing documentation that may delay disbursements.
- Monitor anticipated disbursement schedules and communicate relevant updates.
- Support reconciliation and resolution of financial aid discrepancies.
- Assist students in understanding payment plans and remaining balances.
- Refer payment collection and account-specific issues to the Bursar when appropriate.

### 7. Cross-Departmental Collaboration

- Work closely with Admissions to support prospective students throughout the enrollment process.
- Coordinate with the Registrar regarding enrollment status, attendance, and academic information relevant to financial aid eligibility.
- Collaborate with Education and Student Services to resolve student-related issues.
- Communicate with the Bursar regarding student balances, payment arrangements, and anticipated aid.
- Support institutional retention initiatives by proactively identifying financial aid barriers.
- Participate in departmental meetings, training sessions, and institutional improvement initiatives.

##